Newry set for a Victorian Winterscape as Christmas Market unveils new attractions

Twinkling lights, festive flavours, family entertainment and a reason to get your skates on are set to make the City of Newry even more magical with the return of a bigger and better Newry Christmas Market this year.

Newry will be buzzing this festive season with the Market set to run from Thursday to Sunday throughout the Christmas period. Opening on 19 November 2026 to coincide with Newry's Christmas Lights Switch-On, this year visitors will be transported to a Victorian Winterscape as the Market returns following a successful debut year which welcomed over 65,000 visitors from across the island of Ireland.

Festivities begin with a number of new additions including a magical Santa ‘Toy Box’ Experience where parents go free. A brand new skating rink is set to open at the Quays Shopping Centre helping spread the Christmas joy, and this years Market will offer an expanded programme featuring more stalls, new family experiences, entertainment and festive workshops.The Variety Market will be transformed into a Victorian Winterscape, complete with twinkling lights, decorated archways, festive garlands and immersive seasonal décor to create memorable experiences for all.

New for 2026, two charity partnerships have been announced supporting Women’s Aid Armagh Down and Ernie Campbell Christmas Toys & Homeless Appeal. All visitors to the Markets for 2026 will have an opportunity to make a donation towards both local charities supporting families who are in need of help and support this year, with monies raised split to support both charities.

Commenting ahead of the market's opening, Noelle Markey, founder of Newry Christmas Market and owner of Room Angelz, said: "We're absolutely delighted to be bringing Newry Christmas Market back following such an incredible first year, with an even bigger, more ambitious focus. Welcoming more than 65,000 visitors last year demonstrated just how much people value having a high-quality festive experience right here in Newry City Centre.

The response to this year's market has been phenomenal, with strong demand from stallholders, partners and local businesses. We're expanding the experience for families, introducing a more personalised Santa ‘Toy Box’ Experience, a Skating Rink at the Quays Shopping Centre, as well as exciting new workshops and attractions.

We are delighted to be supporting two local charities Women’s Aid Armagh Down and The Ernie Campbell Christmas Toys & Homeless Appeal, both of whom are really important in their work in the area. We are looking forward to welcoming visitors from across the island of Ireland and helping create another magical Christmas for the City of Newry whilst supporting the local economy during this important festive trading period."

Welcoming the support, Eileen Murphy, Chief Executive of Women’s Aid Armagh Down, said; “We are delighted to have the support of Newry Christmas Market this year. The funds raised will make a real and immediate difference to local women and children affected by domestic abuse, helping us to provide the specialist support and practical help they need at what can be one of the most difficult times in their lives.

The reality is that far too many women and children continue to experience domestic abuse. Support like this from our local community helps us to be there when women and children need us most, providing the specialist support they need to move forward with safety, dignity, choice and hope.

Together, we can make a real difference and help create a future where women and children can live safely, free from fear and free from abuse.”

Ernie Campbell, organiser of the Christmas Toys & Homeless Appeal, which will also be supported added; “I am delighted that this years Christmas Market will help fundraise to support our work with individuals and families who are struggling with Christmas and need some kindness. This year people can drop off key items to the market for the appeal, especially gifts for newborn to 13 year olds – this will really help people who will experience difficult Christmas..”

Visitors can browse dozens of stalls packed with street food, artisan crafts, gifts, festive treats and locally made products, whilst enjoying live performances from local choirs, bands, schools and community groups throughout the five-week programme.

New for 2026 will be a spectacular Skating Rink at the Quays Shopping Centre, and a major highlight for families will be a brand new enhanced Santa ‘Toy Box’ Experience, where children can meet Santa and his elves in his hand made Toy Box North Pole style home located in its own space in the Market. Enjoy Santa games with the elves and experience a really special personalised festive moment with the main man himself, and Mrs Claus, as well as receiving a special Christmas gift. In a move designed to make the experience even more accessible for families, parents/ guardians will be admitted free of charge*. Visitors booking the Santa ‘Toy Box’ Experience will also have the opportunity to enter competitions for a range of festive prizes, including luxury weekend getaways. A Skate & Santa Toy Box package booking link will go live on socials this weekend.

Christmas Market visitors can participate in a series of bookable Festive Workshops, including jewellery-making, candle-making and wreath-making sessions. These can be booked at www.newrychristmasmarket.com. Christmas movie nights, live entertainment, roaming characters and special festive guests will create a lively atmosphere throughout the market's run. Local schools can now take part in organised visits and festive workshops during weekday sessions. Alongside, visitors can enjoy a dedicated festive food court featuring street food, international cuisine and seasonal favourites, including hot chocolate, mulled drinks and festive treats. A full licensed bar will operate during the market.

The market continues to receive support from local partners and businesses, including Newry Credit Union, DSD Audio Visual, Revive Saunas, Boyds Stores, Lough & Quay Accommodation, Beyond the Branding, Mackle Communications, Art Director, Anne-Marie McAleenan, D&G Security and local radio station IÚR FM, helping to deliver an enhanced programme of events and experiences for 2026. Organised by Room Angelz, the market continues to provide a valuable boost for the local economy during the festive trading period. Following the 2025 event, many local businesses reported increased footfall and stronger trading, underlining the positive impact of bringing over 65,000 visitors into the city centre.

Anyone wanting to visit the markets can hop on a local train or bus from key locations, including train via Dublin, Drogheda, Dundalk to Newry, or Belfast, Portadown to Newry, alongside local buses running from Translink to Newry City Centre throughout the festive period.

To book the Santa ‘Toy Box’ Experience and Skating at the Quays, visit www.newrychristmasmarket.com. Admission to the market is free, with all attendees being asked to make a donation to both local charities. The Christmas Market will open at 4.00pm on 19 November and will run weekly through to 20 December 2026 from Thursday to Sunday. Opening times: Thursday & Friday: 12 noon to 9.00pm; Saturday: 11.00am – 8.00pm and Sunday: 12noon to 7.30pm.

*Maximum 2 adults per Santa Toy Box visit booked experience.