Make Mid Ulster your home for Christmas this year and share in special moments with us as we brighten up the darkest of days at the end of November, when our towns light up for the Christmas season.
Cookstown Christmas Lights Switch On
Cookstown Town Centre - Friday 22 November from 6.30pm to 8pm
William Street comes alive with entertainment from Stewartstown Panto, Tullylagan Pipe Band and Ryan McGarrity and Alan McPhearson with all the Christmas favourites, and a fantastic Showstoppers Parade to count down to the Lights Switch On by Santa, who'll arrive in style.
On Street Entertainment:
From 6.30pm to 8pm includes face painting, The Gaming Bus, Art Cart and Character Walkabouts for those Christmas selfies!
Christmas Lights Switch-On:
The Christmas Lights Switch On will take place at approximately 7.15pm.
Road Closures:
Road diversions will be in place on William Street from 5pm to 9.15pm.
Accessible Information:
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All-inclusive toilet and changing facilities are available at Tesco, Broadfields Retail park, Cookstown.
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Disabled parking will be available throughout Cookstown town centre with the exception of William Street.
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The event area is accessible for wheelchair users and adequate drop kerbs/ramps for footpath access.
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Mobility scooters and manual wheelchairs will be available for pick up at Shopmobility, Fairhill Road, Cookstown on the night of Cookstown Lights Switch-on, to help anyone with a restricted mobility get around and enjoy the events. Pre booking is essential by contacting Helen on 07548478306 0r via email helen@gobility.info The service will be provided free of charge from 6pm to 8.30pm,
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A minimum of 2 stewards will be positioned at entry and exit points as indicated previously at William Street/Orritor Street Junction and William Street/Burn Road Junction should assistance be required to enter or exit the area.
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A quiet space will be available at The Hub, Burn Road, Cookstown 6pm-8pm
The Winter Craft and Food Fair returns to the Burnavon, Cookstown on Saturday 23 November from 10am - 5pm. The Fair is a wonderful family day out and an opportunity to buy unique, custom-made Christmas gifts and festive food. With 25 exhibitors attending, you don't want to miss it!
Magherafelt Christmas Lights Switch On
Magherafelt Town Centre - Saturday 23 November from 2pm to 8pm
Market Square and Broad Street: Featuring a Children's Christmas Village, Christmas Lights Switch-On and Fireworks Display.
Children's Christmas Village: Market Street will consist of a Children's Christmas Village where they can enter into the magic of the season, with a variety of children's shows, crafts and activities taking place. There'll be lots of entertainment provided on stage by local groups and schools to help things go with a swing.
Christmas Lights Switch-On and Fireworks: The Christmas Street Party on Broad Street from 6.30pm to 8pm will get you into the Christmas spirit with Santa on his sleigh from 6.30pm to meet and greet children before switching on the Christmas Lights at 7.40pm. The Firework Display will take place from 7.45pm.
* Please note there will be no Christmas food market this year, but instead we encourage you to visit the many cafes, coffee shops and restaurants that Magherafelt has to offer or visit the Christmas Craft Market at Meadowlane Shopping centre which also takes place on Saturday 23 November from 9am - 6pm.
Accessible Information:
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All-inclusive toilets and changing facilities are available at the Bridewell.
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Disabled parking will be available throughout the town centre carparks.
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The event area is accessible for wheelchair users and adequate drop kerbs/ramps for footpath access.
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There is an accessible viewing area in Market Street.
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A minimum of two stewards will be positioned at entry and exit points in Market Street for any assistance needed.
Road Closures:
Road diversions will be in place in the following areas:
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Market Street Closure – Friday 22 November from 18:30 to Sunday 24 November at 04:00am
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Broad Street Closure – Saturday 23 November from 16:00 to 22:00
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Queen Street / Lawrences Square Closure – Saturday 23 November from 18:00 to 21:30
Dungannon Christmas Lights Switch On
Market Square, Dungannon - Saturday 23 November from 2:30pm to 6:30pm
Family focused festive fun will take place in Market Square from 2:30pm including music to get you in the festive mood from on-stage DJ, musical entertainment on stage. There will also be free drop in arts and crafts in Ranfurly House.
A Christmas Pageant will make its way through the streets of Dungannon commencing at 5:00pm.
Southern Area Hospice Services will organise a Santa Dash to commence at 5:50pm. Local businesses will be invited to participate in this fun event.
As the excitement builds, Santa will make his way to Market Square in a de-icer provided by Mallaghans to turn on the lights at approximately 6.20pm.
After the switch on, Dungannon Traders Association will hold the Jingle Ball run on Castlehill, so stay for the fun!
Road Closures:
Market Square Car Park will be closed from 10.30am to 9:00pm with diversions in place during this time. Full road closures for Castlehill, Market Square, and Thomas Street will be in place from 5:00pm-9:00pm.
Accessible Information:
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Disabled parking will be available in the Dungannon Town Centre Car Parks.
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The event area is accessible for wheelchair users with drop kerbs and footpath access.
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A minimum of two stewards will be positioned at entry and exit points in Market Square for any assistance needed.
Maghera Christmas Lights Switch On
Maghera Walled Garden and Town Centre - Saturday 30 November from 3pm to 6pm.
In the Garden:
From 3pm to 5pm, you can meet Santa in the Potting Shed and be entertained as you stroll around the garden. Activities within the garden will include musical performances, Carnival games, Jump, Jingle and Jive and a variety of Christmas Characters to entertain both young and old. Enjoy a warming drink on the lane as our Christmas caterers serve up tea, coffee, hot chocolate and sweet treats.
