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Carrickfergus Christmas Lights Switch On

High Street / Market Place, Carrickfergus, County Antrim, BT38 7AF
High Street Stage crownd awaiting the switch on

About

Join us for an afternoon of festive family fun on Saturday 21 November from 3pm with live performances and festive fun to get you into the Christmas spirit before the lights switch on at High Street. This year’s event will feature an exciting festive parade, filling the streets with music, lights and Christmas spirit. There will be Quiet Time from 2pm with sensory play in High Street.

From 1pm, explore the Artisan Market in the Town Hall and Civic Centre, filled with local stall holders offering a wide range of items from baked goods, candle/wax melts, festive crafts, jewellery, crochet items and much more, perfect for some early Christmas shopping. The Traditional Civic carol service will take place in the historic St Nicholas’ Church from 2pm – 3pm.

The main event will start at 3pm, there will be plenty of entertainment throughout the day including performances from local performing troupes: Hawthorn Melody Hands, Uplift Performing Arts, Royal Tara Dance Academy and Studio 86. With festive characters, face painting, Christmas crafts, a petting farm and small funfair rides, there's plenty of fun for the whole family.

At 4.45pm, the festive parade will take in Antrim Street, High Street, Market Place, West Street and return, Market Place, High Street where Santa and the Deputy Mayor will turn on the Christmas lights at 5pm (approx.) before returning to Antrim Street. The parade will feature Santa, Ballyduff Silver Band, children from Woodburn PS, Christmas characters and festive floats.

Enjoy the magical finale where a fabulous fireworks display will take place at approx. 5.20pm from Fisherman's Quay. (Weather dependent).

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Guide Prices

Ticket TypeTicket Tariff
AdmissionFree

Note: Prices are a guide only and may change on a daily basis.

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Opening Times

Carrickfergus Christmas Lights Switch on (21 Nov 2026)

* From 15:00 to 17:30 (Quiet hour from 14:00-15:00). Fireworks at approx. 17:20 - weather dependent.

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