Ballina gears up for Christmas with lights switch-on and markets
The Let There Be Light Committee, working in conjunction with Mayo County Council and local community groups, is bringing the Christmas celebrations to life in Ballina, with a festive programme of events and activities planned for the town.
Preparations are already underway as Ballina looks forward to another busy Christmas season, with two special dates for the diary and plenty to look forward to for locals and visitors alike.
First up is the Christmas lights switch-on, taking place on Sunday, November 22, in Market Square, with activities getting underway from 3:00 pm. A great afternoon of entertainment and family fun is planned as the community comes together to mark the start of the season and see Ballina illuminated for Christmas. Organisers have said there is an extra special surprise in store this year, with a little something planned to add even more fun to the occasion.
The much-loved festive activities at The Clarke Museum of Irish History will also feature in this year's Christmas programme, with the Santa Post Box and gingerbread house already in place to get the festive season underway. There will also be a small festive parade through the town, along with the addition of a dedicated sensory space. Further details of the activities and the full day's programme will be announced in the coming weeks.
The Christmas lights switch-on celebrations are being brought together by the voluntary Let There Be Light Committee, working in conjunction with Mayo County Council and local community groups. The initiative relies on strong community support, collaboration and the generosity of volunteers who give their time and expertise to help make Christmas in Ballina special.
The excitement is already building, with volunteers recently out and about making a start on putting up the town's Christmas lights. Their hard work and commitment are helping to transform the town, and the sight of the lights going up is a sure sign that Christmas is getting closer.
The celebrations will continue in December with the return of the Ballina Christmas Markets from Friday 11 to Sunday 13 December. A much-loved part of the town's Christmas calendar, the markets offer a wonderful opportunity to browse local crafts, discover unique gifts, enjoy delicious food and support talented local makers and producers.
The market opening times are as follows:
Friday, December 11: 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Saturday, December 12: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Sunday, December 13: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Speaking ahead of the planned events for Ballina, Paul Burke, Chairperson of the Let There Be Light Committee, said they are really looking forward to bringing everyone together again for another year of Christmas in Ballina.
“There's a lot of work going on behind the scenes, and we're delighted with how things are coming together. We have a great afternoon of entertainment planned for Sunday, 22nd November, and there's also an extra special surprise in store to add a little more sparkle to the occasion! We won't give too much away just yet, but it's something we think people will be very excited about. We'd love to see as many people as possible come along, enjoy the afternoon and help us kick off Christmas in Ballina in style.”
The committee is also appealing for additional volunteers to help with preparations, particularly anyone with an electrical background who might be willing to give some of their time and expertise. Expressions of interest can be made through the Let There Be Light social media sites.
Mairéad Melody, Manager of Mayo North Tourism, said:
"Christmas is such an important time for Ballina, and these events bring a real sense of occasion to the town. The Christmas lights and markets encourage people to come into Ballina, spend time here and support local businesses. They also give people a chance to meet, catch up and enjoy something together as a community.
“A huge amount of work goes on behind the scenes, and the commitment of the Let There Be Light Committee, Mayo County Council, local community groups and all the volunteers deserves enormous credit. It's fantastic to see the plans coming together, and I would encourage everyone to support the events, visit the markets and get behind the local businesses and makers who make them so special,” she said.
Organisers have said further details on the lights switch-on and markets will be announced in the coming weeks.