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?
21. Christmas lights
Erin McKeown and Ashlee Brett at the Ballymena Christmas lights switch on in 2006. BT47-223AC Photo: NI World
22. Christmas lights
Tower Centre manager Jim Sommerville with the reindeers prior to the start of the Christmas parade in 2006. BT47-224AC Photo: NI World
23. Christmas lights
Carol singing in Broughshane during the switching on of the Christmas lights in 2015. INBT 48-821H Photo: NI World
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