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?
17. Christmas lights
Young Sophie Clail met Santa during the Christmas lights switch on in Ballymena in 2007. BT45-224AC Photo: NI World
18. Christmas lights
The Mayor of Ballymena, Alderman James Alexander and his wife Elizabeth pictured with local school children who assisted with the switching on of Broughshane Christmas lights in 2006. BT49-024JM. Photo: NI World
19. Christmas lights
Geraldine Robb and Yasmine Brown with one of the stilt walkers at the Ballymena Christmas lights party at the Braid Town Hall in 2010. INBT 45-114JC Photo: John McIlwaine
20. Christmas lights
Frosty the Snowman with Hanna, Yasmin, Amy, Cleo and Chelsea at the Ballymena Christmas lights switch-on in 2015. INBT 47-119JC Photo: NI World