With the countdown to Christmas already having begun for many, plans are being polished and perfected by Santa's little helpers for another sparkling Festive season across Mid and East Antrim.
Dates have been confirmed for a number of events in the Borough, including in Ballymena, Larne, Whitehead and Carrickfergus, which will offer up plenty of memory making moments for families and friends alike.
LARNE
Friday 17 November 2023
Kick off the Christmas celebrations in Larne on Friday 18 November with Festive fun scheduled between 5pm - 8pm (switch on 7.30pm).
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, Clydesdale horses and dray, Christmas characters, local school children and of course Santa!
There is a NEW parade route for 2023 which takes in Station Road, Bridge Street, Main Street, turning at the mini roundabout and making its way to Broadway where Santa and the Mayor will turn on the Christmas lights on.
The community can enjoy a full programme of entertainment, which will take place at Broadway from 5pm with Sound Goods Music and featuring live music from The VIPs, kids entertainment and festive walkabouts.
BALLYMENA
Saturday 18 November 2023
Join the fun on Saturday 18 November as the Ballymena Christmas Lights are switched on!
The festive entertainment programme begins at 4pm with Christmassy walkabout characters, face painting, balloon modelling and toe-tapping tunes from the live concert stage at Broadway - featuring live music from Ballymena Ukelele Group and The Gatecrashers.
The Santa Parade starts from Wellington Street at 6pm and will feature floats, local school children with lanterns, Santa’s Clydesdale horses and dray and plenty of festive characters to entertain the crowds!
The route will take in Wellington Street, Ballymoney Street, William Street, Broughshane Street, (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.
CARRICKFERGUS
Saturday 25 November 2023
Plan to go along for an afternoon of festive family fun on Saturday 25 November from 2pm, 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 on stage throughout the day including performances from Uplift Performing Arts, live music from The Flame N’Ukes and The Stepbrothers plus much more.
From festive characters, face painting, Christmas carnival games and mini carousels, there is lots of fun for 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 approx. 5.45pm from Fisherman's Quay. (Weather dependent).
WHITEHEAD
Saturday 2 December 2023
Established in 2008, the street fair celebrates the heritage of Whitehead town with its Victorian theme.
From street entertainers, 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 4pm, followed by the official Christmas Lights switch on at 5.30pm.
The fabulous fireworks display will take place at 6pm - along the promenade - to close the festivities (weather dependent).
Other Christmas Community Events
• Family Christmas Crafts with Storytime
Larne Museum & Arts Centre
Saturday 9 December 2023 | 10.30am – 3pm
Join this event for a free drop-in Christmas crafts session with activities suitable for all ages. The day will also include seasonal stories. Suitable for the whole family.
Please express your interest by contacting Larne Museum:
T: 028 2826 2443
Light refreshments provided!