Santa arrived at Carlow Town Hall on the weekend to kick off the first in a series of Lightfest Events and turn on the Christmas lights.
The event was a huge success with over 3,500 people attending on the night.
The festivities kicked off at 4pm where attendees ventured between food vendors and face painting stations.
At 4.30pm, the stage was set for music from locals acts Monroe and Dave O’Neill.
At 6pm Mayor Cllr. Tom O'Neill and Santa joined forces to turn on the Carlow Town Christmas lights. The crowd was amazed when the night sky erupted in a dazzling showcase of fireworks, marking the official start of the festive season.
Speaking about the event, Cllr Tom O’Neill, Mayor of Carlow Municipal District said "We are thrilled with the overwhelming response from the community about this event”. The Mayor continued to say “Lightfest was not just an event; it was a celebration of unity, joy, and the spirit of the season. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who attended and contributed to making this event a tremendous success." The Mayor complimented the various Departments in the Council who worked on the event and in particular highlighted the work of the Area Office in the festive light programme in the County Town with new investment in projectors and a fantastic new tree in the Town Hall Plaza.”
Cllr. Andrea Dalton, Cathaoirleach of Carlow County Council said “ I believe that the festive period holds a special significance for communities, transcending political and cultural boundaries. In this season of joy and goodwill, we are reminded of the values that bind us together—compassion, generosity, and the spirit of giving. The festive period fosters a sense of unity, bringing people from all walks of life to celebrate shared traditions and create lasting memories. It is a time when communities come alive with a collective warmth that transcends differences, fostering a sense of belonging and reinforcing the ties that make our communities strong.”
Lightfest Tullow will take place on Saturday 9th December and Lightfest Bagenalstown will take place on Sunday 10th December. Tickets for Tullow are currently available on Eventbrite and Bagenalstown will be available shortly.
