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Northern Ireland set to light up for Christmas

Mid Ulster Council A two way street with trees that are lit up on either side. Shop fronts and cars are along the side. A clock tower is in the centre of the frame, in the middle of the road. Mid Ulster Council
Cookstown lit up for Christmas 2023

With the big day less than six weeks away it is time to think about turning on the twinkly lights.

So when and where are public light switch-ons happening across Northern Ireland?

The big switch-on in Belfast is at City Hall on Saturday when the lord mayor will lead the festivities alongside a host of local talent including choirs, musicians, artists and acrobats.

It's a ticket event and all tickets have now been allocated, but for those lucky enough to be attending gates open at 18:00 GMT and the action takes place between 18:30 and 19:30.

Across Northern Ireland, councils have events planned.

BBC News NI has taken a look at what you can expect in your area this year.

Getty Images Belfast City Hall lit up with bright white stars in every alcove. Stalls from a Christmas market are visible in front, and there is a big Christmas tree lit up with white lights at the front centre of City Hall. There are a lot of people walking along the street.Getty Images
Belfast City Hall lit up for a previous Christmas. This year's lights will be switched on this Saturday

Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council

Lights will be switched on at seven main locations across Antrim & Newtownabbey Borough Council between Thursday 21 November and Saturday 30 November.

Airport – Crumlin Leisure Centre – Thursday 21 November from 18:00

Dunsilly – John Street Car Park Randalstown – Friday 22 November from 18:00

Glengormley – Lilian Bland Park – Saturday 23 November from 16.30

Macedon – Hazelbank Park – Tuesday 26 November from 19:00

Threemilewater – Mossley Mill – Wednesday 27 November from 18:00

Antrim – Railway Street Car Park – Thursday 28 November from 18:00

Ballyclare – The Square Car Park – Saturday 30 November from 16:30

Ards and North Down Borough Council

There are a host of events planned across the council area, with the main light switch-on taking place in Bangor on Saturday 23 November at the front of City Hall at 18:00 and a week later on Saturday 30 November in Newtownards in the town centre at 18:00.

Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council

The Christmas lights will be switched on in Armagh City as part of the Georgian Festival taking place from Thursday 28 November to Sunday 1 December with the main switch-on happening on Sunday to coincide with the Santa on Tour experience.

Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council

There are Christmas Light Switch On events in the four main towns in the borough.

Ballymoney - Thursday 21 November from 17:00

Limavady - Saturday 23 November from 13:00

Ballycastle - Thursday 28 November from 14:00

Coleraine - Friday 29 November from 14:00

Each location will have music, entertainment, a Christmas cavalcade, and Santa’s grotto.

Derry City and Strabane District Council

The lights in Londonderry will be switched on during the parade on Friday 22 November at 19:00.

Starting at Bishop Street, it will make its way through the city finishing up at around 20:15 in Guildhall Square at the city's main Christmas tree.

Derry City & Strabane District Council A large crowd look up at the lit Christmas tree outside the Guildhall in Derry. It is a large stone building.Derry City & Strabane District Council
Crowds traditionally gather in Guildhall Square in Derry for the Christmas lights switch on

Fermanagh and Omagh District Council

The annual Enniskillen Christmas switch-on takes place on Saturday 23 November.

Entertainment will begin in the Diamond from 13:00 and family activities will include Christmas carols, live music performances and face painting.

The switch-on in Omagh will also take place on Saturday 23 November.

The day will begin with the Christmas Market at the Marquee on Main Street from 11:00 - 17:00, building up to the lights being turned on at 17:30.

Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council

The big night in Lisburn is on Thursday 21 November.

Musical entertainment will start at 18:00 with the countdown and big switch-on taking place at about 19:30.

An Enchanted Lantern Walk will leave Market Square and make its way up and through Castle Gardens from immediately after the lights are switched on

The Light Festival will also be part of this event and light shows will then run every hour from 16:00 to 20:00 from Friday 22 November to Saturday 23 December.

Mid and East Antrim Borough Council

There are three Christmas Lights Switch On events taking place:

Ballymena - Saturday 16 November

Larne - Friday 22 November

Carrickfergus - Saturday 23 November.

Mid & East Antrim Borough Council A large group of people wearing red and white Santa style hats. They are standing under giant star lights.Mid & East Antrim Borough Council
Ballymena is a popular spot to watch the light switch on.

Mid Ulster District Council

Christmas light switch-on events take place across the five main towns in the area:

Cookstown Town Centre - Friday 22 November from 18:30

Magherafelt Town Centre - Saturday 23 November from 14:00

Market Square, Dungannon - Saturday 23 November from 14:30

Maghera Walled Garden and Town Centre - Saturday 30 November from 15:00

Coalisland Town Centre - Sunday 1 December from 17:00

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council

Lights will be turned on at events between Thursday 21 November and Saturday 7 December.

It all starts in Newry on Thursday 21 November in Marcus Square and Hill Street, where everyone can enjoy free family activities from 18:00, with the lights being switched on at 19:30.

On Saturday 23 November, Downpatrick is set to host crowds in Saint Patrick's Square from 15:00.

People can enjoy family-friendly entertainment before Santa arrives to turn on the lights.