Christmas in NEW ROSS Best ever Christmas in New Ross
THIS year’s New Ross Nollaig festivities are shaping up to be the best ever - with several new events taking place in the run up to Christmas.
With free movies, Elf on the Shelf appearances, wonderful white glowing lights hanging overhead and carol singers and Christmas music playing, the town has something magical about it.
Parking will be free in the town from Monday, December 18 all week till Christmas Eve, which falls on a Sunday, for some last minute shopping for loved ones. Shoppers are asked to keep an eye out for in store promotions now that the festive season is well under way, with fun family events on every weekend, many of which are free.
This Saturday budding Elsas, Olafs and Annas of all ages can enjoy a free Christmas movie in St Michael’s Theatre, namely Frozen Sing Along, at 3 p.m.
On the following Saturday, at the same time, the Muppet’s Christmas Carol, will be shown, also for free, courtesy of Wexford County Council. To book your seat contact the theatre on (051) 421255.
Following the Muppets screening, why not enjoy the stunning sight of eight tractors decorated with thousands of colourful, flashing Christmas lights, being driven through the town from 5 p.m., starting at Irishtown and finishing on the quay at the Dunbrody Visitors Centre.
Then on Sunday, December 24, the Christmas Eve parade with Santa takes place. New Ross & District Pipe band will hold their traditional Christmas Eve performances beginning at the Dunbrody Famine Ship at 3 p.m. and will be accompanied by reindeer, elves, Mrs. Claus and of course Santa Claus.
There are also numerous fun things to do including the Santa Wonderland Experience at the Dunbrody Visitor Centre and events at Craft Central and St Michael’s Theatre, among other venues across the district.
The Elf on the Shelf has already begun making appearances and he can be spotted right up until Christmas Eve - so little ones are advised to keep their eyes pealed. Prizes will be given for correct identification of the location of the smiley elf through social and local media.
Chamber CEO Teresa Delaney said the Chamber has extended its Christmas lights to Marshmeadows - spending €2,000 more this year, on top of the €79,000 already spent - extending the lights as far as Marshmeadows. She thanked local businesses for their generous contributions.
A window display competition sponsored by Wexford County Council will run with local schools and clubs. Prizes will be presented to the school or club with the best festive window. The initiative will see as many vacant property windows in town as possible decorated.
Businesses are being encouraged to decorate their businesses, inside and out with cheery festive baubles, Christmas trees, cribs and tinsel.
A welcome addition this year is the newly installed sound system which plays festive favourites from early in the morning throughout the day, getting everyone in the Christmas spirit. Ms Delaney said: ‘So stroll through the streets and explore the many shops with everything the kids would love for Christmas including great toys, books, fun activities and maybe a little treat from a Christmas Elf or Santa himself.’
With several new shops opening in recent weeks and the Kennedy Boutique Hotel about to open its doors on the quay, there is a better retail and food offering in the town than in recent years and with 70 shops partaking in the New Ross & District Chamber of Commerce Shopping Vouchers initiative New Ross is the place to shop this Christmas and January sales period.
In 2016 €224,500 in vouchers were sold in the New Ross district, supporting local businesses and jobs.
Under the current revenue rules, employers are permitted to give a once off payment up to €500 worth of vouchers to each employee without any tax implications for either, i.e. the employee can accept vouchers without incurring PAYE, PRSI, USC or BIK.
The employer is not liable for PRSI . Also if the voucher is treated as a bonus or part there of, it can be claimed as a business expense. The only obligation on the employer is to keep a record of employees that they issue vouchers to.
For the purchaser there is no administration fee for orders up to €500, an adminstration fee of 7 per cent on orders between €500 up to €1,000, per cent on orders between €1,000 up to €5,000 and 4 per cent on orders over €5,000.
The vouchers are available in denominations of €20 and €50 and can be purchased by completing the Order Form, or contact New Ross & District Chamber Office No 36 The Rising Tide Business Centre, South Street, by phoning 051-425077, by emailing admin@ newrosschamber.ie. If you are in business and would like to join the New Ross & District Chamber Voucher Scheme please contact New Ross & District Chamber Office on 051-425077 or email: admin@newrosschamber.ie Accepting New Ross & District Shopping Vouchers encourages uplift in sales, helps to maintain and develop your customer base, attract new customers from surrounding areas, get recognition for work to promote New Ross collectively and always businesses to be part of a brand that promotes quality, value, choice and excellence in customer service. Members of the public can also purchase the vouchers as gift. The chamber wish to thank Lake Region Medical for their continued support and contribution to the local community.