Christmas lights switch-on announced, as toy scheme returns
There will be plenty of festive programming across the borough
Communities across Antrim and Newtownabbey are invited to celebrate the start of the festive season as seven free Christmas Light Switch On events take place across the Borough from Thursday 19 to Saturday 28 November 2026.
Under the ‘Follow the Star to Our Christmas Light Switch Ons’ theme, each event will offer festive entertainment, with performances from local schools, alongside free fun rides including The Game Bus for younger visitors. Children will also be entertained by our special on stage Christmas show, ‘Santa’s Search for a Star’.
The celebrations will also feature the winner of ‘Santa’s Star Search’, a special competition inviting primary school children living in the Borough to design their own Christmas star. The lucky winner will receive a £50 voucher and join Santa on stage to switch on the Christmas lights at one of the seven festive events.
Residents and visitors can enjoy the celebrations at:
Crumlin: Thursday 19 November, 6pm–7.30pm, Crumlin Leisure Centre.
Randalstown: Friday 20 November, 6pm–7.30pm, John Street Car Park.
Antrim: Saturday 21 November, 4.30pm–6pm, Railway Street Car Park.
Glengormley: Wednesday 25 November, 6pm–7.30pm, Lilian Bland Community Park.
Monkstown: Thursday 26 November, 6pm–7.30pm, Jordanstown Road/Devenish Drive.
V36: Friday 27 November, 6pm–7.30pm, V36 at The Valley.
Ballyclare: Saturday 28 November, 4.30pm–6pm, The Square Car Park.
Inclusivity is at the heart of this year's celebrations, with dedicated accessible viewing points at every location and sign language interpreters throughout the main stage programmes.
The Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Henry Cushinan said: “Our Christmas Light Switch Ons are a wonderful opportunity to bring communities together and celebrate the magic of Christmas. With a fantastic programme of entertainment from local schools and community groups, plenty of family fun and our special Santa’s Star Search winner joining Santa on stage, there will be something for everyone to enjoy.”
Visitors are encouraged to plan ahead, with details of road closures and parking arrangements available at antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk/christmas-lights.
Meanwhile, Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council has announced the return of its Christmas Toy Scheme for 2026, in partnership with Habitat for Humanity Northern Ireland. Residents are once again being encouraged to donate unwanted toys in excellent condition, giving them a new home while helping to make Christmas more affordable for families across the Borough.
Donated toys will be collected and managed by Habitat for Humanity Northern Ireland before being made available to purchase at a small fee through the Pop-Up Toy Shop Events. All proceeds from the toy sales will go back to the charity.
Designated Christmas Toy Scheme collection containers are available at the Council’s five Household Recycling Centres from 1-30 November 2026:
- Newpark
- Bruslee
- Crumlin
- O'Neill Road
- Craigmore
Donations can also be made at the receptions of Antrim Civic Centre and Mossley Mill, Monday to Friday, 9am–5pm, during the same period.
Two Pop-Up Toy Shop events will give families the opportunity to browse a selection of pre-loved toys:
- Antrim Central Library, Railway Street, Antrim, BT41 4AE – Thursday 3 and Friday 4 December 2026, 10am–12noon.
- The Barron Hall, Glengormley, Newtownabbey, BT36 7QX – Thursday 3 and Friday 4 December 2026, 10am–12noon.
At Antrim Central Library, Libraries NI will also be providing a programme of fun, festive activities for children and their families, running alongside the Pop-Up Toy Shop. Activities will include:
- Rhythms, Rhymes and Storytime: Enjoy a Christmas-themed story time, with songs and beats to add to the festive fun.
- Fun Table: Write a letter to Santa, colour a festive picture, try a crossword or enjoy a Christmas craft.
- Christmas Duplo/Lego Build: Help create a Christmas village by building bridges, mountains, people and more using Lego.
- Grab and Nab: Every child will receive a ticket to exchange for a free gift from the table.
The Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Henry Cushinan said:
"Christmas can be an expensive time for families, and this scheme provides a practical way for residents to support one another. A toy that is no longer needed in one household could bring a great deal of happiness to a child in another. It is also a great opportunity to think about the value of reusing items rather than throwing them away. I would encourage residents to take part and support this worthwhile initiative."
For full details, including what items can be donated, Council collection point opening hours and information on community schemes, visit antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk/Christmastoyscheme.