The awards celebrate the outstanding efforts of businesses, schools, churches and community groups who go the extra mile to spread festive cheer and bring communities together during the Christmas season. This year, the council received over 50 nominations, highlighting the incredible kindness, creativity and community spirit shown right across the borough.
Traditional Christmas Award - Recognising acts of goodwill during the festive period
Winner - Friends of Antrim Castle Gardens: awarded for their heartfelt acts of giving, including the creation and delivery of beautiful festive planters to deserving members of the community.
Light Up Award - For the Best Lit Town/Village/Street/Precinct
Winner - Doagh Village Community Association: awarded for the spectacular Big Christmas Lights Switch-On in the Square on 27 November. This event was a true community celebration, supported by generous local business sponsorship and festive carols from Doagh Primary School choir. The switch-on was attended by more than 150 residents, with a special visit from Santa Claus.
Reason for the Season Award - The most festive school, church, or community facility
Winner - Earlview Primary School: receiving the highest number of nominations this year, the school was recognised for its beautifully crafted outdoor Nativity scene. The display captured the heart and meaning of Christmas, offering a creative and welcoming focal point that brought the wider community together.
Making an Entrance Award - The best-dressed entrance feature or shop front
Winner - Crafty Mammies: honoured for their stunning festive window display featuring a hand-painted Santa that perfectly complemented their corporate colours. The window captured the joy of Christmas and delighted passers-by.
Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree Award - Best programme of festive entertainment within a business or community setting
Winner – Ollardale Community Group: celebrating its 25th anniversary, this group marked this milestone with an extensive festive programme including wreath making, a Christmas market outing, a Christmas tree lights event, a seniors’ dinner and much more. Although unable to attend the ceremony, the group proudly received their award at their recent volunteer awards evening.
Special Award: Christmas Cyber Star Award – Recognising a shining star who supports charitable causes in line with this year’s Cyber Safety Awareness theme
Winner – The Legendary Santa – Scott Wilson: frequently nominated across multiple categories, Scott Wilson’s contribution extends far beyond his magical appearances as Father Christmas. Through tireless fundraising and year-round dedication to charitable causes, he continues to make a meaningful and positive impact on the local community, earning him this year’s Special Award.
Mayor’s Award - Most Outstanding Event – Chosen by the Mayor
Winner – Riverside School: selected by the Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Leah Kirkpatrick, the school was recognised for its magical Winter Wonderland event. The dedication, creativity and festive spirit shown by staff created an unforgettable Christmas experience for children and their families.
Mayor, Councillor Leah Kirkpatrick, said: “The Spirit of Christmas Awards are always a highlight of the festive calendar. The level of dedication, generosity and creativity shown across our borough this year has been truly inspiring. Every nomination tells a story of people coming together to support one another, and I would like to congratulate all of our winners and nominees for making our communities such wonderful places to live, especially at Christmas.”
The Spirit of Christmas Awards continue to shine a light on the remarkable efforts taking place throughout Antrim and Newtownabbey, celebrating those who help make the festive season special for everyone.
1. Contributed
Carol Patton from Doagh Village Community Association who were awarded the Light Up Award for their Christmas light switch-on event on 27 November. Photo: Submitted
2. Contributed
Jonathan, Mandy and Rachel from Earlview Primary School who received the highest number for nominations this year for their outdoor Nativity scene, winning the Reason for the Season Award Photo: Submitted
3. Contributed
Lavinia and Nicole from Crafty Mammies collect the Making an Entrance Award for their stunning festive window display Photo: Submitted
4. Contributed
Marie and Anne from Friends of Antrim Castle Gardens collect the Traditional Christmas Award for their heartfelt acts of giving Photo: Submitted