As the festive season approaches, Mid and East Antrim Borough Council is thrilled to announce its annual Christmas light switch on events - officially marking the beginning of the festive season with an enchanting display of lights and cheer!
Taking place in Ballymena, Larne, Carrickfergus and Whitehead – the events will be packed with fun-filled family entertainment, seasonal music, plus a very special visit from the main man himself – Santa!
“Christmas is a magical time of year, and we are excited to kick off the festive season with our beloved light switch-on events,” said Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Alderman Beth Adger MBE.
“These celebrations not only brighten our towns but also bring our community together. We encourage everyone to come out, enjoy the festivities, and create lasting memories with friends and family.
“In addition to the dazzling light displays, each event will also highlight our wonderful local businesses - showcasing the unique offerings within our Council area and encouraging residents to shop local this Christmas.”
Ballymena Christmas Lights Switch On
Saturday 16 November
Harmony Hub, Ballymena: 12noon - 7pm
(Light Switch On 6.30pm)
Kick off the Christmas festivities in Ballymena on Saturday16 November with an afternoon of festive fun leading up to the Ballymena Christmas parade and light switch on!
There will be a full programme of entertainment in the town centre from midday onwards. From 3pm-4pm will be ‘Quiet Time’ with more relaxed entertainment.
The fun ramps up at 4pm with festive walkabout characters, face painting, balloon modelling, sensory play, reindeer and toe-tapping tunes from the live concert stage at Broadway - featuring live music from Ballymena Ukulele Group and Ballymena Community Choir.
The Santa Parade starts from Wellington Street at 6pm and will feature floats and trains, local school children with lanterns, Santa’s vintage car and characters to entertain the crowds!
The route will take in Wellington Street, Ballymoney Street, William Street, Broughshane Street, (with a pause at Harmony Hub to switch on the lights at 6.30pm with Santa and the Mayor), Church Street, Bryan Street and back to the Tower Centre.
And, thanks to Ballymena BID, Downtown Radio is broadcasting live from Harmony Hub from 12noon to 2pm. Breakfast Show favourite, Gary Myles, will be playing your favourite Christmas hits and giving away goodies and concert tickets!
Larne Christmas Lights Switch On
Friday 22 November
Broadway, Larne: 5pm - 8pm
(switch on 7.30pm)
Come along on Friday 22 November to see the spectacular Larne Christmas lights switched on for 2024!
There will be a full programme of entertainment taking place at Broadway from 5pm featuring onstage live music, kids entertainment, sensory play and festive walkabout performers.From 4-5pm will be ‘Quiet Time’ with more relaxed entertainment.
Santa will lead a special parade that will leave Larne Market Yard around 7pm before heading to Broadway to switch on the lights at 7.30pm.
The parade will feature floats, Christmas characters, novelty trains, local school children and of course Santa! The parade route for 2024 takes in Station Road, Bridge Street, Main Street, and then making its way to Broadway where Santa and the Mayor will turn on the Christmas lights.
Carrickfergus Christmas Lights Switch On
Saturday 23 November
High Street, Carrickfergus 12noon – 6pm
(switch on 5.30pm)
Come along for an afternoon of festive family fun on Saturday 23 November with music, dance and Christmas characters to get you in the spirit before the lights switch on at High Street.
There will be plenty of entertainment onstage and in the performance circle throughout the day including performances from local performing troupes such as Uplift Performing Arts and Royal Tara Dance Academy, live music plus much more.
With festive characters, face painting, sensory play, Christmas carnival games and funfair rides – there’s lots of fun for all the family! Please note, from 1-2pm will be ‘Quiet Time’ with more relaxed entertainment.
The traditional Civic carol service will take place in the historic St Nicholas’ Church from 4pm.
Help the Mayor and Santa countdown to the official lights switch on at 5.30pm and enjoy the magical finale when a fabulous fireworks display will take place at approx. 5.45pm from Fisherman's Quay. (Weather dependent)
Whitehead Christmas Lights Switch On
Saturday 30 November
Whitehead: 12noon – 6.15pm
(switch on 5.30pm)
The popular Victorian Street Fair returns for 2024!
From street entertainers and arts and crafts to Christmas stalls and street vendors – it’s the perfect backdrop to the Christmas lights switch-on.
There will be a live music stage with a jam-packed schedule of local acts, meet Santa in his grotto plus steam train rides, hog roasts, fairground rides and kids’ entertainment. There will also be a selection of talks and storytelling (Victorian Street Fair organised by Whitehead Community Association).
The Civic Carol service will take place in Whitehead Presbyterian Church from 4.30pm, followed by the official Christmas Lights switch on at 5.30pm. The fabulous fireworks display will take place at 5.50pm - along the promenade - to close the festivities (weather dependent).