Causeway Coast and Glens unveils magical Christmas events across four main towns

Santa arriving in Limavady.

Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council has announced a packed programme of festive celebrations set to bring Christmas magic to Ballymoney, Limavady, Ballycastle and Coleraine later this month.

The Council says the events aim to “spread festive cheer this Christmas season” with a series of family-friendly activities, parades and Santa appearances designed to mark the start of the borough’s Christmas calendar.

Four towns, four festive switch-ons

Opening celebrations will begin in Ballymoney on Thursday 20 November, followed by Limavady on Saturday 22 November, Ballycastle on Thursday 27 November, before concluding in Coleraine on Friday 28 November.

Young residents will be delighted to hear that Santa has scheduled special visits to each event. During his appearance, he will officially switch on the Christmas lights and welcome children aged 11 and under to a free magical meet-and-greet Grotto.

Packed programme of family entertainment

Children participating in the parade in Coleraine.

Festive characters entertaining the crowds with a car blowing bubbles.

Each of the four events promises a lively festive atmosphere, with Christmas music, colourful parades featuring up to 100 local children, walkabout characters, balloon modellers and photo booths. Santa will take centre stage as the events build towards the eagerly awaited moment when each town’s Christmas lights are switched on.

Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens, Councillor Oliver McMullan, encouraged residents to enjoy the celebrations and support local businesses throughout the season.

“I am very much looking forward to welcoming families to our traditional Christmas programme of events, helping to spread festive cheer throughout Causeway Coast and Glens.

“There will be something for people of all ages to enjoy, with parades, Santa’s Grotto and of course our Christmas lights. These events are a fantastic opportunity to bring people together for some festive family fun while also enjoying the wonderful festive atmosphere in our town centres.

Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens, Councillor Oliver McMullan, pictured with Santa and local school children, to launch the 2025 Christmas Light Switch Ons in the Borough.

“I would encourage you to support the wide variety of businesses based in our towns and villages this November and December by shopping local where you can. Our Council area has a wonderful variety of retailers, perfect for finding that special and unique gift this Christmas.”

Quiet Time sessions for those with additional needs

Recognising that some visitors may require a calmer setting, Santa will also host Quiet Time sessions for children and adults with additional needs. These quieter visits can be arranged in advance by contacting the Council’s Events Team at events@causewaycoastandglens.gov.uk, specifying the town to be attended.

All parade routes are detailed below, and we would encourage people to spread out and choose a safe spot along the route to view the procession.

Christmas Parade Departure Times & Route details

BALLYMONEY

20 November - Departs 7:20pm

Coleraine Road - High Street - Main Street - Meeting House Street - Queen Street - Victoria Street - Charles Street - Coleraine Road

LIMAVADY

22 November - departs 4:45pm

Irish Green Street - Rathbrady Road - Roemill Road - Catherine Street - Linenhall Street - Main Street - Connell Street - Irish Green Street.

Santa pictured with local school children at the launch the 2025 Christmas Light Switch Ons in the Borough.

Christmas tree in Coleraine.

BALLYCASTLE

27 November - Departs 6:45pm

Ann Street - Market Street - Clare Street - Castle Street - The Diamond - Ann Street.

COLERAINE

28 November - Departs 6:40pm

Coleraine Leisure Centre – Railway Road – Mill Street – Long Commons - Kingsgate Street - Church Street - The Diamond- Church Street - Kingsgate Street- Long Commons – Mill Street - Railway Road - Coleraine Leisure Centre.

In addition to these four events, there will be a range of community festive events taking place in November and December in local towns and villages, supported by Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council’s Festive Fund.

Wrap up warm, bring the family and join in as we celebrate this wonderful time of the year together!