Santa is so excited to meet as many of you as possible - however, you will need to pre-book one of the free tickets available via our Eventbrite page. Booking will open on Monday 18 November at 12noon. Each ticket is for one group/family to meet Santa (maximum of 6 people per group/ticket).
There are multiple tickets for each time slot, so you will still have to queue and wait upon arrival at your chosen time slot. All other activities can be enjoyed at your own time and you do not need a ticket to attend the rest of the event.
At the Lurach Centre:
From 3pm to 5pm get crafty for Christmas in the Lurach Centre, where all the family can design their own Christmas cards, Christmas crackers and Christmas crowns.
At the Library:
From 3pm to 5pm kids will have the opportunity to meet Mrs Claus who will share some of her favourite Christmas stories. They can also write their letter to Santa and post it in Santas Postbox.
Christmas Lights Switch-On:
This year, Santa will leave from Fairhill carpark at 5.30pm to make his way to Hall Street for the Switch-On event taking place at the St. Lurach's Road junction. Lights will illuminate at 5.45pm.
Road Closures:
There will be a temporary road closure in place from 5pm to 6.30pm from Fairhill Road to Hall Street. Main Street will remain open during the event. If travelling through Maghera at the time of the switch-on itself, motorists should be prepared for a short delay in coming through town.
Accessible Information:
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Disabled parking spaces are available at the bottom of the lane on Church Street and in the town centre car parks
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Maghera Walled Garden has flat surfaces and paths that accommodate wheelchair access
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The Lurach Centre has public toilets, included disabled access. In addition, a disabled toilet is located in the Walled Garden
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Baby Changing facilities will be available in the Lurach Centre
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A minimum of two stewards will be positioned at entry and exit points in the Garden, the Lurach Centre and on Hall Street for any assistance needed.
Coalisland Christmas Lights Switch On
Cornmill Heritage Centre Car Park - Sunday 1 December from 5pm to 7pm
From 5pm to 6.30pm, there'll be free face painting, the opportunity to take a selfie with festive characters, or to meet Santa in his Grotto.
Christmas Lights Switch On: Craic Theatre will knock your Christmas socks off on stage from 5pm to 7pm, with live music from the resident DJ and live band. Characters from Craic Theatre will be making an appearance on stage too. The Christmas Lights Switch-On will take place at approximately 6.50pm.
Road closures: There are no road closures planned for this event.
Accessible Information: The event area is accessible for wheelchair users and has adequate drop kerbs / ramps for footpath access
Mid Ulster Town Centre Christmas Trails
Taking place in Dungannon, Cookstown, Maghera, Magherafelt, and Coalisland. Starting 15 November and running through to 6 January 2025.
Don’t forget to enjoy the Mid Ulster Town Centre Christmas Trails that will guide you through town centre streets where magic meets mystery. Each town has its own Christmas theme and custom map, leading you to selected shop windows with hidden surprises!
Scan the magical QR code on your phone or use the clue sheet at each stop to solve the puzzle, and step inside to get your map stamped. Solve all the puzzles, and a sweet chocolate prize awaits! Maps can be picked up at participating retailers in each of the towns.
View Town Centre Christmas Trails video for a 'how to' guide on how to complete the trails.
Small Business Saturday
Taking place in Dungannon, Cookstown, Maghera, Magherafelt, and Coalisland on Saturday 7 December 2024 from 12 noon to 3 pm.
All five towns will come alive with festive animations, musical workshops, children’s activities, and plenty of festive cheer. It’s the perfect time to support your local businesses at home for Christmas.
Santa's Grotto at the Bridewell, Magherafelt
Santa returns to the Bridewell this festive season, each Saturday from 23 November to 21 December.
Experience the magic of Christmas at the Bridewell Grotto. Post your letter to the North Pole and make your very own Christmas decoration.
Visit Santa and his elf in his enchanting Christmas grotto, take your own family photos and receive a small gift.
Santa’s Grotto will be open on Saturday 23 November 2024 from 2pm to 5.30pm and every Saturday after, up to 21 December from 10.30am to 3.30pm.
Neuro divergent friendly sessions will be offered from 10.30am to 12 noon. Our neuro diversity facilities will include low lighting, soft to no music, spaced seating and extra time if required. Please note Changing Place facilities are available on site and the Grotto is directly accessible for wheel users via Church Lane Entrance. If you require any additional assistance please advise when booking.
Tickets cost £6 per child (adults go free).
Booking through Visit Mid Ulster, email the Bridewell, or telephone 028 7963 1510.
Santa's Grotto at the Hill of the O'Neill & Ranfurly House, Dungannon
Santa’s Christmas Grotto returns to Hill of The O’Neill & Ranfurly House this December for another fun family experience! Santa’s Grotto will be open from Saturday 14 to Sunday 22 December 2024. An ASD-Friendly session is available to book on Sunday 15 December.
Watch their delight as Santa’s elves and Mrs Claus welcome children to the enchanting Christmas grotto. Here you will get the opportunity to meet Santa and Mrs Claus and experience the magic of Christmas!
There will be lots of opportunities to take your own family photos and make some magical memories. Each child will get a small gift to take home.
Tickets cost £6 per child (adults go free).
Booking through the venue's website is now open.