Carrickfergus Christmas Twinkle Trail Brings a New Sparkle to the Festive Season
Friday 28 November 2025
Mid and East Antrim Borough Council is set to launch a brand-new festive attraction this year, with the first ever Carrickfergus Christmas Twinkle Trail opening at Shaftesbury Park from Sunday 7 to Thursday 11 December.
Designed with young families in mind, the Twinkle Trail will transform the park into a gentle, glowing Christmas walk, giving children and adults a chance to explore a series of illuminated features and experience something a little different in the run up to Christmas.
Local primary school children have been given the opportunity to be the first to experience the Twinkle Trail at an exclusive event on Saturday 6 December, via a ticket link distributed by their school. However, for anyone unable to get tickets, the trail can be visited from Sunday 7 December onwards, from 4pm to 8pm free of charge, with no ticket required.
Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Councillor Jackson Minford, said the new experience brings something fresh and exciting to Carrickfergus at a time when families are looking for memorable festive moments.
“Introducing the Twinkle Trail to Carrickfergus is a lovely way to create something special for everyone in our community. The lights in the park offer an outdoor festive experience that children and adults alike will really enjoy. It is great to see new ideas being brought to life in the Borough and I hope plenty of people make the most of it.”
Shaftesbury Park will be closed from Wednesday 3 December to Saturday 6 December for the set up and installation and reopen on Sunday 7 December at 8am. Access to the park will be monitored by staff and CCTV, to safeguard the equipment and dogs will need to be kept on a lead until the event ends on Thursday 11 December at 8pm.
The Twinkle Trail has been funded by the Department for Communities and Mid and East Antrim Borough Council.
The Twinkle Trail forms part of a wider programme of Christmas events taking place across Mid and East Antrim, including light switch-ons, artisan markets and community celebrations.
Full event listings and updates are available on our dedicated Tourism website at Shaped by Sea and Stone or by following @meaboroughcouncil on social media.