Causeway Council invite town centre businesses to bring Christmas creativity to shop windows

Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council has launched its 2025 festive window competition, an annual event across the Borough that showcases just how creative our town centre shop owners can be!

For the fourth year, Council’s Town and Village Management team has worked with a local artisan crafter to create bespoke awards.

This year will see beautifully crafted snowman themed awards made by Alan Dean of Scenic Woodcraft, presented to the lucky winners.

Alan produced the awards using a mix of Ash and Beech timbers from local trees, storm damaged in 2022, these woods have also been contrasted against Forest Stewardship Council certified [FSC] timbers within the award design.

Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, Councillor Oliver McMullan, said: “It’s wonderful to see the return of our annual Christmas Window Competition, marking the start of Christmas in Causeway Coast and Glens.

“Our high streets in the towns and villages from Cushendall to Ballymoney and Bushmills to Limavady really do offer a fantastic selection of shops and food establishments to enjoy a shop and eat local experience this Christmas season.

“I would like to thank all our local businesses for the fantastic effort that goes into putting together a seasonal theme for shoppers. I personally love to see the creativity of the Christmas windows, and I know that this year’s competition will be of a very high standard.

“Good luck to everyone involved, and I’d encourage our residents and visitors to support local and visit Causeway Coast and Glens for your seasonal shopping.”

One lucky winner will be selected from each of the following towns: Ballycastle, Ballykelly, Ballymoney, Bushmills, Coleraine, Cushendall, Dungiven, Garvagh, Kilrea, Limavady, Portrush and Portstewart.

This year, the winners in Ballymoney, Limavady, Ballycastle, Coleraine, Garvagh and Portstewart towns will be judged by community representatives and announced during their respective Christmas Switch-on events.

Ballymoney: Thursday 20th November, Limavady: Saturday 22nd November, Ballycastle: Thursday 27th November, Coleraine: Friday 28th November, Garvagh: Monday 1st December and Portstewart: Thursday 4th December.

The judging for the remaining towns and villages will take place from Monday 1st December, with winners being announced week commencing Monday 8th December 2025.

No Formal Entry Required: Any business with a shop window in the participating towns and villages is automatically entered.

Theme: Businesses should dress their windows in a festive theme.

Judging: The judging will be conducted by members of the Town Centre Forums and community groups.

Announcement: Winners will be announced and awards presented before Santa arrives to turn on the Christmas lights in the Ballymoney, Limavady, Ballycastle, Coleraine, Garvagh and Portstewart. [Dates listed above]

This competition aims to foster a festive atmosphere and encourage residents and visitors to "Shop Eat Enjoy Local" this holiday season.

In addition, there will also be one winner selected from the artisan traders at the Council run Causeway Speciality Market for the best dressed stall.

The Causeway Speciality Market will be in Coleraine town centre on Saturday, December 13 and 20, with the winner of the best dressed stall announced on December 13.