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04 Nov 2025
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04 Nov 2025
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The Hayes Christmas display in Shanagolden pictured in years gone by
A MUCH-loved Christmas tradition in Shanagolden will take a pause this year. The Hayes Christmas Lights display, known for its spectacular decorations and community fundraising, will not return for Christmas 2025, its organisers have confirmed.
The Hayes family took to social media to announce the news, saying:
"We wanted to let you know that, due to personal circumstances, the Hayes Christmas Lights display will not be going ahead this year again. While we know this has become a cherished part of the festive season for many, we believe it’s the right decision for us this year."
"However, we have every intention of bringing the lights back, bigger and brighter than ever, for Christmas 2026! We appreciate your understanding and continued support, and we can’t wait to celebrate with you all again soon. Wishing everyone a joyful and peaceful holiday season ahead."
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The lights display, organised by Cormac Hayes, did not take place last year either.
The event first "came to light" in 1997, when Cormac's mother, Mary, first bought a light-up Santa and Snowman. Despite his father, Timmy, thinking she was "mad", and claiming that you'd only see those kinds of decorations in America, he started buying lights the following year.
The tradition continued until his father passed away on December 23, 2003, and the lights display stopped completely by 2005.
Cormac decided to bring the display "back to life" in 2017, and has raised almost €100,000 for various local charities since.
Each year, he spends eight and a half weeks putting up his display before the Christmas season.
Santa, reindeers, snowmen, Mickey and Minnie Mouse, seven foot giraffes, the Grinch, penguins, crocodiles, rhinos, polar bears, a crib, and a real car are all sights to be spotted within the typical Hayes Christmas Lights display.
The display usually opens for visitors in the evenings throughout the holiday period, but the lights won't be shining bright this year.
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