When Christmas lights will be switched on in Ballymena, Larne, Carrickgergus, and Whitehead
Towns across Mid and East Antrim are set to sparkle as the countdown to Christmas gets underway, beginning with Ballymena’s big switch-on this weekend.
Mid and East Antrim Borough Council will officially start the festive season on Saturday, November 14 with Ballymena’s Christmas lights switch on at the Harmony Hub.
The festivities will run from 2pm-7pm, with plenty of entertainment for all ages.
Delivered in partnership with Ballymena BID, the event will see DJ Mark Ritchie spinning the Christmas hits from 2pm, before Downtown Radio’s Kirstie McMurray takes over from 4pm with competitions and giveaways.
Wellington Court will feature a host of Chrismassy characters, face-painting and even a petting farm, while the live concert stage at the Harmony Hub will feature music from Xeblam and Ballymena Chamber Orchestra.
There will be Quiet Time with sensory play from 3pm-4pm.
Santa Claus himself will be making an appearance as he travels in the Chitty Chitty Bang Bang car for the parade, also featuring Cullybackey Pipe Band and local primary schoolchildren.
Starting from Wellington Street at 6pm, it will take in Ballymoney Street, William Street, and Broughshane Street before pausing at the Harmony Hub at 6:30pm for the official lights switch-on by Santa and the Mayor.
The parade will continue along Church Street and Bryan Street, before heading back to the Tower Centre, which is kindly supporting the event.
Following the Ballymena switch on, festive celebrations will continue with:
Larne switch-on, Friday, November 20, Broadway
Larne’s festive celebrations will be at Broadway from 5pm-8pm, with the Christmas lights switch-on at 7:30pm.
There will be a Quiet Time sensory play session from 4pm-5pm in the new pop-up park.
The full programme of entertainment at Broadway will include live music, festive walkabout performers and more.
Santa will lead a special parade including Ballyduff Silver Band, festive floats, Christmas characters, local primary schools and more from Larne Market Yard at 7pm. It will take in Station Road, Bridge Street, and Main Street, before heading to Broadway for the big switch on.
Carrickfergus switch-on, Saturday, November 21, town centre
There’ll be an artisan market in the Town Hall and Civic Centre from 1pm, with everything from baked goods to jewellery, candles, wax melts and festive crafts.
The civic carol service will take place in St Nicholas’ Church from 2pm-3pm, with a Quiet Time sensory play session held at High Street.
The main event will start from 3pm, with live music and performances, small funfair rides, face-painting, festive characters and more.
Santa will lead his parade from 4:50pm, taking in Antrim Street, High Street, Market Place and West Street, pausing for the lights switch on at 5pm, before returning to Antrim Street.
There will be a fireworks display, weather permitting, from Fisherman’s Quay at around 5:20pm.
Whitehead Victoria Street Fair and switch-on, Saturday, November 28
Whitehead’s popular Victorian Street Fair, organised by Whitehead Community Association, will start at 12pm and will include a live music stage with a packed schedule of local acts. There will also be steam train rides, fairground rides, talks and storytelling, and even the chance to meet Santa in his grotto.
The civic carol service will take place in Whitehead Presbyterian Church from 4:30pm, followed by the switch-on at 5:30pm.
A fireworks display will close the celebrations, weather permitting, at 5:50pm along the promenade.