The most wonderful tour of the year is hitting the road once again as Santa on Tour returns to the Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough, bringing a glittering programme of festivities, dazzling entertainment and community Christmas spirit to towns and villages across the borough.
Beginning in Brownlow on Wednesday 18 November, Santa will swap his sleigh for his famous red bus and begin his magical tour, stopping off in Lurgan, Portadown, Dromore, Banbridge and Armagh, where thousands are expected to gather to celebrate twinkling lights and festive favourites to joyful performances and family fun.
At each stop, visitors can expect a stocking-full of entertainment, including performances from local schools, community groups and talented local artists, alongside festive walkabout characters guaranteed to raise smiles and Christmas spirits alike.
Young elves can get creative in the festive activity zone, enjoy face painting and seasonal crafts, meet Santa in his grotto, and settle down for a heartwarming Christmas story with Mrs Claus.
Adding an extra sprinkle of seasonal sparkle, the Artisan Food and Craft Markets will accompany town centre switch-on events, offering the perfect opportunity to shop local, discover unique gifts and enjoy delicious festive treats from local makers and producers.
Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon, Mary O’Dowd, said:
“Santa on Tour has become one of the highlights of the festive calendar and we’re delighted to see it return for another year. The programme brings communities together, supports our local businesses and creates magical moments for families right across the borough. Whether you’re watching the lights switch on, meeting Santa, enjoying the entertainment or picking up gifts from our local traders, there will be something for everyone to enjoy.
“I would encourage residents and visitors to wrap up warm, come along and join us as we celebrate the season and make Christmas 2026 a truly memorable one.”
The festive fun doesn’t stop in our town centres. Across the borough’s villages and rural communities, Santa will be making his list and checking it twice as he travels from Keady to Rathfriland and Donaghcloney to Tandragee, helping communities light up the season with enchanting switch-on events, festive entertainment and plenty of Christmas cheer.
To top off the celebrations, Armagh Georgian Festival will once again return from Thursday 26 November, transforming Armagh into a winter wonderland brimming with festive cheer, family fun and Christmas nostalgia. Taking centre stage is the much-loved Christmas Lightshow, a spectacular animated projection that brings the city centre to life in a dazzling display. A firm favourite with visitors of all ages, the magical experience is expected to be in high demand once again, with tickets on sale now.
Meanwhile, the much-loved Relaxed Christmas Sessions will return this year at Bleary Business and Community Centre. These are magical and inclusive sessions, where children with autism and special educational needs (SEN) can enjoy all the wonder of Christmas in a calm, relaxed and supportive environment. Tickets are free and will be available to book on Friday 20 November.
Adding to the seasonal cheer, shoppers can enjoy free parking in all council-owned off-street car parks every Saturday in December and on Christmas light switch-on days across the borough, making festive visits to local towns even easier. Whether picking up gifts, enjoying a Christmas event or supporting local retailers, residents are being encouraged to shop local this festive season. The Shop ABC Gift Card remains a great gifting option, offering the flexibility to spend with a wide range of participating businesses while supporting the borough’s vibrant local economy.
So, whether you’re searching for festive family fun, hunting for unique Christmas gifts, or simply looking to soak up the atmosphere, Santa on Tour promises to deliver a busload of Christmas magic, community spirit and festive sparkle.
Santa on Tour 2026 Schedule
| Wed 18 Nov | Brownlow | 4pm to 5.30pm |
| Thurs 19 Nov | Lurgan | 6.30pm – 8.30pm |
| Fri 20 Nov | Portadown | 6.30pm – 8.30pm |
| Fri 20 Nov | Markethill | 6.30pm – 8pm |
| Sat 21 Nov | Dromore | 4pm – 7pm |
| Wed 25 Nov | Richhill | 6.30pm – 8.30pm |
| Thurs 26 Nov | Donaghcloney | 6.30pm – 8.30pm |
| Fri 27 Nov | Banbridge | 6pm – 8.30pm |
| Fri 27 Nov | Tandragee (Tayto Courtyard) | 6.30pm – 8.30pm |
| Sat 28 Nov | Rathfriland | 6pm – 8pm |
| Sun 29 Nov | Armagh (Georgian Weekend) | 1pm – 4pm |
| Thurs 3 Dec | Keady | 6pm – 8.30pm |
| Fri 4 Dec | Waringstown | 6pm – 7.30pm |
For full event details and festive updates, visit www.santaontourabc.com and follow our social media channels.
