Fabulous festive fun throughout the Borough this December!

The events begin in style with the annual Whitehead Christmas Lights Switch On which takes place on Saturday 2 December from 12noon – 6.15pm (switch on 5.30pm).

From street entertainers and arts and crafts to Christmas stalls and street vendors – it’s the perfect backdrop to the Christmas lights switch-on.  There will be a live music stage with a jam-packed schedule of local acts, meet Santa in his grotto plus steam train rides, hog roasts, fairground rides and kids entertainment. There will also be a selection of talks and storytelling. (Victorian Street Fair organised by Whitehead Community Association).

The civic carol service will take place in Whitehead Presbyterian Church from 4pm, followed by the official Christmas Lights switch on at 5.30pm. The fabulous fireworks display will take place at 6pm – along the promenade – to close the festivities (weather dependent).

A Winter Craft Village will be pitching up in the Braid in Ballymena this year, showcasing a vast array of local crafters and artisan food producers – from ceramics, jewellery, glass, wood, textiles, printmakers, botanica, candle makers, bakers and so much more – it’s the perfect place to pick up a beautiful gift. You can visit the village on:

•             Thursday 7 December 2023: 6pm to 9pm

•             Friday 8 December 2023: 6pm to 9pm

•             Saturday 9 December 2023: 11am to 4pm

Larne Museum and Arts Centre is hosting a free drop-in Christmas crafts session with activities suitable for all ages on Saturday 9 December 2023 from 10.30am to 3pm.  The day will also include seasonal stories, suitable for the whole family. Light refreshments will be provided.

Please express your interest by calling Larne Museum on T: 028 2826 2443 or E: marian.kelso@midandeastantrim.gov.uk.

Also taking place on Saturday the 9 December is a Christmas family fun day in Ballymena town centre from 12noon to 4pm.

Council, in partnership with the Ballymena BID, will be hosting a festive family fair to get everyone in the Christmas mood!

The fair will have FREE children’s rides, marshmallow toasting, face-painting, and a selection of local crafters!

Look out for the walkabout characters who will be handing out Christmas treats around the town while listening to festive music at the Harmony Hub.

An exciting day full of festive activities not to be missed!

In addition, Carrickfergus Town Hall will be screening ‘The Polar Express’ in on Saturday 9 December 2023 from 2pm to 4pm.

Tickets are £2 per person and include popcorn and a small drink.  Tickets are available from through the Eventbrite website’s listing for the Pop Up Christmas Cinema.

Children must be accompanied by an adult and supervised at all times.

And while you’re in town, please remember to support the fantastic local businesses and shops who support everyone all through the year.