Buckle up for a belter of a Christmas in ABC Borough as the ‘Santa on Tour’ campaign, launched by the Council today (Tuesday 5 November), is billed as the hottest show around for local communities wishing to celebrate the festive season in style.
Join Santa, Mrs Claus and their entourage of playful elves as they embark on a jolly jaunt around the borough in their magical, dazzling red bus, stopping off in towns along the way to switch on the Christmas lights and bring joy to all who gather together to soak up the lively, festive atmosphere.
A spectacular programme of fun-filled festivities – exciting, engaging and entertaining in equal measure – is waiting to be discovered when ‘Santa on Tour’ kicks off on Friday 15 November.
With Santa headlining as the star attraction, expect an action-packed stage show, a fantastic line-up of entertainment, and loads of festive activities for all the family.
An enchanting time is guaranteed for audiences of all ages, with a host of live performances from schools, community groups, local artists and professional acts ready to provide an extravaganza of music, song and dance to keep everyone entertained.
Capture magical moments as larger than life stilt walkers, amazing acrobats, interactive jugglers, fire and LED performers on a walkabout around each town provide the perfect photo opportunity. In addition to face painting and balloon modelling activities, there’s arts and crafts for children to get creative and make baubles and crackers to take home.
Firm family favourites – visiting Santa in his grotto and storytelling by Mrs Claus – are sure to offer a sack load of happy moments and lasting memories. Keep an eye out for The Grinch as he tries to steal Christmas!
Locals and visitors alike are invited to come along and be part of the magical ‘Santa on Tour’ adventure as he continues his tour of the borough until early December.
Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon, Councillor Sarah Duffy, said: “Our ‘Santa on Tour’ campaign promises to deliver an unrivalled programme of entertaining events and activities that make our borough a must-visit destination during the much-anticipated countdown to Christmas.
I’m really looking forward to getting out and about in our city, towns and villages to take in the heartwarming scenes of communities coming together to celebrate the spirit of the season.
I’m also delighted to hear that we have been able to work closely with local communities in each area, enabling them to put their own unique stamp on their Christmas festivities.
Let’s support local businesses and hospitality providers who really need your custom at this busy time of year. Please shop, dine, visit and enjoy all that the borough has to offer this Christmas.”
The Christmas lights switch on events are an important part of the borough’s festive offering, but there’s much more to enjoy and explore across Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon at this most wonderful time of year.
Now in its 20th year, the Armagh Georgian Festival taking place from Thursday 28 November to Sunday 1 December, will add its own unique twist to the festive celebrations in the borough. Be sure to enjoy the wondrous festival lights, street entertainment, music, living history characters, a special lightshow and the charming atmosphere of a bygone time.
The magical Relaxed Christmas events will return to Bleary Business and Community Centre from Wednesday 4 December and run until Sunday 15 December. These free events provide children with autism and special educational needs the opportunity to meet Santa and Mrs Claus in a calm and supportive environment. Tickets for Relaxed Christmas can be booked on Friday 15 November at 12pm and 7pm at santaontourabc.com.
To find out more about the sparkling programme of festive events and activities taking place across the borough in the lead-up to Christmas, visit santaontourabc.com and follow the Council’s social media pages.
