Christmas lights switch-on date for Downpatrick

Christmas lights switch-on date for Downpatrick

14 November 2018

THE first hint of festive cheer comes to Downpatrick with the switching-on of the town’s Christmas lights on Friday, November 23.

The big switch-on takes place in St Patrick Square and there’s a host of fun activities for all the family starting at 5pm.

The Enchanted Lantern Parade will make a welcome return to kick off the celebrations. 

Santa will make a special chartered flight from Lapland for the occasion with Rudolph and the rest of his reindeer. 

Speaking to the Recorder ahead of the event, Santa said: “I am really looking forward to meeting the children and families of Downpatrick once again. They’re always such great craic and full of lots of Christmas cheer.

“I would encourage everyone to come to and get into the festive mood early. Meet me and my reindeers, who knows there might even be a sprinkle of snow to end this exciting night. There really is no better place to start the festive season.”

The parade will begin from the Down County Museum and will make its way through English Street, Market Street to finish at St Patrick Square. 

There will be free amusements, face painting, arts and crafts workshops and balloon modellers to keep everyone occupied as they wait for the lights to be switched on at 7.40pm. 

Keep your eyes peeled for the abseiling elves as they make their way down the St Patrick Centre to watch the fireworks display.

Councillor Mark Murnin, Chairman of Newry, Mourne and Down District Council said: “The Christmas lights switch-on will officially mark the start of the festive season in the district. I encourage everyone to attend the event and get into the Christmas mood.