Illuminate Your Christmas in Fermanagh & Omagh

Fermanagh and Omagh District Council invites you to start the Christmas season in style with the Christmas Lights Switch-On events in Enniskillen and Omagh on Saturday, 23 November 2024. The day promises festive family activities including Christmas carols, live music and performances by local community groups all leading up to the Christmas Lights Switch-On at 5.30 pm.

Throughout the day enjoy Christmas music from local bands including St Eugene’s Brass and Reed Band in Omagh and St Mary’s Silver Band and Ballyreagh Silver Band in Enniskillen. This will fill the air with festive spirit.

Adding extra sparkle to the celebrations, Santa’s little helper and compere, Buddy the Elf will warmly welcome everyone. Highlights include delightful performances by Cooley Primary School at the Omagh event and Kesh Primary School in Enniskillen bringing classic Christmas favourites to life.

Buddy the Elf will then guide the audience on an enchanting journey around the world, showcasing Christmas traditions from various countries. Special guest characters Moana from Hawaii, Belle from France, and Anna & Elsa from Norway, sharing songs and customs from their homelands and marking Santa’s arrival to the festivities.

Santa himself will make his way through the crowd joining Destiny’s Elf, a lively girl band, to lead everyone in a countdown to the Christmas Lights Switch-On.

Chair of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Councillor John McClaughry, shared his thoughts ahead of the switch-on saying:

“The Christmas Lights Switch-On in Enniskillen and Omagh heralds the start of the festive season in both towns, bringing joy and family-friendly fun to our communities. I’m especially pleased to see local schools like Cooley Primary School, Sixmilecross, and Kesh Primary School taking part this year, making the event even more special.

I encourage everyone to shop local this festive season. Supporting our local businesses helps to ensure a thriving and prosperous local economy”.

The festive atmosphere continues in the lead up to Christmas with the Seasonal Outdoor Music programme featuring live performances by local artists and bands every Saturday afternoon in Enniskillen and Omagh town centres commencing on 30 November and continuing on 7, 14, and 21 December.

There will also be a festive programme of activity taking place across the Christmas season. The Elf Escape at Marble Arch Caves features a Heroes Vs Villains Experience and Mrs Clause Cottage. There are Family friendly Christmas performances at Strule Arts Centre and the Ardhowen along with Christmas workshops and plenty of options for Christmas nights out. You could make your own willow Christmas wreath with the team at Cuilcagh Lakeland Geopark.

Explore the full Christmas Programme, including sensory-friendly events in the Events & Festivals section of the Council website at www.fermanaghomagh.com.

Continuing the Council’s commitment to inclusivity, accessible viewing areas will be available in both Omagh and Enniskillen for the Christmas Lights Switch on events, along with convenient car parking and accessible facilities at nearby Council venues.

For more information or to reserve a place in the accessible viewing areas, please email disability@fermanaghomagh.com or contact the Council’s Access and Inclusion Officer on 0300 303 1777 by 12 noon on Thursday, 21 November 2024.