Derry has it all wrapped up for an enchanting Christmas experience to rival any European destination thanks to Derry City Council’s stunning seasonal package of activities and events guaranteed to get you into the festive spirit.
Historic winding streets, shops, bars, restaurants and high quality craft sector combine to create the perfect stop-off during the countdown to the most magical time of the year.
So make sure to keep some key dates free soon in your diary for Christmas shopping and entertainment in the Walled City famed for its welcoming festive atmosphere.
The 20th annual Guildhall Craft Fair taking place from November 14th-16th will provide a glittering start to Derry City Council’s Christmas programme, always a great weekend for visitors to select the perfect handcrafted gift for Christmas stocking fillers.
Forty crafters from all over Ireland will be exhibiting high quality wares such as ceramics, textiles, jewellery and foodie treats in the historic setting of the beautifully restored Guildhall.
The Christmas Lights will be illuminated on Thursday, November 20th at 7pm, when the big switch-on ceremony returns to its traditional venue in Guildhall Square. This year’s event will be spread across three zones in the city centre for maximum festive cheer.
• Guildhall Square – Santa and his helpers turning on the lights
• Peace Garden – transformed into a ‘Frozen Forest’
• Waterloo Place – Elsa and the stars of Frozen will be on stage
Just a short walk across the Peace Bridge and you will be transfixed by our brand new Christmas Village opening at Ebrington from Friday, November 28th until December 21st.
This new festive offer for Derry will have Christmas markets in 25 wooden chalets selling a wide variety of delicious seasonal fayre and some cracker gift ideas, trading from 12 noon until 10pm.
Who needs to travel further afield when you can make a trip to Music City 2014 for the full festive experience complete with Legenderry on Ice which will also be open at Ebrington from November 28th.
Featuring an even bigger ice rink than last year which attracted thousands of happy skaters, as well as a festive funfair and bar.
Sit back with a mulled wine or a delicious hot chocolate, and enjoy live music and entertainment from local bands and visiting acts ranging from choirs to jazz during the weekends leading up to Christmas – what better way to get you into the festive mood!
There will even be pop-up Christmas Cinema, ‘The Festive Film Factory’ with daily showings of festive films in the Christmas Village at Ebrington Square!
Younger members of the family will also be well catered for in the city centre with special themed activities destined to make them experience the Wonder of Christmas, based in the Craft Village on December 6th & 7th, 13th & 14th, 1pm-5pm each day.
Costing just £1 per child, there will be storytelling, arts and crafts, puppet shows and much, much more to keep your little darlings entertained.
Fashionistas can join the cool crowd at the city’s exciting inaugural Fashion Fest from November 20th-23rd, and enjoy extended late night Christmas shopping at both Foyleside and Richmond Centres which will remain open until 10pm from December 1st.
With so many festive activities and events to enjoy in Derry, why not stay a while and soak up the atmosphere, with one night B&B accommodation available from just £32.50 per person sharing.
For more details go to www.visitderry.com
For more information on Derry City Council’s fantastic Christmas programme please visit www.festivetime.com
Further press information can be obtained by contacting Derry City Council’s Marketing and Communications Section, Tel. 02871 376504.
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