City of Bangor Christmas Switch On

Kickstart your Christmas shopping, be entertained, and mark the beginning of the Christmas season in Bangor.

Join at the front of City Hall for the annual switch-on of the Christmas lights and a spectacular themed light show.

City of Bangor Christmas Passport 
Saturday 23 November | 12noon - 5pm | Bangor, multiple locations

On Saturday 23 November, pick up your passport at any of the participating businesses or attractions and follow the trail around the city as you get your passport stamped and enjoy lots of festive fun. *Please check individual store timings*

Visit 17 locations around the city, from food, music and crafts to gaming, art and festive favourites, all participating retailers will have activities or giveaways to entertain the kids who visit their shops.

Passports will be available from 12noon - 5pm at any of the participating businesses. Passport activities are free but are subject to change and availability.

Find out about the City of Bangor Christmas Passport 

Festive music | from 12noon

Get into the Christmas spirit as you walk about the city, enjoy the festive tunes, with brass bands on Main Street from 12noon, outside City Hall from 12.30pm and as well as Presto Music Academy from 12noon at Translink and school choirs beginning at 1pm, including St Comgalls, St Columbanus College and Ballyholme Primary School.

City Hall Forecourt | 12noon – 7pm

In the City Hall forecourt there will be mini funfair rides, food trucks and keep an eye out for those walkabout Christmas characters.

North Down Museum | 12noon – 5pm

Why not pop into North Down Museum from 12noon – 5pm, it’s free and you can explore the wonderful exhibits, visit the famous Neill's Teddies who will be all dressed up for Christmas!

Did you know, the bears were owned by Robert Neill & Sons Coal Merchants in Bangor and became a family favourite in their shop window from the 1930's to the 1990's. They were known for their variety of outfits and collection of props to suit every occasion. In 2013, the little bears were donated to North Down Museum ensuring their preservation for future generations to enjoy.

The Christmas Pop up shop is filled with beautiful hand-made products from over 25 local artists and makers. The perfect place to get that extra special gift #madeinAND. Also, the little cinema will be running The Snowman.

The Old Market House, Bangor | 12noon – 4.30pm

Make your way to The Old Market House Bangor on Main Street for a Christmas market, festive colouring in competition, write your letter to Santa and meet Santa and Mrs Claus. Brought to you by Gifted and Kilcooley Women's Centre.

Switch On | from 5pm

The Rock Choir will sing Christmas Carols by the Christmas tree as we get ready to welcome the Mayor of Ards and North Down, Councillor Alistair Cathcart, and special guest, Santa for the Switch On at 6pm followed by a themed lightshow.

Organised in partnership with Ards and North Down Borough Council and Bangor Chamber of Commerce

Free event | Charges apply to stall purchases and some activities

Don’t miss …

Boom Studios (Open Studios and Drop-In Workshops)

Visit Boom Studios HQ and Boom 2 on Main Street from 1pm – 5pm and shop directly with local artists, designers and makers in their studios, view work in progress and chat about what they do. Drop-in activities including Christmas ornaments, Sit & Sketch, and bauble decorating.

Getting here

Please note the following road closure:  Castle Park Avenue will be closed between 4.30pm-7.30pm, approximately, to allow for the Santa parade and Light Switch On event.

Access to Castle Park Avenue from Castle Park Road and Abbey Street will be restricted during this time, so please plan your trip accordingly. Diversions will be in place.

By car | Do you plan to drive to the event?  Allow plenty of time for your journey. If you are travelling by car follow directional road signs to Bangor City Centre, and check out what car parking is available in the city (free and charged). 

Car parking | Ards and North Down Borough Council

Public Transport | The nearest rail and bus station is Bangor, located in the City Centre, a short walk up an incline will take you to the City Hall where the light switch on is taking place. City centre activities are just a short walk away from the station. For information on timetables, visit Translink.co.uk 

Event site | Useful information

Viewing points | You are encouraged to view the Switch On and Lightshow on the grass area in front of the City Hall (Castle Park Avenue)

Visitor Information Gazebo | Located on grass area in front of the City Hall (Castle Park Avenue). Members of our Visitor Information Centre team will be on hand to help with any event queries, wider tourism queries and you can pick up Visit Ards and North Down maps and guides.

Recycling | When disposing of rubbish please use the recycling stations when on-site. Please note, the usual waste bins on-site will not be in use during the event. Please help us continue our sustainability commitment to zero contamination at events by using the correct bin. There will be team members from Recycling on hand to provide advice and help you put your rubbish in the correct bin.

Accessibility | City Hall Forecourt - flat surfaces on hard concrete. Viewing points at the front of the City Hall on a grass hill.  Accessoloo will be in attendance, located at the entrance to the site in Quay Street Car Park. Assessoloo is a toilet facility for disabled people that has the right equipment, including Adult Changing Table, Ceiling Hoist, Lavatory, Grab Rails, Hot and Cold Running Water and Heating and Lighting. Find out more about Accessoloo. There will be two accessible portaloos situated at the forecourt at the City Hall.

Standard toilets will be available in the forecourt at the City Hall and the toilets will remain open at Abbey Street Toilets (in car park opposite Translink) and Castle Park toilets situated at lower car park of North Down Museum.

First Aid | There will be First Aid Points situated along Castle Park Avenue

Lost children and Vulnerable adults | with crowds anticipated please pick up a wristband, which you can add a contact number to, at the Visitor Information gazebo located on the grass area in front of the City Hall (Castle Park Avenue).

Dogs | We would advise dog owners this is an extremely busy site with large crowds and loud noises and recommend you do not bring your dog onto the site. If you do plan to attend with your dog, dogs should be kept on a short lead. Owners must clean up after their dogs and dispose of the waste in the appropriate bins. 

Stay a while

Why not make a break of it? Relax in the beauty of this place, offering everything from 5 star luxury to cosy guest houses or unique self-catering options, maybe camping and caravanning is more your thing, let us help you plan your perfect getaway.

For more inspiration and tips on how to make the most of your trip sign up to our newsletter.

Sustainability

Ards and North Down Borough Council is committed to reducing our carbon footprint. Please keep sustainability in mind when coming along to our events. We encourage visitors to travel via public transport and bring along reusable bags to pick up goodies at the event. Please dispose of rubbish at the recycling stations provided. Read more about Sustainability.

Please note, all information is correct at time of publication. All activities are subject to change. For the most up to date information please follow us on our facebook page.

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[Please note, this event is being photographed/filmed. Images may be used in Ards and North Down Borough Council promotional material. If you do not want your image to be used, please inform our event staff].