Capture Christmas in Mid & East Antrim

This page will be updated with our Christmas events as and when they are confirmed.

Saturday 16 November 2024

Ballymena Christmas Lights Switch On

Harmony Hub, Ballymena
12noon - 7pm (Light Switch On 6.30pm)

An afternoon of festive fun leading up to the Ballymena Christmas Parade and Light Switch On! 

Join us on Saturday 16 November as we switch on the Ballymena Christmas Lights!

The entertainment kicks off at 12noon with special giveaways and all your favourite Christmas tunes being played by Downtown Radio Roadshow host Gary Myles - thanks to Ballymena BID.

With entertainment in the town centre from midday onwards, 3pm - 4pm will be a Quiet Time with more relaxed entertainment. 

The festive entertainment programme ramps up at 4pm with Christmassy walkabout characters, face painting, balloon modelling, reindeer and toe-tapping tunes from the live concert stage at Broadway - featuring live music from Ballymena Ukelele Group and Ballymena Community Choir. 

The Santa Parade starts from Wellington Street at 6pm and will feature floats and trains, local school children with lanterns, Santa’s vintage car, and a wide range of festive characters to entertain the crowds!

The route will take in Wellington Street, Ballymoney Street, William Street, Broughshane Street, (pause at Harmony Hub to switch on the lights at 6.30pm with Santa and the Mayor), Church Street, Bryan Street and back to the Tower Centre.

22 November 2024

Larne Christmas Lights Switch On

Broadway, Larne
5pm - 8pm (switch on 7.30pm)

Kick off the Christmas festivities in Larne on Friday 22 November! 

Santa will lead a special parade that will leave Larne Market Yard around 7pm before heading to Broadway to switch on the lights at 7.30pm.

The parade will feature floats, Christmas characters, novelty trains, local school children and of course Santa!

The parade route for 2024 takes in Station Road, Bridge Street, Main Street, and then making its way to Broadway where Santa will turn on the Christmas lights on.

There will be a full programme of entertainment taking place at Broadway from 5pm featuring onstage live music, kids entertainment and festive walkabout performers.

Festive Care Giver and Child Musical Mayhem

11am
Larne Town Hall

Book online using The Braid ticket platform.

Saturday 23 November 2024

Carrickfergus Christmas Lights Switch On

High Street, Carrickfergus 
12noon - 6pm (Light Switch On 5.30pm)

An afternoon of festive fun leading up to the Carrickfergus Christmas Light Switch On! 

Come along for an afternoon of festive family fun on Saturday 23 November with music, dance and Christmas characters to get you into the Christmas spirit before the lights switch on at High Street.

There will be plenty of entertainment onstage and in the performance circle throughout the day including performances from local performing troupes such as Uplift Performing Arts and Royal Tara Dance Academy, live music and more.

From festive characters, face painting, Christmas carnival games, and some funfair rides, there is lots of fun for all the family.

The Christmas Market is back this year and will take place in a Marquee in High Street Car Park from 12noon - 5pm.

The Market will showcase a wide range of crafters, you will certainly discover that gift, crafted locally. 

The Traditional Civic carol service will take place in the historic St Nicholas’ Church from 4pm.

Help Santa countdown to the official lights switch on at 5.30pm (approx).

Enjoy the magical finale where a fabulous fireworks display will take place at approximately 5.45pm from Fisherman's Quay (weather dependent).

Felted Christmas Decoration Workshop

11am
Larne Market Yard

Book online using The Braid ticket platform.

Wednesday 27 November 2024

Ceramic Decoration Workshop

11am
Carrickfergus Civic Centre

Book online using The Braid ticket platform.

Saturday 30 November 2024

Festive Children's Art Workshop

11am - 12noon
Carrickfergus Museum

Book online using The Braid ticket platform.

Saturday 7 December 2024

Carrickfergus Festive Artisan Market

Carrickfergus Town Hall
11am - 3pm

The Market will showcase a wide range of crafters, you will certainly discover that gift, crafted locally.

In addition there will be:

• FREE Face Painting
• Visit from Santa Claus
• Town Centre Treasure Trail

Music provided by Uplift throughout the Market.

Thursday 12 December 2024

Larne Christmas Community & Craft Village

Council in partnership with Larne Business Forum invite you to support our local community groups and artisan producers at the ‘Christmas Community and Craft Village'.

Pop down to Broadway to the Christmas Huts and see the range of activities and artisan gifts on offer.

Location: Broadway, Larne Town Centre

• Thursday 12 December
• Friday 13 December
• Monday 16 December

Time: Huts will be open between 10am – 4pm

Saturday 14 December 2024

The Chronicles of Larnia

7 doorways into other worlds full of magic and mayhem in a jingle jungle adventure for festive fun seekers.

Expect encounters with untrained elves, trapped fairies and lost spells.

Prepare for surprises with mince spies solving mysteries and puzzles.

Step inside stories with secrets and sparks.

But... Beware the story snatchers.....

Location: Broadway, Larne

Start times: 10.30am (Quiet Session), 11am, 11.30am and 12noon. 2pm, 2.30pm, 3pm and 3.30pm.

Experience lasts 30 mins.

Ticket prices: Children £2.

Adults go FREE but must book a ticket when making the booking.

Children must be supervised at all times.

Tickets can be booked through the Big Telly Theatre Company's Ticket platform.

Ballymena Christmas Roadshow

Wellington Court Ballymena

11am - 3pm

Join us in Ballymena on Saturday 14 December for the Downtown Radio Christmas Roadshow.

Come down and join the fun to be in with a chance to win vouchers, tickets, goodie bags and more!

Additional Family fun activities throughout the Town provided by Ballymena BID throughout the day.

An exciting day full of activities not to be missed.