The Christmas lights in Enniskillen will be turned on this year, it has been confirmed. However, no official switch-on event has been announced.

From Thursday December 1, the streets of Enniskillen and Omagh will be illuminated with Christmas lighting signalling the start of the Christmas season. 

The Council’s Seasonal Saturdays commence on Saturday December 3 from 12 noon to 2.30pm in Enniskillen and Omagh with music and entertainment along with a special guest appearance by Santa and his helpers.  The Seasonal Saturday programme will continue in both towns on December 10 and 17.

An FODC spokesperson detailed events taking place in the local area, she said: “Get your skates on this Christmas when the very popular Share on Ice experience returns to the Share Holiday Village in Lisnaskea from November 18 until January 4. 

“Take a Polar Express train ride with Mrs Claus and her elves in Enniskillen at Cancer Connect’s Winter Wonderland. Enjoy storytelling and seasonal fun and games each weekend from November 25 - December 10."

The spokesperson added: “And if that’s not enough, experience a traditional Dickens Christmas Fayre by the Golden Apple Players at Strule Arts Centre, Omagh, or enjoy Fermanagh Fun Farm’s Live Nativity Play. 

Outside of Fermanagh, the Council is sponsoring the Winter Wonderland at O’Neill’s Healy Pak in Omagh, which runs from December 1 - January 1.  The event will feature a Christmas market, music and entertainment plus views of the town from the ‘Omagh Eye Ferris Wheel’.

The Council has also rolled out a Christmas Tree and illumination programme to provide trees to towns and villages throughout the District to support their festive activities, and Christmas lights displays will also feature in Carrickmore, Dromore, Fintona, Irvinestown and Lisnaskea. 

Speaking about the Christmas programme, Chair of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Councillor Barry McElduff, said: “I am really delighted that the Council is delivering and supporting a programme of Christmas events for residents and visitors. 

“I am confident that the entertainment on the Saturdays in the run up to Christmas will help to encourage families and visitors into our two main towns to support local businesses.”

He continued: “I also welcome the Christmas Tree programme which is being implemented across the Council area.  It is important to spread the festive cheer as widely as possible and ensure that our towns and villages continue to thrive. 

“This Winter will be particularly challenging for many people, not least with the cost of living crisis.  Therefore, it is all the more important that we embrace the festivities and Christmas Cheer.” 

A variety of Christmas themed events will also be taking place at Council venues providing fun for all the family.  With the ever popular ‘Elf Escape’ at the Marble Arch Caves and a Christmas Science Workshop at the Cuilcagh Lakelands UNESCO Geopark, to workshops, music performances and films at the Ardhowen Theatre, Enniskillen, and Strule Arts Centre, Omagh.