Mid Ulster district gets ready for Christmas lights switch-on 2025

There’s no place like home for the holidays - and this year, Mid Ulster's towns are lighting up with festive cheer as the council’s annual Christmas Lights Switch-On return to sparkle and fill the air with joy. 

Chair of the Council, Councillor Frances Burton excited for the season, said: “Christmas is a time to come together - to celebrate community, to cherish our families, and to share in the simple joys that make this season so special. It’s wonderful to see our towns shining once again with the sparkle of Christmas spirit - the laughter of children, the warmth of families, and the kindness that flows so freely at this time of year. As we pause amid the celebrations, may we also reflect on the deeper meaning of Christmas - a season of love, peace, and goodwill to all, reminding us of the light and hope that first inspired this special time of year. Mid Ulster truly shines brightest when we come together in that same spirit, sharing joy with one another and with the world.”

The end of November is traditionally when local towns light up for the Christmas season, and this year, Cookstown’s Christmas Lights Switch On starts off the season on Friday, November 21 from 6.30pm to 8pm.  William Street comes alive with on street entertainment, and on stage entertainment from Traditional Music in Schools Programme, Tullylagan Pipe Band and Ryan McGarrity and Alan McPhearson with all the Christmas favourites. From 6.30pm to 8pm includes face painting, The Gaming Bus, Art Cart and Character Walkabouts for those Christmas selfies! Followed by a fantastic Showstoppers Parade to count down to the Lights Switch On by Santa, who'll arrive in style to switch on the lights at approximately 7.15pm. 

You can capture all your festive moments in Magherafelt at the Christmas Lights Switch On happening in Magherafelt Town Centre on Saturday, November 22 from 2pm to 7.30pm.  Market Square and Broad Street come alive, featuring a Children's Christmas Village with fun family activities for little ones to enjoy as well as adult workshops throughout the day. Followed by a Christmas Street Party and Santa Meet and Greet on Broad Street from 6.30pm to 8pm. Christmas Lights Switch-On at 7.30pm and Fireworks Display at 7.30pm. 

Market Square, Dungannon is the focal point for the Dungannon Christmas Lights Switch On, taking place on Saturday, November 29, from 6pm to 7.30pm.Family focused festive fun will take place in Market Square from 6pm including music to get you in the festive mood from on-stage DJ, musical entertainment on stage. Evora Hospice Care will organise a Santa Dash to commence at 6pm.  Local businesses will be invited to participate in this fun event. A Christmas Pageant will make its way through the streets of Dungannon commencing at 6.30pm.  As the excitement builds, Santa will make his way to Market Square in a vehicle provided by SJ Davidsons Motors to turn on the lights at approximately 7.30pm.

Maghera Christmas Lights Switch On, will also happen on Saturday, November 29 from 3pm to 6pm.  From 3pm to 5pm, you can meet Santa in the Walled Garden Potting Shed. Ticketed booking will open on Monday, November 17 at 12noon. Each ticket is for one group/family to meet Santa (maximum of 6 people per group/ticket). Get crafty for Christmas in the Lurach Centre with a live Christmas Puppet show or get your face painted. As you make your way to and from the Walled Garden you can enjoy a warming drink on the lane as Christmas caterers serve up tea, coffee, hot chocolate and sweet treats. 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 5.30pm. 

The final switch on will take place in the Cornmill Heritage Centre Car Park, Coalisland on Sunday, November 30 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.  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.

Santa’s Grottos are also being held at The Bridewell Magherafelt and Hill of The O’Neill and Ranfurly House. 

To find out more about what’s on this November and December, visit Mid Ulster Council