News

‘Christmas Starts Here’ as festive schedule for Derry and Strabane approved by Councillors

14 October 2026

Council’s Business and Culture Committee have approved a comprehensive programme of events and activities for the City and District’s 2026 Christmas celebrations at their monthly meeting in the Guildhall.

The schedule features the popular Guildhall Craft Fair, the Christmas Lights Switch-On celebrations in Derry and Strabane, the Mayor’s Christmas Tea Dances and new Christmas market experiences in the city centre.

Council’s Head of Culture, Jacqueline Whoriskey, said the programme was designed to enhance the public’s festive experience, increase footfall and create opportunities for local businesses.

“The programme for 2026 aims to bring people together through a range of festive events and experiences,” she said.

“It will showcase our creative talent, local makers, independent retailers and hospitality businesses that make our area such a special place to celebrate the festive season.

“The ‘Christmas Starts Here’ campaign will encourage residents and visitors to explore what’s on offer and support local businesses during this important trading period.

“We are also committed to ensuring our celebrations are as inclusive and accessible as possible, with proposals for dedicated sensory-friendly switch-on events providing more opportunities for children and young people with additional needs and their families to enjoy the magic of Christmas.”

The season will get underway with the Guildhall Craft Fair from Friday November 13th to Sunday November 15th.
Recognised as one of Ireland’s premier craft events, the three-day fair will showcase a selection of talented local and regional makers and artisan food producers, alongside a programme of choral performances to get visitors into the Christmas spirit.

The city’s Christmas Lights Switch-On will take place on Friday November 20, featuring an illuminated festive procession through the city centre led by LUXE’s A Fairy Tale Christmas, with Santa bringing the celebrations to a spectacular conclusion by switching on the Christmas lights.

Local performers, including Ardnashee School and College Choir, will also be part of the festivities.

In Strabane, the Christmas Lights Switch-On will take place on Saturday November 21, with a full day of festive entertainment planned for the town centre.
Live music, choirs, dance groups, street animation and a festive street market will showcase local talent and encourage shoppers to support businesses in the run-up to Christmas.

Building on the success of previous years, Council is also developing a two-day Christmas market experience in Guildhall Square, alongside plans to work with traders in Pump Street to introduce a further festive market initiative in the Cathedral Quarter.
The activities will provide opportunities for local traders and food vendors while helping to animate the city centre and encourage visitors to explore more of the area.

Accessibility and inclusion will remain central to the programme, with separate, sensory-friendly Christmas Lights Switch-On events in both Derry and Strabane.
Developed following engagement with local SEN parent group Always Ask The Turtle, the events will offer a more relaxed and accessible festive experience for children and young people with additional needs and their families.

Full details of the sensory friendly events will be released soon.

The wider programme will also include the Mayor’s Christmas Tea Dances, taking place in the Guildhall on Wednesday December 2 and St Patrick’s Hall in Strabane on Wednesday December 16, alongside a range of community celebrations, seasonal concerts, choral performances and other festive events across the District.

Residents and visitors are encouraged to look out for further announcements and updates on the full Christmas programme in the weeks ahead.

For more information, visit www.derrystrabane.com/christmas.