23 magical pictures as Santa switches on the Christmas lights at Rushmere Shopping Centre in Craigavon

By Valerie Martin

Published 8th Nov 2024, 11:59 GMT

Updated 8th Nov 2024, 12:23 GMT

There was a real family atmosphere at Rushmere Shopping Centre on Thursday night as thousands of people gathered for the official start to the festive season.

Children were excited to see Santa arriving in his sleigh and switching on the Christmas lights. The special visitor then took up residence in the centre’s brand new magical Christmas grotto.

Families had plenty of fun enjoying the festive atmosphere and browsing the twilight market.

Photographer Tony Hendron went along to capture some of the fun.

Having fun at the twilight market are Sarah-Jane Cochrane and her boys Aodhan (2), Emmet (6) and Finn (10). PT46-202.

1. Christmas lights

Having fun at the twilight market are Sarah-Jane Cochrane and her boys Aodhan (2), Emmet (6) and Finn (10). PT46-202. Photo: Tony Hendron

Waiting in the front row of the massive crowd for Santa to arrive are, nannie Jackie Leathem, Savannah McShane (1), big sister Julia (3) and mum Eimear McShane. PT46-213.

2. Christmas lights

Waiting in the front row of the massive crowd for Santa to arrive are, nannie Jackie Leathem, Savannah McShane (1), big sister Julia (3) and mum Eimear McShane. PT46-213. Photo: Tony Hendron

Enjoying the Twilight Market at Rushmere are Christine and Blake McCaughey and Pamela Martin. PT46-200.

3. Christmas lights

Enjoying the Twilight Market at Rushmere are Christine and Blake McCaughey and Pamela Martin. PT46-200. Photo: Tony Hendron

Some of the families who enjoyed the twilight market at Rushmere on Thursday. PT46-201.

4. Christmas lights

Some of the families who enjoyed the twilight market at Rushmere on Thursday. PT46-201. Photo: Tony Hendron