The switching-on of Christmas lights in towns and villages across Northern Ireland is often seen as the official start of the festive season.
We’ve delved into the Ballymena Times archive and found these fab photos of local residents enjoying Christmas switch-on festivities in Ballymena and Broughshane between 2006 and 2015.
Can you spot anyone you know?
1. Christmas lights
A large crowd who attended the Ballymena Christmas lights switch on in 2007. BT45-222AC Photo: NI World
2. Christmas lights
Children with Snowy, Rudolf and Frosty at the Ballymena Christmas lights switch-on in 2015. INBT 47-116JC Photo: NI World
3. Christmas lights
Smiling for the camera during the Christmas lights switch on in Ballymena in 2006. BT47-243AC Photo: NI World
4. Christmas lights
Lynn McCloy and her son Ryan with the Mayor of Ballymena, Ald. James Alexander at the Christmas lights switch on in 2006. BT47-242AC Photo: NI World