Santa’s Spectacular Festive Cavalcade & Festive Minions set to light up Ballymena town centre this weekend

Ballymena is gearing up for a major festive celebration this Saturday, 13 December, as Santa’s Spectacular Festive Cavalcade returns for its third year—complete with hundreds of illuminated vehicles, charity fundraising, and the hugely popular Festive Minions bringing lively chaos to the town centre earlier in the day.

The much anticipated Christmas convoy, which always attracts visitors from near and far, has rapidly become one of Ballymena’s standout seasonal events.

Hosted jointly by Ballymena Business Improvement District (BID) and the Traction Engine Club of Ulster (TECU) and Friends, the cavalcade is expected to draw record crowds once again, with an atmosphere that organisers describe as “always a brilliant evening”.

This year, the event supports two important local causes—NI Children’s Hospice and the local Cancer Research team—with donations and participation fees helping raise vital funds during the festive season.

An Evening of Festive Lights, Sounds and Community Spirit

The convoy will begin its illuminated journey at 6.00pm, setting off from Ballymena Market Yard on Woodside Road, where participating vehicles will gather from mid-afternoon.

Last year’s spectacle brought long lines of tractor units, vintage engines, lorries, decorated vans, and specially lit vehicles of all shapes and sizes—many wrapped in elaborate Christmas designs created by local volunteers.

Organisers say:

“Yes, Ballymena will be buzzing again this year with budding Santas, hooting sounds, and lit up vehicles doing a lap of the town, hopefully adding to the Christmas spirit ahead of the big day.”

This year’s numbers are already expected to surpass previous years, with vehicles festooned with Christmas lights and regalia in honour of the white bearded man from the North Pole.

Full Confirmed Route Through Ballymena

To help families plan ahead, organisers have confirmed the full cavalcade route:

Official Route (Full Loop):

• Ballymena Market Yard, Woodside Road

• Raceview Road

• Broughshane Road

• Broughshane Street

• Church Street

• Mill Street

• Wellington Street

• Ballymoney Street

• Thomas Street

• Parkway

• Broughshane Road

• Raceview Road

• Returning to Ballymena Market Yard, Woodside Road

The route has been designed to maximise visibility throughout the town, ensuring residents across different neighbourhoods can enjoy the glowing spectacle as it passes by.

Festive Minions Return After Huge Popularity

Adding even more excitement, the Festive Minions—who became an instant hit during their debut last year—are returning to Ballymena town centre from 12:00pm to 3:00pm.

Families can expect plenty of mischief, dancing and festive silliness as the Minions roam the town, accompanied by Ballymena’s own Christmas elves who have been entertaining shoppers throughout the season.

Organisers tease:

“Keep your eyes peeled… you will probably hear them before you see them.”

Their appearance is expected to draw large crowds earlier in the day, boosting footfall for local shops and creating a lively build-up ahead of the evening’s main event.

Registration, Santa Hats, and Charity Dinner at the Market Yard

Anyone wishing to take part in the illuminated convoy can register their vehicle from 3:00pm at the Market Yard. To reward early arrivals, the organisers are offering free Santa hats for the first 200 participants.

Each vehicle must make a £20 charitable donation, which includes:

• A free Christmas dinner

• A soft drink

• Served from 3pm onwards

• Provided generously by the Ringside Café

Additional dinner tickets for family, supporters, or vehicle crew members are available at £10 each.

TECU and Ballymena BID have thanked everyone involved:

“We are all indebted to those taking the time to decorate vehicles and indeed we look forward to a brilliant evening again this year, and weather permitting, an even greater level of support.”

Make a Day of It in Ballymena

With thousands of visitors expected, organisers are encouraging families to arrive early and enjoy everything the town has to offer. Ballymena’s bustling retail district includes:

• Fairhill Shopping Centre

• Newly opened Primark

• Tower Centre

• Dozens of independent shops and boutiques

• A wide selection of cafés, restaurants and local eateries

The combination of festive entertainment, shopping, family activities and evening spectacle is set to make the town feel especially vibrant ahead of Christmas.