Guildhall Craft Fair opens as Derry's festive season begins

Featuring an array of independent makers, talented designers, and regional artisan food producers, the Craft Fair also marks the start of Derry’s festive programme.

The Craft Fair, which also features live music, runs today, Friday until 6pm, Saturday, November 14 from 10am to 6pm, and Sunday, November 15 from 10am to 6pm.

It is the first in a series of festive events recently launched by Mayor of Derry and Strabane, Councillor Grace Uí Niallais.

The ‘Christmas Starts Here’ themed celebrations will continue next weekend with the Christmas Lights Switch-On events in Derry and Strabane, followed by Festive Markets and the Mayor’s Christmas Tea Dances.

The programme also includes dedicated, sensory-friendly Christmas Lights Switch-On events in both Derry and Strabane.

Mayor Uí Niallais, said she was looking forward to celebrating the start of the festive season with local people.

“Christmas is a really special time locally and Council’s Maintenance and Electrical team are already hard at work to make sure the City and District will be looking resplendent this year,” she said.

“Our Festival and Events team have developed a wonderful programme, that includes our renowned switch on events where I will have the privilege of lighting up Derry and Strabane town centres for the first time.

“We want to create a magical festive experience for everyone in the Council area with a programme of activity that will also attract visitors here in the run up to Christmas.

“We have an emphasis on supporting and creating opportunities for our local traders and hospitality providers so they can make the most of their busiest time of the year and I want to encourage everyone to make a special effort to support them by shopping local this Christmas.”

Festival and Events Manager at Council, Aisling McCallion added: “The ‘Christmas Starts Here’ programme for 2026 aims to create opportunities for residents and visitors to embrace the festive spirit, explore our town centres and support our local businesses.

“We have entertainment and activities for all the family to get involved in so we are encouraging people to access the programme and plan your experience with us.

“The Christmas Lights Procession to switch on the city’s lights attracts thousands of families into our city centre and climaxes in our 70 foot tall giant Christmas tree being illumulated for the first time in Guildhall Square.”

The celebrations will continue with the Derry Christmas Lights Switch-On on Friday November 20, featuring an illuminated festive procession through the city centre led by LUXE’s A Fairy Tale Christmas.

Santa will bring the celebrations to a spectacular conclusion by switching on the Christmas lights, with local performers, including Ardnashee School and College Choir also taking part.

In Strabane on Saturday November 21, a full day of festive entertainment will fill the town centre, with live music, choirs, dance groups, street animation and a festive street market encouraging shoppers to support local businesses in the run-up to Christmas.

Council is also working with traders in Pump Street to introduce a further festive market initiative in the Cathedral Quarter.

For more information and the full programme visit www.derrystrabane.com/christmas.