The celebrations will reach their magical moment at 5pm, when Santa Claus himself takes to the Main Stage at the top of Railway Street to officially switch on the Christmas lights. The afternoon will be hosted by Chrissy Mac, who will keep the crowd entertained alongside his band with plenty of music and festive banter throughout the day.
Railway Street will be the heart of the action, transformed into a festive hub with live performances and the ever-popular Christmas Community Market, offering seasonal treats, crafts, gifts and local produce. Just around the corner, Castle Street will become a delicious Food Quarter, filled with tempting aromas and winter warmers, accompanied by music and dance performances from talented local arts groups that are sure to get everyone into the Christmas spirit.
Over on Canal Street, families can enjoy pony rides, while John Wesley Street will be home to Candy Cane Lane, set within the Grass Roots Community Hub and Café. Visitors can look forward to a festive atmosphere, themed décor, and a special seasonal menu and drinks to keep everyone warm and merry.
At Strabane Library, families will find a hive of festive creativity and joy, with face painting, arts and crafts workshops, cookie decorating, and the chance to write letters to Santa or make reindeer food.
Adding a magical new twist to this year’s festivities, the Scrooge Christmas Trail, led by Class Act Theatre Group, invites visitors to step into a live retelling of a Christmas classic. The 35-minute immersive experience begins at Strabane Library and winds its way through Castle Street, John Wesley Street and Railway Street. Tickets are priced at £3 per child (parents/carers free) and must be booked in advance at www.alley-theatre.com, with trail times at 1pm, 1.50pm, 2.40pm and 3.30pm.
The trail begins with a short festive tale before participants follow the Ghosts of Christmas through the town, uncovering new chapters of the story along the way. Expect dance lit by winter sparkle, carol singing echoing through the streets, and festive surprises hidden across Abercorn Square and Castle Street, John Wesley Street concluding at the Christmas Community Market along Railway Street.
Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Cllr Ruairí McHugh, encouraged everyone to come out and enjoy some festive cheer this year. He said:
“The Strabane Christmas Lights Switch-On is one of the highlights of our festive calendar, bringing families, friends, and the entire community together to celebrate the start of the Christmas season. With live music, local performers, markets and Santa himself joining the fun, it promises to be a wonderful day for all.”
The Strabane Christmas Lights Switch-On takes place on Saturday 22nd November 2025, from 12 noon to 5:30pm with the lights being switched on at 5pm. Don’t miss the chance to kick off your Christmas in Strabane – a day filled with magic, music and festive memories awaits.
For more information and updates, visit www.derrystrabane.com/christmas
