Lisburn City is gearing up for one of the biggest evenings in the social calendar with our Big Christmas Switch On event tomorrow (Thursday 21 Nov).
The event is going to be bigger and ‘brighter’ this year in Market Square, Lisburn with entertainment from Lisburn Ukes and walkabout characters from 6.00pm.
At 7pm, the Mayor, Councillor Kurtis Dickson, will be joined on stage by special guest Ms Claus to officially start the evening’s entertainment. You can enjoy an exciting ‘Inside Out’ themed performance by Island Youth Theatre and a festive sing along.
At 7.20pm Santa and the mayor himself will make a grand entrance on the Lisburn Lights Express, a brand-new miniature train ride located in Lisburn City centre for the festive season which will ferry passengers around Market Square.
Santa and the Mayor will lead the audience in counting down to the big Christmas Lights Switch On at 7.30pm which this year features a new, real Christmas tree!
Following the switch on the Enchanted Lantern Walk will make its way through the Lisburn Light Trail in Castle Gardens with lights being illuminated as the parade passes through. The crowd are welcome to join in the walk and enjoy all Castle Gardens has to offer on the night. The light trail will be open every night until 23rd December 4.00pm – 8.30pm with last entry 8.00pm.
The Lisburn’s Light Festival is back this year with lots of new additions to the City Centre programme. The light shows on Bow Street will run nightly, every half hour, from 4.00pm to 8.00pm until Monday 23rd December.
With back to back events and new additions to the City’s festive programme, Lisburn is the place to be this Christmas!
The Christmas Hub in Market Square will host a range of exciting family activities, movies and workshops. We have a new Virtual Reality Sleigh Ride with tickets currently on sale. The first festive street market with charming wooden huts and local artisans and crafters selling unique, handmade gifts will be on Bow Street from 21st November to 21st December.
There is free weekend parking at Council car parks in Lisburn and Hillsborough in December and January, making it even easier to shop local. See https://www.lisburncastlereagh.gov.uk/w/free-parking-in-lisburn-castlereagh-this-christmas-2024 for full details and to plan your Christmas fun.
Mayor of Lisburn & Castlereagh, Kurtis Dickson, said: “This year’s Christmas Lights Switch-On promises to be a fantastic evening of family fun to get everyone into the Christmas spirit and officially kick-start the festive period.
“We have an exciting entertainment packed half hour-long programme including performances from the blockbuster animated movie ‘Inside Out’ which are being brought to life during the Christmas extravaganza.’’
“This year’s tree is truly spectacular. Everyone has done such a brilliant job making sure it arrived safely and is looking it’s best. I’d like to encourage everyone to come and see it and get their Christmas celebrations started.”
The Switch-On and associated events will last around two hours. There will be road closures in effect in the city centre from 6pm – 9pm, so those attending are encouraged to use public transport and allow extra time for their journeys. Please be advised assistance dogs only will be allowed at the Switch-On event and in Castle Gardens on 21st November.
The Christmas switch on is an accessible event and will include an accessible viewing point at the Stage Area, sign language provision, a sensory area in Lisburn Museum and AccessaLoo.
For full details of the Switch-On event and other festive events in Lisburn City centre and beyond visit https://www.lisburncastlereagh.gov.uk/christmas-programme-2024