The City of Newry is making its own bit of Christmas magic this December with the launch of its very first Christmas Market, transforming the Variety Market into a Santa sack full of exciting festive celebrations. Running weekly from Thursday to Sunday through to Sunday 21 December, creating a magical Christmas destination featuring an extensive array of stalls, live entertainment, family experiences, and an enchanting festive atmosphere.

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The ambitious project led by local business Room Angelz, will establish Newry as a perfect Christmas destination, providing something for local residents and families as well as visitors from across surrounding towns and cities, bringing significant economic benefits to the area during the crucial festive trading period. The market promises a fabulous Christmas experience with carefully curated décor designed to create special memories which will see the market transformed with extensive Christmas theming, featuring twinkling fairy lights, draped garlands, decorated archways, a spectacular Christmas surprise, with events and activities planned throughout.

The Markets are being supported by the local Newry BID, and partnerships are in place with R Kings Competitions as the lead business partner. As part of the main partnership R Kings Competitions will hold a charity raffle with all proceeds going to local Newry Business Charity Christmas Dinner 2025, which will be held in the Canal Cout in Newry on 4 December 2025. Tickets for the Newry Christmas Market prize (to be unveiled!) will be on sale for market attendees during the 5 weeks and the draw will take place on Sunday 21 December at the grand Christmas Market finale.

placeholder image — Santa welcomes Emily Markey and baby Cadhla Kidd to the first ever Newry Christmas Markets.

Visitors can expect a constantly evolving festive soundtrack with seasonal music, live performers, traditional carol singers and local groups who will take to the stage over the five weeks to entertain visitors.

The Santa's Grotto Experience supported by the Canal Court Hotel and Haldane & Fisher who are providing the building materials will welcome a very important visitor form the North Pole Santa Claus himself complete with elves and personalised experiences for children and their families. In partnership with local food vendors, and specialist food stalls, the market will feature a dedicated festive food court offering warming winter favourites, mince pies and mulled wine, hot chocolate, and themed bars for over 18s. A number of Santa Events for Special Educational Needs are taking place working with local schools and support groups, and these are being made possible with thanks to support from Newry Credit Union.

The Christmas Market will host a perfectly curated mix of stalls offering gifts, Christmas ideas, hand made crafts and arts, as well as locally made festive foods – a perfect gift for family and friends, with something for every age group, there’s sure to be plenty to choose from. Alongside during the event which will run from Thursday to Sunday many festive friends will drop in for a visit including, along with Christmas movie nights and entertainment, to ensure everyone can share the magic of the festive market with friends and family. Visitors will have ample opportunity to buy and support local businesses during the markets, with ample Christmas gifts and ideas for everyone available.

Commenting ahead of the launch, Noelle Blair, Newry Christmas Market organiser said; "We're absolutely thrilled to be bringing Newry's first ever Christmas Market to life, its sure to bring magic to the city. The response to the Market has been phenomenal – we've already sold out all our stall spaces, which shows just how much appetite there is for this type of event in the area. This market represents something really special for Newry, bringing a lovely mix of stalls, crafts, clothing, food and a wider food offering to the site, and providing an authentic Christmas market experience right to our doorstep.

The support from the local Council and our brilliant partnerships with R Kings, Canal Court, KC Hire, Newry Credit Union and Haldane and Fisher who have all come on board with gusto to make the events even more magical has been invaluable. We are really excited to see this years event unfold, and we hope to build this into an annual tradition that puts Newry firmly on the map as a Christmas destination. It's going to be magical for families and a real boost for local businesses."

“Finally, we are delighted to be working with R Kings Competitions to support this years chosen charity, Newry Business Charity Christmas Dinner 2025, who are outstanding in their support for the local community, giving back to children and families who are in need at Christmas.” Noelle concluded. For more information and to book Santa visit https://newrychristmasmarket.com Admission is free to the Market. Opening Times for the Markets are Thursday 4-11pm, Friday 3-11pm, Saturday 11-11pm and Sunday 12-10pm.