Christmas 2019
As the dark nights draw in and the temperature drops, Mid and East Antrim lights up with an exciting programme of activities.
From communing with nature in one of our stunning parklands to welcoming in the festive period at a Christmas Lights Switch-ons, there’s something for everyone.
#FindYourChristmas in Mid and East Antrim!
Ballymena Christmas Lights Switch-on
Thursday 14 November from 4pm to 7.30pm
Find your Christmas in Ballymena with entertainment starting at 4pm with festive family fun around the town including DJ Brian Reynolds and the Selfie Glitter Bear at the Harmony Hub.
At 5pm the Harmony Hub hosts Zolene and the ALS Band before the Santa Parade begins at 6.15pm and winds its way around the town.
At 6.20pm the Raise the Roof children's choir will perform at the Harmony Hub will welcome Santa to the officially switch on the Christmas lights around the town.
Santa will then return the Tower Centre to open his Grotto at 7pm and late night shopping is on until 9pm.
Larne Christmas Lights Switch-on
Help Santa and Larne Football Team switch on the Christmas lights on Friday 15 November.
A full festive programme of entertainment will begin at 5pm at Broadway, Larne Town Centre featuring The Salvation Army, The McAuley Christmas Singers, local choirs and Radio Larne.
Spot Mrs Claus and some Victorian carol singers spreading festive cheer on the streets of Larne. Be sure not to run afoul of our Elf & Safety team and look up to see if you can spot Gladys the angel.
Make sure you check out the wonderful window displays of our local traders who have been competing in the Larne Christmas Window Competition. The winner will be announced from the main stage on the evening of the event.
The highlight of the Larne Christmas Switch On will be our lantern parade. Larne and Inver Primary, 7th Larne Scouts and Larne Mini Rugby Club have been working hard to create some beautiful lanterns to help light up the streets. They will be joined by Space Rangers and Cowboys as well as characters from Frozen helping lead the way for Santa and Alderman Greg McKeen to Broadway along with Larne Football Club to switch on the lights at 7.30pm.
The parade will start at approx. 7.10pm from Larne Market Yard, heading along Circular Road, Quay Street, stopping briefly at Broadway for the Light Switch on and returning along Main Street and High Street.
Carrickfergus Christmas Lights Switch-on
A full day of festivities is forecast for Carrickfergus on Saturday 16 November from 2 - 6pm, including live music, dancing, face painting, live reindeer and much more!
Civic Carol service at St Nicholas Church, 4pm.
Santa Claus will arrive to switch on the Christmas tree lights at 5.30pm followed by a spectacular fireworks display at 5.45pm from Fisherman's Quay.
Whitehead Victorian Street Fair & Christmas Lights Switch-on
Take a journey back in time and experience the magic of Christmas at this year’s Whitehead Victorian Street Fair.
1pm - 6.30pm
Whitehead will be transformed to reflect a bygone era on Saturday 30 November for a day packed full of fun events and activities for all the family, culminating in the big lights switch on and a festive firework display.
The Whitehead Victorian Street Fair is organised by Whitehead Community Association and supported by Council.
For further information about Victorian Street Fair, contact: Whitehead Community Centre on T: 028 9337 8077 (or E: wca@whitehead-ni.com).
Other Christmas Light Switch-ons:
- Raloo Presbyterian - Fri 29 November - Raloo Presbyterian Church - 7pm
- Whitehead Community Association & MEA - Sat 30 November - Methodist Church - 4.30pm
- Ballygally Switch-on – Mon 2 December – Ballygally Car Park – 7pm
- Glenarm Community Group – Tue 3 December – Community Office and Green – 7pm
- Dixon Hall – Tue 3 December – Drains Bay Car Park – 7pm
- Glynn Community Group – Wed 4 December – Village Hall – 7pm
- Gleno Valley – Wed 4 December – Church of Ireland – 7pm
- Greenisland – Thur 5 December – Glasillian Green – 8pm
- Cairncastle Community Association – Thur 5 December – Green outside Matties Pub – 7pm
- Antivile Community Care – Thur 5 December – Doric Way – 7pm
- Carnlough Community Group – Fri 6 December – Carnlough Harbour – 7pm
- Millbrook Community Group – Fri 6 December – Millbrook Roundabout – 7pm
- Rotary Larne – Mon 9 December – ASDA Larne – 7pm
- Harbour Community – Wed 11 December – School – 7pm
- Tullgarley Larne – Wed 11 December - 7pm
- Craigyhill Larne – Fri 13 December – Craigyhill Larne – 7pm
- Dixon Park Larne – Fri 13 December – Dixon Park Larne – 7pm
- Islandmagee Community Group – Fri 20 December – Duff’s Corner – 4pm
- Factory Community – Fri 20 December – Greenland Avenue – 6pm