Public urged to plan travel ahead of Derry Christmas Parade

Derry City and Strabane District Council has issued important traffic and travel advice ahead of this weekend’s Christmas Light Switch-On celebrations in Derry.

The Christmas Light Switch On event in Derry City Centre will take place on Friday, November 21, kicking off at 6:30pm from Bishop Street.

While no full road closures are currently planned, the Council has contingency measures ready should traffic restrictions be required for public safety or to facilitate the parade. There will be restrictions in some of the city centre car parks which may impact visitors. Bishop Street Car Park and Victoria Market Car Parks will have a partial closure, while Foyle Street Car Park will be completely closed to visitors. There will be accessible parking at Victoria Market Car Park.

Areas most likely to experience temporary disruption include Bishop Street, The Diamond, Ferryquay Street, Orchard Street, Foyle Street and Strand Road. Every effort will be made to minimise the impact on local businesses, but the public is advised to plan for the possibility of delays.

The Christmas Procession begins at 6.30pm on Bishop Street and will conclude at Victoria Market Car Park, passing through Guildhall Square. The parade route for 2025 is as follows: Bishop Street, The Diamond, Ferryquay Street, Ferryquay Gate, Orchard Street, Foyle Street, Guildhall Square, Waterloo Place, Strand Road, finishing at Victoria Market.

Event organisers are reminding attendees to wrap up warmly and prepare for the winter weather to ensure a safe and enjoyable evening.

Drivers are also reminded that normal on-street parking restrictions will apply. Please avoid parking in areas that block access to homes or businesses, or in locations that could obstruct emergency routes.

The Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Councillor Ruairí McHugh, encouraged the public to familiarise themselves with the travel guidance to help the event run smoothly: "We’re delighted to welcome the festive season back to Derry and Strabane, and we’re very much looking forward to this weekend’s celebrations.

Traffic and travel information ahead of Strabane Christmas Light Switch-On

This year’s festivities promise a full afternoon of family fun, festive markets, live entertainment, and community cheer

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"I encourage everyone to follow the travel and safety advice issued by event organisers and to stay updated through our social media channels. With large crowds expected to welcome Santa and watch the city light up, it’s important that we all work together to keep the event safe, enjoyable, and as disruption-free as possible."

Where possible, the public is strongly encouraged to use public transport or consider walking to the event. Car parks on both the Cityside and Waterside will operate as normal, including Foyleside, Quayside, and Ulster University parking facilities.

For updates, please follow What’s On Derry Strabane on Facebook, Instagram, and X.

For more information, visit www.derrystrabane.com/Christmas.