Christmas 2025 in Mid & East Antrim: Full guide to lights switch-ons, parades, markets and festive events!

Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Councillor Jackson Minford, officially launches the Borough's Christmas celebrations, marking the start of the festive season.

A Season of Christmas Magic Coming to Mid and East Antrim

Mid and East Antrim Borough is set to sparkle this festive season, with a packed programme of Christmas lights switch-ons, parades, markets, and family entertainment bringing festive cheer to towns and villages across the borough.

The celebrations begin this Saturday 15 November in Ballymena, when the town centre will be transformed into a winter wonderland of music, lights, and entertainment – marking the official launch of the borough’s festive season.

“The Christmas Lights Switch-Ons are always one of the most anticipated events of the year and a highlight for families and individuals alike across Mid and East Antrim,” said Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Councillor Jackson Minford.

Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Councillor Jackson Minford

“It’s a time when our towns and villages come together in the true spirit of Christmas; celebrating community, supporting one another and enjoying everything our Borough has to offer.

“From our switch-on events to artisan markets and festive performances, there’s a wonderful programme of activities for everyone to enjoy as we count down to Christmas.”

BALLYMENA Christmas Lights Switch-On – Saturday 15 November

Running from 12 noon to 7pm at Harmony Hub, Ballymena’s Christmas Lights Switch-On promises a full day of family-friendly entertainment.

Delivered in partnership with Ballymena BID and Downtown Radio, the event will feature Christmas characters and entertainers, live music from Ballymena Strummers and Ballymena Community Choir, face painting, and festive crafts.

(L>R) Aileen McGarry, Jackson Minford, Roy Smyth, Tyler Hoey, Gary Miles

DJ Mark Ritchie will get the party started from 2pm before Downtown Radio’s Gary Myles once again brings the festive fun to the town from 4pm with the Downtown Radio Roadshow, in partnership with Ballymena Town Centre via Ballymena BID.

As usual expect a Downtown Christmas programme packed with competitions and giveaways!

Over the past few years, Downtown has become an important and familiar part of Ballymena’s Christmas festivities, broadcasting live from the town in 2023 and taking over the Harmony Hub last year to entertain visitors.

Thanks to the continued and growing partnership between Ballymena BID and Downtown, this year’s Switch-On promises even more festive excitement, giveaways, and community celebration.

Throughout the afternoon, visitors can enjoy live music, crafts, and light entertainment, while a dedicated Quiet Hour from 3pm to 4pm at Wellington Court provides a relaxed sensory environment for families who prefer a calmer space.

Keep an out for Christmassy walkabout characters, face painting, and live local entertainment, including the Ballymena Strummers performing for the first time on the Harmony Hub concert stage.

Aileen McGarry (Primark / Ballymena BID Secretary) said:

“This continued partnership between Ballymena BID and Downtown Christmas adds something really special to the Council’s event. We’re delighted to play our part in bringing festive entertainment and energy to Ballymena Town Centre. It’s a celebration of local people, local businesses, and the Christmas spirit that makes Ballymena shine.”

Gary Myles from Downtown Radio added:

“We’re thrilled to be back in Ballymena for the Christmas Light Switch-On. There’ll be festive characters, giveaways, and plenty of live entertainment, and we can’t wait to help light up the town and kick off the Christmas season!”

At 6pm, the much-anticipated Festive Parade sets off from Wellington Street, featuring performances from the Cullybackey Pipe Band, pupils from Ballymena Primary School and Dunclug Primary School, festive floats, and Santa’s Clydesdale horses and dray.

The Ballymena Christmas Parade!

The parade will pause at Harmony Hub at 6.30pm, where Santa, the Mayor, Deputy Mayor, and a pupil from Castle Tower Special Education School will officially switch on the Christmas lights.

The route continues through Ballymoney Street, William Street, Broughshane Street, Church Street and Bryan Street, finishing at the Tower Centre, which is kindly supporting the event.

