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?
5. Christmas lights
Georgie and Tamarin with Santa during the Christmas lights switch on in Ballymena in 2007. BT45-225AC Photo: NI World
6. Christmas lights
Celine, Curtis and Joshua Mitchell with Frosty at the Ballymena Christmas lights party at the Braid Town Hall in 2010. INBT 45-107JC Photo: John McIlwaine
7. Christmas lights
Pictured during the 2006 Christmas lights switch on in Ballymena. BT47-244AC Photo: NI World
8. Christmas lights
Clare Rea and her dad Mark at the 2015 Ballymena Christmas lights switch-on. INBT 47-118JC Photo: NI World