A magical festive season across Fermanagh and Omagh

FERMANAGH and Omagh District Council is delighted to announce a packed programme of festive events to celebrate the Christmas season across the district.

The countdown to Christmas begins with the Christmas Lights Switch-On Events in Enniskillen and Omagh Town Centre on Saturday, November 22.

Visitors can enjoy a full day of seasonal entertainment including brass bands, carol singing, festive characters, and arts and crafts. Local performers will take to the stage at Omagh Courthouse and The Diamond, Enniskillen, with entertainment starting from 1pm. The main switch-on celebrations begin at 4.30pm, leading up to the official lighting of the Christmas displays at 5.30pm.

Cllr Barry McElduff, chair of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council said: “I am delighted to welcome performances from Enniskillen Integrated Primary School, Fermanagh Brightstarz, Omagh GaelScoil na gCrann and Skyzdalimit who will set a joyful and uplifting tone for the evening, I have no doubt. Their contributions will reflect the spirit of community and celebration at the heart of this Christmas event. We are delighted to be able to provide such a stage to showcase the talent across our district.

"The Christmas Lights Switch-On heralds the start of the festive season in both Omagh and Enniskillen. I encourage everyone to shop local in our towns and villages this festive season. Supporting our local businesses helps to ensure a thriving and prosperous local economy”.

Adding to the festive atmosphere, a Seasonal Outdoor Music Programme will run every Saturday from November 29 to December 20, featuring live performances of Christmas favourites in The Diamond, Enniskillen and Omagh Town Centre from 1pm to 3.30pm.

A wide range of festive entertainment will also be on offer across council venues. The Ardhowen Theatre will host family-friendly Christmas shows, while Enniskillen Castle will present Santa Sundays with magical experiences for children. Strule Arts Centre will feature Christmas Country with the Stars, a seasonal musical celebration. At Marble Arch Caves, families can enjoy the Elf Escape Sensory Space and Mrs Claus’s Cottage, and Omagh Leisure Complex will offer indoor fun including family swim time and sensory sessions.

New for 2025, families can enjoy Wandering Stick’s Festive Adventure, a magical forest trail at Gortin Glen Forest Park on Saturday and Sunday, December 6 and 7 – perfect for outdoor festive fun.

Omagh Christmas Light Switch-On is being supported by the Department for Communities and the Northern Ireland Housing Executive’s ‘Housing for All’ Shared Housing Programme. Arbour and Alpha Housing are excited to support this event, bringing people together to share in the joy of Christmas. The Programme had its origins in the NI Executive Together: Building a United Community Strategy, which reflected the Executive’s commitment to improving community relations and continuing the journey towards a more united and shared society.

The full Christmas programme, including sensory-friendly events, is available at www.fermanaghomagh.com