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?
13. Christmas lights
Enjoying the fun in Ballymena at the 2006 Christmas lights switch on. BT47-247AC Photo: NI World
14. Christmas lights
Emma looked very festive at the Christmas lights switch-on in Broughshane in 2015. INBT 48-823H Photo: NI World
15. Christmas lights
Chloe Lisandra and her mum Sharon with Rudolf and Frosty at the Ballymena Christmas lights party in 2010. INBT 45-109JC Photo: John McIlwaine
16. Christmas lights
Attending the Ballymena Christmas lights party in 2010 at the Braid Town Hall were Rebecca Wright, Naoimh McKinley, Emily Chestnutt, Rachael McKinley, Aimee Chestnutt and Chloe Kernohan. INBT 45-113JC Photo: John McIlwaine