FREE festive Twinkle Trail coming to Carrickfergus with magical launch for young children
Tuesday 10 November 2026
Families in Carrickfergus are being invited to enjoy a magical new Christmas experience as a free Twinkle Trail prepares to light up Shaftesbury Park this December, with a special launch event for younger children followed by five evenings open to the public.
Organised by Mid and East Antrim Borough Council, the festive attraction promises an enchanting display of lights, colour and Christmas cheer, offering families an opportunity to enjoy the season together.
The trail will officially launch on Saturday 5 December, with free tickets available for a series of timed sessions aimed particularly at pre-school and Primary 1 to Primary 3 children.
A magical Christmas adventure for little ones
The launch event will run from 4pm until 8pm, with visitors invited to explore the illuminated trail during 30-minute sessions.
Although Santa will be busy preparing for Christmas in his workshop, organisers say he has arranged for some of his special friends to join the festivities.
A quieter session will take place at 4pm, with reduced visitor numbers and lower music levels to provide a more comfortable experience for children and families who may prefer a calmer environment.
Tickets are free but limited, and families must book a specific session in advance. Visitors are asked to arrive promptly at the time printed on their tickets.
Five more evenings of festive lights
Families unable to attend the launch will still have plenty of opportunities to experience the Twinkle Trail.
The attraction will open to the wider public from Sunday 6 December until Thursday 10 December, between 4pm and 8pm each evening.
No tickets will be required for these additional evenings, although security staff will monitor access to the park.
The extended opening means families can enjoy the festive experience without needing to secure one of the limited launch tickets.
Tickets and visiting information
The Twinkle Trail will take place at Shaftesbury Park, Carrickfergus, with all visitors required to enter and leave through St Bride's car park.
Key details for families planning a visit are:
• Saturday 5 December: Free ticketed launch, 4pm–8pm, with 30-minute sessions.
• Quiet session: Saturday 5 December at 4pm, with reduced numbers and lower music levels.
• Sunday 6 to Thursday 10 December: Open to the public daily, 4pm–8pm, without tickets.
• Location: Shaftesbury Park, Carrickfergus.
• Access: Entrance and exit via St Bride's car park only.
• Admission: Free.
Free launch tickets can be booked at:
Anyone experiencing difficulties with the booking process can email lilly@maywe.co.uk for assistance.
Important advice for visitors
As the Twinkle Trail is an outdoor attraction, families are encouraged to dress warmly and wear suitable footwear for potentially uneven ground.
Children must be accompanied by an adult and supervised throughout their visit. Visitors should remain on the designated paths and follow instructions from event staff.
Bicycles, scooters, e-bikes, e-scooters and alcohol will not be permitted. Dogs are also prohibited during the launch event on 5 December, although they will be welcome on subsequent evenings provided they are kept on a lead.
Official photographers and videographers will be present on behalf of Mid and East Antrim Borough Council. Anyone who does not wish to appear in event footage should inform a member of staff on arrival.
If weather warnings are issued, ticket holders attending the launch should check their emails, including junk folders, for any cancellation notices before travelling.
The event is funded by the Department for Communities and Mid and East Antrim Borough Council.
With free admission, a quieter launch session and five additional evenings to explore the illuminated park, the new Twinkle Trail offers local families another opportunity to make Christmas memories together in Carrickfergus this festive season.
