#FindYourChristmas in Mid and East Antrim this festive season

The nights are getting darker across Mid and East Antrim, but not for long as the Christmas light Switch-Ons get underway this month.

Ballymena, Larne and Carrickfergus town centres will be awash with colour as shoppers take to the high streets to find their Christmas.

A Santa parade, street animation, reindeer and sleigh, children’s lantern parade, pipe band, choir and live band have all been organised by Council in partnership with the Tower Centre and Ballymena BID for the Christmas Lights Switch-On. 

The Deputy Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Councillor Beth Adger, will switch on the lights on Thursday 14 November. You can also catch Jack and the Beanstalk at the Braid, commencing 7 December.

For Larne, Council has planned workshops for local schools and groups to make lanterns in advance of the Christmas parade. Setting off from the Market Yard on Friday 15 November, the parade will make its way to Quay Street and to Broadway for the lights Switch-On by Council's Chair of Borough Growth Committee, Cllr Gregg McKeen and Larne Football Club.

Carrickfergus will hold their annual Switch-On ceremony on Saturday 16 November with Councillor Cheryl Johnston, Chair of Council's Direct Services Committee, switching on the lights. A carol service will take place with live music, dance and festive fun organised for all the family. The ceremony will draw to a close with a spectacular fireworks display.

You can also come and join us for the adventurous tale of Sleeping Beauty in Carrick Town Hall on Saturday 7 December or in the Larne McNeill Theatre on Saturday 14 December.

A fantastic array of mouth-watering artisan food and unique, locally produced arts and crafts will also be on offer at the Christmas markets this year in Larne on Thursday 12 December and Carrickfergus on Saturday 14 December.

Whitehead’s Victorian Street Fair will take place on Saturday 30 November with Greenisland set to shine on 5 December.

Mayor of Mid and East Antrim Cllr Maureen Morrow said: “I love Christmas and I am really looking forward to getting into the spirit of things at all the fantastic events happening across the borough this season.

“We have such an array of first-class independent retailers, big high street names, cafés and coffee shops as well as beauty, hardware and gift shops across our towns, so there is truly something for everyone. With all our towns well within an hour of Belfast, Mid and East Antrim offers something a bit different and an amazing opportunity to buy unique gifts for loved ones this year.”

For your full guide on how you can find your Christmas across Mid and East Antrim visit midandeastantrim.gov.uk/Christmas.

Remember to share your festive experience and selfies on social media using #findyourchristmas so we can see what you’ve been up to and share it with Santa!

Details of the Switch-Ons are as follows:

• Thursday 14 November - Ballymena from 4pm to 7.30pm
• Friday 15 November - Larne from 5pm to 8pm
• Saturday 16 November - Carrickfergus from 2pm to 6pm
• Saturday 30 November - Whitehead Victorian Street Fair from 1pm to 6.30pm
• Thu 5 December - Greenisland from 7pm to 8pm