Christmas lights switch-on, festive markets and craft fairs announced in Derry and Strabane
Derry and Strabane City and District Council has officially launched its 2026 Christmas programme, with a packed schedule of festive events including lights switch-ons, markets, craft fairs and family entertainment planned across the district.
The council said the ‘Christmas Starts Here’ themed celebrations have a schedule of festive events and entertainment for all the family.
The programme features the Guildhall Craft Fair, Christmas lights switch-on events in Derry and Strabane, festive markets and the Mayor’s Christmas Tea Dances.
It aims to showcase the region's talent and encourage people to shop local during one of the most important periods of the year for local traders.
The programme also includes dedicated, sensory-friendly Christmas Lights Switch-On events in both Derry and Strabane.
Council said full details of the events, which will offer a more relaxed and accessible festive experience for children and young people with additional needs and their families, will be announced soon.
Mayor Uí Niallais said she was looking forward to celebrating the start of the festive season with local people.
She said: “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.”
The programme gets underway with the Guildhall Craft Fair, running from Friday November 13 to Sunday November 15.
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 conclusion by switching on the Christmas lights, with local performers, including Ardnashee School and College Choir also taking part.
Festival and Events Manager at Council, Aisling McCallion added: “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 illuminated for the first time in Guildhall Square.”
In Strabane on Saturday November 21, a full day of festive entertainment will fill the town centre, with live music and a festive street market.
Council is also working with traders in Pump Street to introduce a further festive market initiative in the Cathedral Quarter.