Christmas Lights Switch-On Dates 2026: Ballymena, Larne, Carrickfergus and Whitehead
10 November 2026
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Christmas Lights Switch-On Dates 2026: Ballymena, Larne, Carrickfergus and Whitehead
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Christmas celebrations are returning to Mid and East Antrim this November, with festive lights switch-ons in Ballymena, Larne, Carrickfergus and Whitehead. Families can enjoy Santa parades, live entertainment, Christmas markets, sensory activities and fireworks at selected locations.
The Mid and East Antrim Christmas lights switch-on events for 2026 will bring festive celebrations to four towns throughout November.
Mid and East Antrim Borough Council has announced a packed programme of family-friendly activities, starting in Ballymena on Saturday 14 November.
Residents and visitors can look forward to Christmas parades, live performances, festive markets and appearances from Santa Claus.
Carrickfergus and Whitehead will also host fireworks displays, weather permitting.
Mid and East Antrim Christmas Lights Switch-On Dates 2026
Here are the key dates and times for this year’s celebrations.
Town | Date | Lights switch-on |
|---|---|---|
Ballymena | Saturday 14 November | 6.30pm |
Larne | Friday 20 November | 7.30pm |
Carrickfergus | Saturday 21 November | 5pm |
Whitehead | Saturday 28 November | 5.30pm |
Christmas Lights 2026: Key Dates
Plan your festive outings across Mid and East Antrim.
BallymenaSaturday 14 November6.30pm
LarneFriday 20 November7.30pm
CarrickfergusSaturday 21 November5pm
WhiteheadSaturday 28 November5.30pm
Ballymena Christmas Lights Switch-On – Saturday 14 November
Ballymena will kick off the borough’s Christmas celebrations with an afternoon of entertainment at the Harmony Hub.
Organised by Mid and East Antrim Borough Council in partnership with Ballymena BID, the event runs from 2pm until 7pm.
DJ Mark Ritchie will play festive favourites from 2pm, followed by Downtown Radio presenter Kirstie McMurray at 4pm.
Visitors can enjoy competitions, giveaways and live performances from Xeblam and Ballymena Chamber Orchestra.
Wellington Court will host Christmas characters, face painting and a petting farm.
A dedicated Quiet Time session, including sensory play, will take place between 3pm and 4pm.
Ballymena Santa Parade Route and Lights Switch-On
The Christmas parade will begin at 6pm on Wellington Street.
Santa will travel in the famous Chitty Chitty Bang Bang car, accompanied by Cullybackey Pipe Band and local primary schoolchildren.
The parade will follow this route:
- Wellington Street
- Ballymoney Street
- William Street
- Broughshane Street
- Harmony Hub (lights switch-on at 6.30pm)
- Church Street and Bryan Street
- Return to the Tower Centre
Santa and the Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Alderman Thomas Gordon, will officially switch on Ballymena’s Christmas lights at 6.30pm.
Larne Christmas Lights Switch-On – Friday 20 November
Larne’s Broadway will host an evening of Christmas entertainment on Friday 20 November.
Festivities will run from 5pm until 8pm, with the official lights switch-on taking place at 7.30pm.
The evening will feature live music, festive walkabout performers, Christmas characters and activities for families.
A Quiet Time sensory play session will take place from 4pm until 5pm in the new Pop-Up Park.
Larne Christmas Parade Route
Santa will lead a special festive parade from Larne Market Yard at 7pm.
The parade will include Ballyduff Silver Band, festive floats, Christmas characters and local primary schoolchildren.
It will travel along Station Road, Bridge Street and Main Street before arriving at Broadway for the lights switch-on at 7.30pm.
Carrickfergus Christmas Lights Switch-On and Fireworks – Saturday 21 November
Carrickfergus will celebrate Christmas with a full afternoon of festive entertainment, shopping, a Santa parade and fireworks.
The celebrations begin at 1pm with an artisan Christmas market at the Town Hall and Civic Centre.
Local traders will offer a selection of handmade gifts, festive crafts, baked goods, jewellery, candles and wax melts.
The traditional civic carol service will take place at St Nicholas’ Church from 2pm to 3pm.
A Quiet Time sensory play session will also be available on High Street.
From 3pm, visitors can enjoy:
- Live music and festive performances
- Small funfair rides
- Face painting and Christmas characters
- Activities for children and families
- Seasonal shopping opportunities
Carrickfergus Santa Parade and Fireworks Times
Santa’s festive parade will begin at 4.50pm, travelling along Antrim Street, High Street, Market Place and West Street.
The parade will pause for the official Christmas lights switch-on at 5pm, before returning to Antrim Street.
The celebrations will end with a fireworks display at approximately 5.20pm, weather permitting.
The fireworks are planned to be launched from Fisherman’s Quay, providing a festive finale over Carrickfergus waterfront.
Whitehead Victorian Street Fair and Christmas Lights – Saturday 28 November
Whitehead’s popular Victorian Street Fair will return on Saturday 28 November, bringing traditional Christmas celebrations to the seaside town.
Organised by Whitehead Community Association, the event will feature entertainment from 12 noon, including live performances, fairground rides, storytelling and steam train rides.
Families will also have the opportunity to visit Santa in his grotto.
The civic carol service will take place at Whitehead Presbyterian Church from 4.30pm.
The official Christmas lights switch-on is scheduled for 5.30pm, followed by a fireworks display along the promenade at approximately 5.50pm, weather permitting.
More Christmas Events Across Mid and East Antrim
The Christmas lights switch-ons are just the beginning of the festive programme.
Other attractions will include the return of the Christmas Twinkle Trail at Shaftesbury Park in Carrickfergus during December.
Christmas markets, pantomimes and seasonal concerts will also take place, including performances at The Braid in Ballymena.
Mayor Thomas Gordon welcomed the celebrations and encouraged residents to come together.
He said:
“It is always wonderful to see our towns and villages unite in the spirit of Christmas, to celebrate as a community and enjoy the packed programme of events on offer.”
The Mayor also highlighted the range of seasonal attractions planned throughout the borough.
Plan Your Christmas Celebrations
For the full festive programme and the latest updates, visit Mid and East Antrim Borough Council.
You can also explore local Christmas markets, festive activities and community celebrations through Northern Ireland Online’s Events Directory.
Organising a Christmas event? Add it to Northern Ireland Online for free and help more local families discover what’s happening in their area.
Submit your free event listing.
Event dates, times, parade routes and fireworks arrangements may change. Visitors should check official updates before travelling.
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