Douglas is set to sparkle later this month, as the traditional Christmas light switch on marks the start of the festive season.
A full day of fun is in store on Saturday, November 21, as a packed programme of attractions has been planned in the city centre before the lights turn on at 5.30pm. These include an outdoor cinema, snow garden, ice sculpture, and a Christmas photo booth.
Following this, events will continue throughout the festive period. Highlights include:
- Thursday, November 26: A spectacular Christmas-themed fireworks display to mark the start of late-night Christmas shopping in Douglas from 7pm
- Saturday, December 5: The Great Loki Treasure Hunt from 10am-3pm
- Thursday, December 10: A live Christmas Nativity from 5.30pm-7.30pm
- Saturday, December 19: A Christmas Show Extravaganza featuring a brilliant line-up of performers from 9.30am–5pm
There will also be an augmented reality experience launching on Saturday, November 21, alongside the Best Dressed Christmas Window competition.
Douglas City Centre Manager, Oliver Cheshire, said: “This year sees a new all-day format on the Saturday which will provide even more opportunities to enjoy the city centre, support our local businesses, soak up the atmosphere and take part in festive activities.
“We want people to come into Douglas, enjoy the events, explore the fantastic range of local shops and make the most of the city’s hospitality.”
Free Parking in Place
To make visiting the city centre even easier, a number of free parking arrangements will be in place over the festive period.
From November 26 until Christmas Eve, Shaw’s Brow and the Bottleneck car parks will be free every Saturday and on Thursday evenings from 5pm to 10pm. Shaw’s Brow is currently free all weekend from 7pm each Friday to 7am on Monday.
Free parking will also be available along the Promenade walkway from November 19 until January 13, 2027. On the evening of the fireworks display, free parking will instead be available at the Bottleneck and Chester Street car parks.