Ballymena gears up for festive family fun as Jingle Day returns in support of NI Children’s Hospice!

Ballymena is set to come alive with festive cheer as the much-loved Jingle All the Way campaign returns for 2025, with the Ballymena NI Hospice Support Group preparing to host its eagerly anticipated Jingle Day in aid of the Northern Ireland Children’s Hospice.

Taking place on Saturday 6th December, from 10:00am to 3:30pm, the event promises a packed programme of family-friendly entertainment across Harmony Hub (the Bandstand) and Greenvale Street, bringing the community together to support a vital local cause.

Organisers say the seasonal celebration has already sparked excitement across the town, following a series of community events held in recent weeks.

“It’s Jingle Time Ballymena!!!” they announced. “Various events have already taken place throughout the community, but our highly anticipated Jingle Day is nearing and we want you to be part of it.”

Festive performances across the town centre

HARMONY HUB will host a lively schedule of music and entertainment, including performances by local school choirs from Maine Integrated Primary School, Ballymena Primary School and Clough Primary School.

Popular local DJ Roy Bell will keep spirits high throughout the day, while an energetic set from the Ballymena Ukulele Group promises to add a unique festive twist.

Over on GREENVALE STREET, visitors can expect an equally vibrant line-up, with performances from several renowned local pipe bands including Broughshane and District Pipe Band, Cullybackey Pipe Band, and the Causeway Coast and Glens Pipe Band.

Shoppers and families can also enjoy a special performance from the Ballymena Young Conquerors Flute Ensemble inside The Corner Bakery.

For younger visitors, there will be plenty to keep them entertained, with face painting, balloon modelling, the PSNI gaming bus, a fire engine, and even familiar TV and movie characters spotted around the streets.

“An amazing day for everyone,” organisers said, “and we cannot wait to share in all the family fun in aid of the NI Children’s Hospice.”

Santa Bus to Take families on a festive tour

No Ballymena Christmas event would be complete without a visit from Santa, and this year is no exception. The iconic Santa Bus, supported by Etherson Travel, will run throughout the day, offering families a magical tour of the town.

Departing from Broadway Avenue every 15 minutes from 10:30am until 3:45pm, the festive bus gives children the chance to meet Santa and his helpers as they spread Christmas joy across Ballymena.

Organisers noted: “Of course our Santa Bus will be on duty throughout the day… Santa and his helpers cannot wait to see you all.”

The big man will take a short break for lunch between 12:30pm and 1:00pm.

Supporting the NI Children’s Hospice

The Ballymena NI Hospice Support Group is encouraging the public to join them in celebrating the festive season while helping raise vital funds for the Northern Ireland Children’s Hospice, which provides specialist support and care to children with life-limiting conditions and their families.

• Greenvale Street:

11:00am - 12:00pm Ballymena Young Conquerors

Flute Ensemble (The Corner Bakery)

2:30pm - 3:30pm Causeway Coast and Glens Pipe

Band

12:00pm - 3:00pm Balloon stall outside Party Zone

12:00pm - 2:00pm PSNI gaming bus

12:00pm - 3:30pm Face Painting / Balloon modelling

2:00pm - 3:00pm Fire Engine

• Harmony Hub (The Bandstand)

10:00am - 3:30pm DJ Roy Bell

11:00am - 11:30am Maine Integrated PS choir

11:30am - 12:00pm Ballymena PS choir

12:00pm - 12:30pm Clough PS choir

1:00pm - 1:30pm The Diamond PS choir

12:30pm - 2:00pm DJ Roy Bell

2:00pm - 3:00pm Ballymena Ukulele Group

3:00pm - 3:30pm Cullybackey Pipe Band

Watch out for famous faces from the world of TV and movies will be walking throughout the town during the day!

“Ballymena will be a hive of excitement and we cannot wait to share in all the family fun in aid of the NI Children’s Hospice,” organisers added.