Mid and East Antrim is set to sparkle as towns across the borough including Ballymena, Larne and Carrickfergus, prepare to bring families and friends together for the most special and magical time of the year.
BALLYMENA
Saturday, 16 November
The town of Ballymena will host its annual Christmas Lights Switch On event on Saturday, 16 November 2024. The festive festivities will unfold at the Harmony Hub, promising a day filled with holiday cheer for all ages.
The event kicks off at noon with an array of entertainment in the town centre, designed to get everyone into the Christmas spirit. For those who might find the usual hustle and bustle overwhelming, a special Quiet Time has been scheduled from 3pm to 4pm, offering a more serene environment with gentle entertainment.
From 4pm, the atmosphere will ramp up with an array of activities including walkabout Christmas characters, face painting, and balloon modeling.
Families can also enjoy the sight of reindeer and be entertained by live performances at the Broadway concert stage. The lineup includes the beloved Ballymena Ukulele Group and the Ballymena Community Choir, ensuring there's plenty of toe-tapping tunes to enjoy.
The highlight of the day, the Santa Parade, will commence at 6pm from Wellington Street. This parade promises a visual feast with floats, festive trains, and local school children carrying lanterns.
The parade will also feature Santa’s vintage car, adding a touch of nostalgia to the event.
The procession will make its way through Wellington Street, Ballymoney Street, William Street, and Broughshane Street, where it will pause at the Harmony Hub for the much-anticipated moment of the light switch-on at 6:30pm. Here, Santa and the Mayor will together illuminate Ballymena, marking the official start of the festive season.
The parade will continue along Church Street, Bryan Street, and loop back to the Tower Centre, ensuring that residents and visitors alike have ample opportunities to catch the festive spectacle.
The Ballymena Christmas Lights Switch On is expected to draw crowds from near and far, fostering a sense of community and holiday magic under the twinkling lights of Ballymena.
Don't miss this enchanting day of fun, music, and Christmas cheer!
LARNE
22 November 2024
Kick off the Christmas festivities in Larne on Friday 22 November!
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 on.
There will be a full programme of entertainment taking place at Broadway from 5pm featuring onstage live music, kids entertainment and festive walkabout performers.
CARRICKFERGUS
Saturday 23 November
An afternoon of festive fun leading up to the Carrickfergus Christmas Light Switch On!
Come along for an afternoon of festive family fun on Saturday 23 November with music, dance and Christmas characters to get you into the Christmas 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 and more. From festive characters, face painting, Christmas carnival games, and some funfair rides, there is lots of fun for all the family.
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 (approx).
Enjoy the magical finale where a fabulous fireworks display will take place at approximately 5.45pm from Fisherman's Quay (weather dependent).