LARNE Christmas Lights Switch-On – Friday 21 November

Larne will sparkle with festive cheer when Broadway hosts its annual Christmas Lights Switch-On from 4pm to 8pm.

The celebrations begin with a Quiet Hour of outdoor sensory play from 4pm–5pm, followed by face painting, Christmas characters, live music, and street entertainment from 5pm.

At 7.10pm, the Festive Parade will leave Larne Market Yard, led by Santa and the Mayor, featuring a vibrant Samba band, festive floats, pupils from Larne and Inver Primary School, Scouts, and Christmas trains.

The parade will travel via Station Road, Bridge Street, and Main Street, before arriving at Broadway, where Santa and the Mayor will switch on the lights at 7.30pm, illuminating the town centre for the holiday season.

CARRICKFERGUS Christmas Lights Switch-On – Saturday 22 November

Carrickfergus town centre will shine bright with festive fun from 1pm, as Market Place and High Street host an afternoon of family entertainment.

Visitors can enjoy a bustling Artisan Market in the High Street Car Park, filled with local stallholders offering handmade crafts, baked goods, jewellery, wax melts, crochet, and festive gifts – perfect for early Christmas shopping.

A Civic Carol Service takes place at St Nicholas’ Church from 2pm to 3pm, alongside a Quiet Hour of sensory play on High Street.

From 3pm, the main event begins with live music, face painting, Christmas crafts, festive characters, and performances from Uplift Performing Arts, Royal Tara Dance Academy, and Studio 86.

The brand-new Festive Parade at 4.45pm will be led by Santa and the Deputy Mayor, featuring Santa in his vintage car, Ballyduff Silver Band, Woodlawn Primary School pupils, festive floats, and Christmas trains.

At 5pm, Santa and the Deputy Mayor will officially switch on the Carrickfergus Christmas lights, followed by a spectacular fireworks finale at 5.20pm above the Promenade (weather permitting).

WHITEHEAD Victorian Street Fair & Christmas Lights Switch-On – Saturday 29 November

The much-loved Whitehead Victorian Street Fair returns from 12 noon to 6pm, transforming the seaside town into a nostalgic celebration of its heritage.

Organised by the Whitehead Community Association, the event features traditional stalls, arts and crafts, festive refreshments, live music, Santa’s grotto, fairground rides, hog roasts, steam train rides, talks at Whitehead Library, and guided walks from Kings Road.

The Civic Carol Service begins at 4.30pm in Whitehead Presbyterian Church, followed by a lantern parade and Christmas sing-along.

At 5.30pm, Santa and the Mayor will officially switch on the Whitehead Christmas lights, with a fireworks finale at 5.50pm lighting up the promenade (weather dependent).

GREENISLAND Christmas Lights Switch-On – Thursday 4 December

Festive celebrations continue in Greenisland on Thursday 4 December at the Greenisland Community Centre.

The evening begins at 7pm with a Civic Carol Service, featuring carols from Silverstream and Greenisland Primary Schools.

At 8pm, Santa and the Deputy Mayor will officially switch on the Christmas lights, marking the start of the holiday season for the local community.

More Festive Highlights Across Mid and East Antrim

The Christmas celebrations continue right through December, with a wide range of markets and performances across the borough:

• Artisan Christmas Markets in Ballymena (3–8 December), Larne (10–15 December) and Carrickfergus (22 November).

• Christmas Silver Band Concerts in Carrickfergus Town Centre on 13 and 20 December.

• Festive family theatre production – “Tale of a Frozen Heart” at The Braid Theatre from 18–22 December.

As the lights twinkle across Mid and East Antrim, this year’s programme promises to bring people together in celebration of everything that makes the borough special – its sense of community, creativity, and Christmas cheer.

From the sparkle of the parades and markets to the warmth of carols and family gatherings, residents and visitors alike are invited to share in a season of joy, connection and magical moments that truly capture the spirit of Christmas.