Blog (November 2025) - Visit Derry

The festive season has arrived and, whilst Christmas is about presence as opposed to presents, we have curated a list of must-visit places to shop in the Walled City this Christmas should you be hoping to purchase a "little something" for your nearest & dearest. 

Derry city centre is set to burst into festive colour and cheer this Friday, November 21^st, as thousands gather to welcome the return of the annual Christmas Light Switch-On. The much-loved procession will be led by Santa Claus himself, joined by the Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Councillor Ruairí McHugh, as they illuminate the city for Christmas 2025.

As the festive season begins, Translink is pleased to announce an enhanced schedule of late-night bus and train services for Derry~Londonderry, offering residents and visitors convenient and sustainable travel options to enjoy seasonal events, shopping, and local hospitality.

Strabane is set to sparkle this festive season as the town comes alive for its annual Christmas Lights Switch-On on Saturday 22nd November, promising a full day of family fun, festive markets, live entertainment and community cheer from 12 noon to 5:30pm.

Members of the public are being encouraged to join in the celebrations for Ulster-Scots Language Week 2025, taking place from 24–28 November, with a vibrant programme of events across the City and District.

The city and district’s festive campaign for 2025 will get off to a visually enticing start with the opening of the 2025 Guildhall Craft Fair next weekend. Coming just weeks after the hugely successful Halloween celebrations, the fair marks the official start of the Council's Christmas festivities.