Strabane gets ready to welcome the festive period with Christmas lights switch-on

Strabane gets ready to welcome the festive period with Christmas lights switch-on

18 November 2024

Strabane is getting ready to warmly welcome the festive period with a special programme of events planned to celebrate the switching on of the Christmas lights. On Saturday, 23 November Strabane Town Centre and the Alley Theatre will be a hive of music and activity throughout the day, building up to the big switch-on at 5pm.

The fun starts at mid-day in Abercorn Square where there will be live music all afternoon. Compere Chrissy Mac will keep the entertainment going with popular band Mr Men performing live, there will also be a number of community showcase performances including Encore Performing Arts Academy, Class Act Theatre Group, Much Ado Stage School and Strabane Brass Band.

Why not sit down and enjoy a festive tale with Ms Claus, who will be storytelling in the Pagoda in Abercorn Square from 12.30-4.30pm.

From the Square follow the magical Christmas Market down Railway Road where you can search for the perfect Christmas present as you browse the stalls showcasing local crafts and produce.

After that make your way to the Food Quarter in Castle Street where there will be a range of fresh and tasty treats from local businesses. Choose from Indian, crepes, BBQ, ice cream or nachos to nibble on. Visit Santa in his beautiful grotto (12.30- 3.30pm), or you could follow Candy Cane Lane to the Grassroots Candy Cane Experience where you can toast a marshmallow and enjoy some arts and crafts from 12-4pm. On your way by why not say hello or even have an audition for the Encore PAA Nativity Play with Mr Poppy and Mr Madden?

Arriving to light up the town at 5pm will be Santa along with the Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Councillor Lilian Seenoi Barr.

Looking forward to the big switch-on Mayor Barr said, "I can't wait to help Strabane get into the festive spirit. Families should try and make this a real day out - bring your children and the grannies and grandas and come along and enjoy the festive build-up. There will be music, entertainment, food and fun for everyone to enjoy all afternoon.

"And don't worry, when the time comes Santa will be on hand to help me turn on the beautiful lights and decorations around the town and really get Christmas 2024 started. I can't wait to see you all there."

The Alley Theatre will be the centre of the family fun. Sure to impress the little ones are the Festive Pony Rides, running from 2.30-4.30pm. This is a magical opportunity to get a photo taken with the beautiful Shetland ponies or the Big Bear festive lighting installation, or even better enjoy a pony ride through the Alley courtyard.

Join in with Santa's Little Helpers Workshops where you can make a Christmas decoration or some magical reindeer food for Rudolph and his friends. Children can write their letters to Santa and get them stamped with a North Pole seal of approval before posting them in the magical postbox which takes them directly from Strabane all the way to Lapland!

Finally enjoy the 'Move to the Beat Christmas Show' at the Alley at 1.30pm and 2.30pm. This a family-friendly sing-along show filled with Christmas songs, musical games and Music Movement Mindful Makaton. The show is suitable for children six months to six years old. It's a free performance, but booking is essential.

The Alley Theatre ASpace2 Café will be open throughout the day, where you can enjoy a festive treat and a cuppa to get you in the Christmas spirit for the switch-on.

For more information go to derry.strabane.com/Christmas.