Christmas lights: This is when lights are being switched on near you

Antrim and Newtownabbey Council are asking the public to join them at Christmas Light Switch Ons.

" There will be lots of free, festive family fun across the Borough from Wednesday 23 November to Saturday 26 November as we kick off the seasonal celebrations,” they say.

"Hosted by Cool FM presenters, the events will each feature an innovative performance by Tumble Circus. Local talent will take to the stage including primary schools, choirs, musicians and dance academies to get you in the mood for Christmas. Santa will also make an appearance during the event alongside a special guest before the Christmas lights are switched on, lighting up the Borough for Christmas 2022! Events are as follows:

· Wednesday 23 November 2022, 6pm-7.30pm: Rathcoole and Mossley Mill

· Thursday 24 November 2022, 6pm-7.30pm: Antrim and Crumlin

· Friday 25 November 2022, 6pm-7.30pm: Glengormley and Randalstown

· Saturday 26 November 2022, 4.30pm-6pm: Ballyclare

And Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Alderman Stephen Ross added: “Our Christmas Switch On events are a great time for everyone to come together as a community and get into the festive spirit. We have a fantastic line up organised this year and I would encourage everyone to join in the fun and help us light up Antrim and Newtownabbey for Christmas 2022.”

For more details visit www.antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk/Christmas

Belfast City Council are NOT promoting a traditional Christmas Light switch-on – but rather a ‘merry and bright’ festive procession.

They say: “Belfast will light up for Christmas with an evening of seasonal celebrations on Saturday 19 November, marking the start of a festive line-up of activities and entertainment.

“A dazzling ‘Merry, Bright and White’ Christmas procession will sprinkle some magic as it makes its way through the city centre, along with an array of street entertainment, light projections and festive window animations.“And, in keeping with its UNESCO City of Music status, the streets will also be filled with an eclectic mix of live music - from brass bands and opera, to buskers and ukulele acts.“Lord Mayor of Belfast Councillor Christina Black said: “Building on the success of last year’s Christmas programme, once again we’re spreading the festive cheer across a number of weekends in the run up to Christmas, starting on Saturday 19 November with a fantastic line-up of free seasonal fun and entertainment.

“Christmas can put a lot of pressure on families, and we know things are particularly tough this year with the cost of living crisis, and the challenges that brings for families and households across the city. It was important for us, as a Council, to have a programme of activities that is free for everyone to enjoy, and to support businesses and hospitality in the run-up to Christmas by attracting people into the city centre."

For more information on Christmas activities in the city visit www.belfastcity.gov.uk/christmas

Belfast Christmas Market 2022: This is when, where and what date it opens

Meanwhile, Mid Ulster District Council Christmas Tree Light Switch-on’s have been posted online.

Cookstown – Cookstown Town Centre, Friday 25 November, from 6.30pm - 8pm

‘William Street comes alive with entertainment from Stewartstown Panto, Tullylagan Pipe Band and Band of Gold, and a fantastic Showstoppers Parade to count down to the Lights Switch On by Santa, who'll arrive in style.‘On Street Entertainment from 6.30pm to 8pm includes Face painting, The Gaming Bus, Art Cart and Character Walkabouts for those Christmas selfies!‘The Christmas Lights Switch On will take place at approximately 7.25pm.

Magherafelt – Market Square, Magherafelt, Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 November – featuring Lough Neagh Artisans Market, Christmas Lights Switch-On and Fireworks Display

‘Saturday 26 from 11am to 10pm (street food from 6pm to 10pm) – Sunday 27 from 1.30pm to 6pm.

‘Christmas Lights Switch-On and Fireworks‘Be at Meeting Street/Market Street from 6.15pm to greet Santa as he arrives, and get into the Christmas spirit on Broad Street as the Street Party gets into full swing from 6.30pm to 8.30pm, with entertainment in the Civic Space continuing up until 10pm.

‘The Magherafelt Christmas Lights Switch On and Firework Display will take place from 7.30pm’.

Dungannon – Market Square, Dungannon, Saturday 26 November from 1pm to 8pm

‘Family focused festive fun will take place in Market Square from 1pm including music to get you in the festive mood from on-stage DJ, Choirs and the Manhattan Swing Band, face painting and family fun activities hosted in The Space, Market Square.‘The arrival of Santa and Christmas Lights Switch On will take place from approximately 7.45pm.Maghera – Maghera Walled Garden and Town Centre, Saturday 3 December from 3pm to 6pm‘From 3pm to 5pm, you can meet Santa in the Potting Shed, be entertained as you stroll around the garden and toast your own marshmallows. Enjoy a warming drink on the lane as Dragonfly Coffee Company serve up tea, coffee, hot coffee and sweet treats.‘Santa is so excited to meet as many of you as possible - however, you will need to pre-book one of the free tickets available via our Eventbrite page. Each ticket is for one group/family to meet Santa (maximum of 5 people per group/ticket)’.

The Christmas Lights Switch-On will start with Santa making his way from the Walled Garden to Hall Street at 5.15pm, with illuminations happening at 5.30pm. in coming through town.

“For more details including accessible information visit https://www.midulstercouncil.org/christmas”

Newry, Down and Mourne Council have also published their Christmas lights switch-on dates.

They say dates are set and Christmas lights will be turned on across its towns and city at Switch On events happening between 17 November and 9 December.

They ask local people to save the dates:

Community Christmas Light Switch On events:

Ballynahinch Friday - 25 November

Crossmaglen Friday – 25 November

Newcastle Saturday – 26 November

Warrenpoint Saturday – 26 November

Kilkeel Saturday - 26 November

Hilltown Friday – 2 December

Saintfield Friday – 2 December

Dundrum Friday - 2 December

Rostrevor - Saturday 3 December

Killyleagh - Thursday 8 December

Camlough – Friday 9 December

Arrangements have also been published for Christmas lights at Causeway Coast and Glens Council

Starting in Ballymoney on November 17, Santa will join some very special friends, visiting nine different locations across the Borough.

The Christmas Cavalcade will signal the start of the festive season and will culminate in the annual Christmas lights switch on.

- 17th November – Ballymoney – 6.45pm

-19th November – Limavady – 3.45pm

- 25th November – Coleraine – 6.45pm

- 26th November – Portstewart – 4pm

- 26th November – Dungiven - 4pm

- 28th November – Garvagh 6.45pm

- 2nd December - Portrush – 6.45pm

– 3rd December – Kilrea – 4pm