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?
9. Christmas lights
Rachael Fleming met up with Frosty the Snowman at the Ballymena Christmas lights switch-on in 2010. INBT 45-106JC Photo: John McIlwaine
10. Christmas lights
At the Ballymena Christmas lights switch on in 2006. BT47-235AC Photo: NI World
11. Christmas lights
Local people and elected representatives who attended the Christmas lights switch-on in Broughshane in 2015. INBT 48-822H Photo: NI World
12. Christmas lights
Members of the Alternative Medicine Theatre company who entertained the crowds during the Christmas lights switch on in Ballymena, 2006. BT47-246AC Photo: NI World