This week saw the Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor John Scott, launch the Borough’s 2016 Christmas Events Programme.

The festive entertainment kicks off in Glengormley on Saturday 12 November from 1.30pm when Snow White and friends will be preparing for Christmas in their Enchanted Forest.  They will also travel to Ballyclare on Saturday 26 November to captivate the audience from 1.30pm. Both events will have plenty of free family entertainment with tickets available to purchase for the Jumping Clay workshops in Lilian Bland Pavilion and Ballyclare Town Hall.  Santa will arrive at 5pm at both locations to switch on the Christmas tree lights with the Mayor and Snow White.

On Thursday 24 November Sonya Mac, from Q Radio, will make sure the crowd in Market Square, Antrim are feeling festive for the Christmas tree lights being switched on.  Santa will make his grand entrance at 7pm and a spectacular fireworks display at 7.30pm will round off a perfect festive evening.

Thursday 8 December until Sunday 18 December will see Antrim Castle Gardens transformed into an Enchanted Winter Garden from 4pm until 8pm each day. Enjoy the stunning light installations, Forest of Fire, Reindeer Trail, Christmas Train, Festive Fayre and our very special Santa’s Grotto in partnership with Cancer Fund for Children.  With no admission fee there are plenty of activities to stimulate all of the senses, which promises to give a magical Christmas experience for all the family.

Don’t forget to support your local Christmas tree switch on over the coming weeks as trees throughout the Borough light up.  Further details on these tree lighting ceremonies and the full Christmas programme can be found on our website www.antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk/christmas