Experience a Magical Christmas in Omagh & the Sperrins

There’s something truly enchanting about winter in Omagh and the Sperrins. As the festive season approaches, this beautiful corner of Northern Ireland transforms into a wonderland of twinkling lights, traditional celebrations, and heart-warming family experiences that will create memories to treasure for years to come.

Festive Fun Throughout November & December

Christmas Lights Switch-On – Saturday, November 22nd

The magic begins on Saturday, November 22nd with Omagh’s spectacular Christmas Lights Switch-On! Join family and friends for an afternoon filled with festive fun, live entertainment, and plenty of Christmas cheer. Enjoy brass bands, carol singing, arts and crafts, and a visit from Santa himself ahead of his busiest night of the year.

Start Your Day at Strule Arts Centre (2:00pm – 4:00pm)

Get into the festive spirit early with arts and crafts activities, then take part in the indoor shelf-led Elf Trail! Once you’ve completed the trail, you’ll be entered into a draw to win a voucher for Strule Arts Centre or Strule Café.

Book your family slot to visit Santa at Strule Arts Centre for a special 5-minute visit to say hello. One of Santa’s elves will even take a family photo for you on your own phone as a keepsake (maximum of 6 individuals per family). Please arrive 10 minutes before your booked time slot, and if you can no longer attend, let the box office know before 11am so another family can enjoy the opportunity.

Main Stage Entertainment (4:30pm onwards)

Head to the Court House stage where compere Stevie King will warmly welcome everyone for an afternoon of festive performances! The line-up includes:

4:30pm – Skyzdalimit kicks off the entertainment
Gaelscoil Na gCrann singing their favourite Christmas carols
Omagh Churches Forum presenting a short Christmas blessing to one and all
Andrew Dolan – The extremely popular singer performing a selection of his favourite songs
Tumble Circus and Festive Characters interacting and engaging with audiences throughout

As the crowd assembles in anticipation, Santa Claus himself will make his way through the crowd, joining Andrew on stage to lead everyone in the countdown to the magical moment!

The Big Moment (5:30pm)

At 5:30pm, Omagh will officially shine bright for the festive season as the Christmas lights illuminate the town centre in a breath-taking display! Soak up the sights, sounds, and sparkle of Christmas, and get ready to make magical memories in the heart of Omagh.

The Omagh Christmas Lights Switch-On is supported by the Department for Communities and the Northern Ireland Housing Executive’s Housing for All Shared Housing Programme, with thanks to Arbour and Alpha Housing for their support in bringing people together to share the joy of Christmas.

Live Music Every Saturday

The festive spirit continues with the Seasonal Outdoor Music Programme every Saturday afternoon at Market St-Beside Danske bank on November 29th, December 6th, 13th, and 20th (1:00pm – 3:30pm). Gather in the heart of Omagh to enjoy live performances by talented local artists and bands – the perfect way to embrace the Christmas atmosphere while supporting local talent. Get ready to soak up the festive vibes as Omagh comes alive with music!

Step Back to Christmas Past at Ulster American Folk Park

For a truly unique festive experience, visit the Ulster American Folk Park throughout December. This award-winning attraction transforms into a Victorian Christmas wonderland where you can journey back in time and discover how Christmas was celebrated centuries ago.

Saturday 6th & Sunday 7th December
Saturday 13th & Sunday 14th December
Friday 19th, Saturday 20th & Sunday 21st December
Monday 22nd December

During your visit, you can:

Wander through wintry cobbled streets decorated for the festive season
Discover how Christmas was celebrated in rural Ulster, from humble single-room cabins to the grand Campbell House
Meet Mrs Mellon and taste samples of her traditionally made Christmas cake
Experience Christmas traditions on American Street, learning how European settlers influenced the holiday season
Watch Captain Mummer’s lively performance celebrating one of rural Ulster’s oldest Christmas traditions
Enjoy brass band performances and horse-drawn carriage rides (weather permitting on special weekend dates)
Let children enjoy hands-on festive crafts, play with wooden toys, and follow the Christmas bauble trail
Write letters to Father Christmas and take photographs at the sleigh
Visit Mrs Claus’ Bakery for warmed apple punch and mince pies
Browse the Christmas pop-up shop for special decorations
Stop by Maker Café for hot chocolate and festive treats

Please note: The Folk Park will be closed Tuesday 23rd December through to Friday 26th December. It will reopen on Saturday 27th December and normal opening hours will resume from this date. They’re open on New Year’s Eve (31st Dec) and New Year’s Day (1st Jan).

Visit Father Christmas & His Elves

Make your Christmas dreams come true with a special Visit Father Christmas and Mrs Claus experience at the Ulster American Folk Park! This enchanting, intimate experience is available on select dates throughout December.

This magical experience includes:

A guided stroll through the snowy streets of Ulster and America by cheerful North Pole elves
Meeting Father Christmas and Mrs Claus in their cosy turf-warmed home
Story time with the Chief Story Elf
If you’ve made it on the good list, you might even receive a traditional gift!

Did you know? Only children who truly believe in Christmas magic can see the elves – they’re not so fond of grown-ups! This authentic experience is worlds away from the typical shopping centre Santa visit. It’s an intimate journey through the Folk Park that creates genuine Christmas magic.

Important: This is a separate ticketed experience that must be booked in advance online. Walk-ups are not allowed, and tickets are non-refundable. Please arrive at least 15 minutes before your time slot and wear suitable outdoor clothing and footwear.

Plan Your Visit

Whether you’re planning a day trip or a winter break, Omagh and the Sperrins offer cosy accommodation, delicious local food, and the warmest of welcomes. The area is perfectly positioned for exploring, with easy access from Belfast, Derry, and beyond.

Start your mornings with hearty Ulster breakfasts at local hotels, spend your days exploring festive attractions and enjoying live music, and end your evenings wrapped in the glow of Christmas lights with a warm drink in hand. Pop into local shops to find unique gifts crafted by local artisans, and taste traditional treats that have been made the same way for generations.

The Silverbirch Hotel offers festive party nights if you’re looking for an evening celebration, while family-friendly venues like the Folk Park and Glenpark Estate create unforgettable daytime experiences. There’s truly something for every taste and every budget.

Making Memories That Matter

In a world of screens and rush, Omagh and the Sperrins offer something precious: the chance to step back, breathe deeply, and experience Christmas the way it was meant to be. Children’s eyes will light up with genuine wonder as they meet Father Christmas in a turf-warmed cottage or follow elves through snowy streets. Parents will feel the stress melt away as they stroll through twinkling lights with mulled apple punch in hand. Grandparents will share stories of Christmases past that echo in the very traditions you’re experiencing.

This is Christmas that engages all the senses – the crackle of turf fires, the smell of Christmas cake baking, the sound of brass bands and carols echoing through cobbled streets, the taste of traditional mince pies, and the sight of your family’s faces glowing in the light of a thousand sparkling bulbs.

Ready to Start Planning?

For full event details, tickets, and the complete Christmas programme, visit:

exploreomaghsperrins.com/whats-on

For accessibility information and to book accessible viewing areas for the Christmas Lights Switch-On, email disability@fermanaghomagh.com or contact the Council’s Access and Inclusion Officer on 0300 303 1777.

For Ulster American Folk Park tickets and information, visit ulsteramericanfolkpark.org

Start planning your magical winter escape today – we can’t wait to welcome you to Omagh and the Sperrins this Christmas!

Wishing you a very Merry Christmas from all of us in Omagh and the Sperrins! Come join us for a festive season filled with tradition, warmth, and magic. 🎄✨