Christmas comes to Follow! A favourite Ballymena tradition returns as the town prepares to welcome Santa this Saturday
Thursday 12 November 2026
The magic of Christmas is already filling Ballymena town centre, where Follow Coffee has been given a festive transformation ahead of Santa’s arrival and the town’s Christmas lights switch-on this Saturday, 14 November.
With twinkling lights, seasonal decorations and a warm welcome waiting inside, the popular Greenvale Street coffee shop is embracing the excitement of one of Ballymena’s most anticipated family occasions.
The festive makeover has been created with help from local floral and styling specialists Blossom & Birch, bringing a little extra Christmas sparkle to a place that has become part of the town’s festive traditions for many families.
A little Christmas tradition with a lot of heart
Even Santa has traditions.
For some, the magic of Christmas is found in the big moments — the arrival of Santa, the colourful parade and the moment the town’s Christmas lights illuminate the streets.
For others, it is found in the smaller moments along the way. Little hands wrapped around warm mugs of hot chocolate, something delicious shared around the table, familiar faces and the excitement of knowing Santa is almost here.
For families who return year after year, a visit to Follow Coffee has become one of those simple traditions that make Christmas in Ballymena feel special.
And this Saturday, the team is looking forward to welcoming customers once again as the town comes together to celebrate the beginning of the festive season.
A picture-perfect Christmas moment
Follow’s Christmas arch… perfect to capture a family photo, hot-chocolate’s in hand!
There is another little touch worth stopping for this year — a beautiful Christmas arch, created with Blossom & Birch, offering the perfect backdrop for a festive family photograph or selfie.
Adorned with lush greenery, elegant navy ribbons and shimmering decorations, the arch brings a touch of Christmas magic to Follow’s entrance.
Before heading off to see Santa, families can gather beneath the arch, smile for the camera and capture another special Christmas memory to treasure.
After all, it is often those spontaneous photographs, happy smiles and little moments together that become the memories families look back on most fondly.
Late-night opening for Ballymena’s Christmas celebrations
The famous Follow Christmas Sandwich… served daily ‘til 3pm
Follow Coffee will remain open late on Saturday, 14 November, giving families and visitors another welcoming place to enjoy the atmosphere as Ballymena celebrates Santa’s arrival.
Located on Greenvale Street, beside the Tower Centre’s Dunnes Stores entrance, the coffee shop is conveniently situated for those spending the afternoon and evening in the town centre.
Ballymena’s Christmas celebrations will take place from 2pm to 7pm, with the Santa parade beginning at 6pm and the Christmas lights switch-on scheduled for approximately 6.30pm at Harmony Hub.
With the town preparing for an evening of music, excitement and festive cheer, Follow’s seasonal transformation adds another welcoming touch to the celebrations.
Making memories in the heart of Ballymena
Christmas shopping, meeting friends, treating the children and enjoying the town’s festive atmosphere are all part of the experience that brings people into Ballymena at this time of year.
And while the decorations and twinkling lights help create the magic, it is often the time spent together that families remember long after Christmas has passed.
Whether it is a warming hot chocolate, a photograph beneath the Christmas arch or simply a chance to sit together and soak up the atmosphere, Follow Coffee is ready to play its own part in those treasured moments.
Because when the lights have been switched on, the last treats have been enjoyed and Santa has continued on his way, it is the laughter, the photographs and the memories made together that will remain — another little piece of Christmas in Ballymena to treasure.
