Carrickfergus and Whitehead to light up for the festive season!
Tuesday 21 November 2023
Carrickfergus and Whitehead will come alive with sparkle, music and festive cheer as the annual Christmas lights are switched on for 2023!
The events will be full of fun-filled family entertainment plus a very special visit from the main man himself – Santa!
Wrap up warm, bring you family and friends and join on for these very special events!
Carrickfergus Christmas Lights Switch On: Saturday 25 November
High Street, Carrickfergus, 2pm – 6pm (switch on 5.30pm)
Come along for an afternoon of festive family fun on Saturday 25 November from 2pm, with music, dance and Christmas characters to get you in the spirit before the lights switch on at High Street.
There will be plenty of entertainment on stage throughout the day including performances from Uplift Performing Arts, Singing Hands Choir from the Hawthorns Adult Centre, Royal Tara Dance Academy, Studio 86, live music from The Flame N’Ukes and The Stepbrothers plus much more.
From festive characters, face painting, Christmas carnival games, live reindeer and mini carousels, soft play trailer, there is lots of fun for the family. This year will also see an exciting new addition to the event - a special Christmas Artisan market will take place in High Street Car Park from 1pm - 5.30pm.
The traditional Civic carol service will take place in the historic St Nicholas’ Church from 4pm.
Help the Mayor and Santa countdown to the official lights switch on at 5.30pm and enjoy the magical finale where a fabulous fireworks display will take place at approx. 5.45pm from Fisherman's Quay. (Weather dependent).
Whitehead Christmas Lights Switch On: Saturday 2 December
Whitehead: 12noon – 6.15pm (switch on 5.30pm)
The popular Victorian Street Fair returns for 2023!
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).
For further information visit our Christmas events listing.