The Holywood Christmas Switch On is taking place this Saturday, 29 November and will include an action packed programme with entertainment for all the family in Holywood Town Centre.
The highlight of the day will be Santa arriving on a military fox led by The Royal Scots Borderers 1st Battalion, The Royal Regiment of Scotland Pipes and Drums with The Mayor of North Down, Councillor Peter Martin who will be switching on the lights at 4.30pm. The switch on will be taking place at the Christmas tree outside Holywood Library.
The streets will be hiving with activity with performances from The Singing Elves, a Santa letter-writing workshop, a Christmas card-making workshop, a magician, face-painting, stilt walkers and so much more!
There are a host of other things happening throughout the day too. Come along and enjoy The Christmas Market which is taking place on High Street. From 11am, over 30 unusual stalls, from local traders, will be selling their Christmas themed wares with plenty of delicious food on offer too.
Also situated at High Street, there will be a giant inflatable snowman which kids can enter and enjoy a disco complete with flashing lights! Guaranteed to be a hit with the little ones!
There are activities taking place inside The Library too where The Holywood District & Community Council are running an action-packed programme (from 11am) which will include children’s activities, crafts and demonstrations.
Commenting on the event, North Down Borough Council’s Tourism Manager; “Alison Stobie said: Everyone is invited to come along to Holywood to soak up the atmosphere of the Christmas Switch On and enjoy a day of good cheer with lots of Christmas shopping and don’t forget the whole event is free!”
Also commenting on the day, Town Centre Manager Stephen Dunlop said: “Holywood always produces an excellent Christmas fair and every year it’s different and exceptionally well supported. Saturday 29 November will be a magical day and Santa will be on the street collecting Christmas letters from all the children so I would advise getting there early and shop local this Christmas.”
And the Christmas fun doesn’t end there! Project 24 is also hosting a whole array of fantastic Christmas events which will be fun for the whole family taking place at various locations around the town. Called “The Fairy Tale of Bangor,” the fun starts on Friday 28 November at 4pm in Ward Park where children can enjoy an afternoon of fairy tale entertainment, story-telling and lantern-making in “The Enchanted Garden.”
Then at 5.30pm, the Lantern Parade will leave Ward Park and guided by rainbow lights will make its way back to Project 24 via Prospect Road and High Street for the Christmas Light Switch on and Winter Wonderland.
Browse the Festive Market for some Christmas shopping, get creative and make your Letter to Santa, visit Santa’s Grotto and deliver your letter personally! And don’t miss Santa on his sleigh with his reindeer and so much more including a bouncy castle, photo booth, face painter and live music!
The Grand Switch On will take place at 6.30pm with The Mayor of North Down & Special Guests.
Watch out for Fairytale Characters giving away chocolates throughout the locations – find the Golden Ticket to receive VIP Treatment for ‘Movie in the Hub’
The village of Groomsport will also be switching on their lights on Friday, November 28. There will be a short carol service for children and adults starting at 6.30pm in Groomsport Presbyterian Church, then The Mayor of North Down will switch the lights on at 7pm.
Please note these are primarily outdoor events, please dress appropriately. All events are subject to change. Admission and activities are all FREE.
For further information, please phone our Tourist Information Centre on: 028 9127 0069 or visit www.northdowntourism.com