Capture Christmas Across the Borough This Weekend!
Monday 17 November 2025
The festive season continues in full swing across Mid and East Antrim this weekend as Larne and Carrickfergus burst into life with sparkle, music and magical Christmas cheer at their annual Christmas lights switch on events!
Both towns are set to host a ray of fun-filled family entertainment, festive performances, crafts, characters, and - of course - a special appearance from the main man himself… Santa!
So wrap up warm, gather your family and friends, and join us for a spectacular weekend of festive celebrations across the Borough.
- Larne Lights Switch-On, Friday 21 November, Broadway, 5pm-8pm (switch on 7.30pm).
Larne will be glowing with festive excitement as the celebrations begin with a Quiet Hour of outdoor sensory play from 4pm-5pm. From 5pm, families can enjoy face painting, Christmas characters, live music, and street entertainment. The highlight of the evening will be the Festive Parade at 7.10pm, led by Santa and the Mayor, featuring a vibrant Samba band, festive floats, pupils from Larne and Inver Primary School, Scouts and Christmas trains. The festivities will reach their highlight at 7.30pm when Santa and the Mayor officially switch on Larne’s Christmas lights, illuminating the town for the holiday season.
- Carrickfergus Lights Switch-On, Saturday 22 November, Town Centre, 1pm-5.30pm (switch on 5pm).
Carrickfergus will shine bright with festive fun as Market Place hosts the town’s Christmas Lights Switch-On celebrations. The day begins with a Civic Carol Service at St Nicholas’ Church and a Quiet Hour of outdoor sensory play from 2pm-3pm.
From 3pm, the main event will fill the town with festive cheer, featuring face painting, Christmas crafts, live music, Christmas characters, and performances from local favourites including Hawthorn Melody Hands, Uplift Performing Arts, Royal Tara Dance Academy, and Studio 86.
A highlight of this year’s festivities is the NEW Festive Parade at 4.45pm, led by Santa and the Deputy Mayor, featuring Santa in his vintage car, Ballyduff Silver Band, Woodlawn Primary School pupils, and festive floats. At 5pm, Santa and the Deputy Mayor will officially switch on the Christmas lights, followed by a spectacular fireworks finale at 5.20pm, lighting up the sky above the Promenade (weather permitting).
Adding even more festive charm, the Carrickfergus Christmas Market returns this year, taking place in a Marquee in High Street Car Park from 1pm–5.30pm. The market will showcase a wide selection of talented local crafters, perfect for picking up unique, handcrafted Christmas gifts.
For more information and full event listings, visit our dedicated Tourism website at Shaped by Sea and Stone.