Belfast City Council is exploring plans for a city-wide Christmas animation programme this year replacing the traditional switch on.
The move is due to what the Council say are plans for a phased approach towards handling future events.
The switch-on was cancelled in 2020 due to the Covid-19 emergency.
The lights of Belfast have been switched on with the help of some famous names over the years. The most high-profile being US President Bill Clinton, who performed this task in 1995 while on a visit with his wife Hillary.
In a statement to Causeway Coast Community this afternoon a spokesperson for Belfast City Council said:
“Following the lifting of lockdown restrictions, Council agreed to a phased approach to delivery of future events, with the safety of attendees being a top priority in light of the pandemic.
"The traditional Christmas lights switch-on will not take place this year, but plans are currently being finalised for an extended Christmas animation programme in conjunction with city partners.
"Council is also working closely with, and supporting, a range of partners across the events, festivals and arts sector to enable them to host a range of events in the autumn and winter period.
“Details of the Christmas event plans will be shared on the council’s website and social media channels in due course when these are announced.”