Derry Daily
  • News
  • Entertainment
  • Sport
  • Features
  • Courts
  • Business
  • Health
  • Politics
  • Jobs
Saturday 17°CSunday 17°C

Derry Daily Derry Daily Derry Daily

  • News
  • Entertainment
  • Sport
  • Features
  • Courts
  • Business
  • Health
  • Politics
  • Jobs
CoronavirusDerry CityEntertainmentNews

Virtual Christmas lights switch-on for Derry

written by cassoscoop November 12, 2020
ShareTweet

ONE of the highlights of Christmas in the North West will take place in a virtual setting this year when Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Councillor Brian Tierney, performs the festive lights switch-ons by magic in Derry and Strabane, alongside Santa Claus.

The event traditionally attracts tens of thousands of families to the centre of Derry and Strabane but it will be broadcast online this year to allow the public to enjoy it from the safety of their homes.

The switch-ons will take place on Saturday November 21st at 5pm in Strabane and in Derry on Sunday November 22nd at 5pm and will be broadcast live on derrystrabane.com/christmas and the Mayor’s social media accounts.

The event will mark the start of Council’s Christmas Programming for 2020 which includes the Mayor’s Virtual Christmas Tea Dance and online Christmas activities for families.

“The turning on of our Christmas lights is normally one of our biggest events of the year, marking the beginning of the festive season,” said Mayor Tierney.

“While current restrictions mean we can’t gather physically to mark it, I am delighted that families can still experience the lights being turned on together in their homes before making a trip into our retail centres over the festive season to view them safely for themselves.

“The kids are sure to enjoy this magical virtual story and see the adventures along the way, of how my journey with Santa Claus’ journey unfolded in order to get to the town and city in time to light them up for Christmas.

“Despite the restrictions, Council officers have designed an innovative programme of events that will allow the public to celebrate Christmas safely and enhance the visitor and shopper offering in Derry and Strabane.

“This year has presented unprecedented challenges for local businesses, many of whom have been closed or are operating at a limited capacity, so I would appreciate if the public can make a particularly conscious effort to support them by shopping and gifting local this Christmas.”

Derry and Strabane’s Christmas programming will begin on Saturday, November 21, and continue through to December 16 focusing on key weekends throughout the period.

Council has invested in additional Christmas lights and trees which have been erected in communities throughout the District.

Some of the lights may be temporarily turned on before the official switch on for testing and to allow for filming of the virtual event.

“The programme is designed to complement the existing calendar of events at this festive time, enhancing the visitor and shopper experience while drawing on the District’s rich built and cultural heritage,” explained Head of Culture at Derry City and Strabane District Council, Aeidin McCarter.

“Programming is focused on creating the space for shared inclusive celebration around the Christmas period.

“In tandem with a strong marketing campaign, it aims to maximise the economic opportunities while also creating a memorable experience for citizens and visitors.

“The marketing campaign will focus on Support Local, Made Local and Gift Local messages in order to promote a culturally rich Christmas experience.”

The full series of Christmas videos will be available at derrystrabane.com/Christmas

For more detailed information and updates on Derry City and Strabane District Council’s family-friendly Christmas programme visit www.derrystrabane.com/christmas

Virtual Christmas lights switch-on for Derry was last modified: November 12th, 2020 by cassoscoop

Tags:
AEIDIN MCCARTERDERRY CITY AND STRABANE DISTRICT COUNCILHead of CultureMayor Brian TierneySANTA CLAUSVirtual Christmas lights switch-on for Derry
ShareTweet
cassoscoop

LEAVE A COMMENT

You may also like

Drink-driver charged to court over Derry collision

1 hour ago

Man arrested over Class C drugs seizure...

5 hours ago

Boyce hat-trick sends Derry City into seventh...

10 hours ago

Dance company loses appeal over 100% annual...

11 hours ago

Unmissable music events coming to the Abbey...

1 day ago

Derry priest faces seven more child sex...

1 day ago

New leaflet to help older people beat...

1 day ago

Man charged with possessing indecent images of...

1 day ago

Positive discussions with Transport Minister on NW...

1 day ago

Sadness as mother of girl (6) killed...

2 days ago

Keep in touch

Facebook Twitter Email

Features

  • Sun, sea, spectacular views, historical charm and fabulous food. Tunisia of course

    April 5, 2024
  • Magical trip to see Santa from Belfast

    December 20, 2023
  • DD Travel Feature: Cork’s amazing The Montenotte Hotel

    April 18, 2023
  • Derry cancer survivor Noeleen McMorris reveals importance of awareness

    July 25, 2022
  • Competition! Win tickets to Northern Ireland v England Women’s Euro 2022 match

    June 17, 2022

Courts

  • Drink-driver charged to court over Derry collision

    July 5, 2025
  • Derry priest faces seven more child sex charges

    July 4, 2025
  • Man charged with possessing indecent images of children

    July 4, 2025
  • Two men in court after £1.2m cannabis find near border

    July 3, 2025
  • Two charged over huge cannabis haul seized in North West

    July 3, 2025

Donegal Daily

    Read More

    • News
    • Sport
    • Courts
    • Jobs
    • Features
    • Business
    • Politics

    Information

    • Contact Us
    • About
    • Advertise WIth Us
    • Privacy Policy
    • Disclaimer
    • Terms & Conditions
    Derry Daily

    © 2025 Derry Daily. All rights reserved.


    Back To Top

    We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it.OkPrivacy policy