Santa arrived in Ballyshannon to a huge welcome from members of the community who thronged the streets to greet him at the big Christmas lights switch-on. And Santa wasn’t the only special guest - Honorary Garda Malachi Collins was on hand to flip the switch that turned on Ballyshannon’s magical Christmas lights display. The switch-on took place on Saturday, November 29 and was a fitting climax to a fabulous day of festive activities, where there really was something for everyone.  Events kicked off with the Christmas Market at the Gables, where those present not only had a delightful range of crafts and food produce to choose from, they were also treated to entertainment from Phil Rooney Comhaltas and Mac 2. READ NEXT: In Pictures - Local makers to the fore at Ballyshannon Christmas Market Activities then moved to the Diamond and Saimer Court, where John Meehan was Master of Ceremonies as the excitement built. The Brass and Reed Band entertained at Saimer Court, followed by Under The Tree with Ben Canto choir after which Ballyshannon Street Samba Band drummed the beat until the arrival of Santa.  READ NEXT: In Pictures - Community spirit and festive cheer at Leghowney breakfast and market Ballyshannon Fire Service was on hand to ensure that Santa got through the massive crowd that gathered in the streets of the Erneside town, treating him to a lift in the fire engine. On arrival, Santa took lots of time to meet the children and pose for photos.  And then came the moment everyone was waiting for - Honorary Garda Malachi Collins did the honours, flipping the switch to light up Ballyshannon with a wonderful display of Christmas lights. placeholder image
Santa arrived in Ballyshannon to a huge welcome from members of the community who thronged the streets to greet him at the big Christmas lights switch-on. And Santa wasn’t the only special guest - Honorary Garda Malachi Collins was on hand to flip the switch that turned on Ballyshannon’s magical Christmas lights display. The switch-on took place on Saturday, November 29 and was a fitting climax to a fabulous day of festive activities, where there really was something for everyone.  Events kicked off with the Christmas Market at the Gables, where those present not only had a delightful range of crafts and food produce to choose from, they were also treated to entertainment from Phil Rooney Comhaltas and Mac 2. READ NEXT: In Pictures - Local makers to the fore at Ballyshannon Christmas Market Activities then moved to the Diamond and Saimer Court, where John Meehan was Master of Ceremonies as the excitement built. The Brass and Reed Band entertained at Saimer Court, followed by Under The Tree with Ben Canto choir after which Ballyshannon Street Samba Band drummed the beat until the arrival of Santa.  READ NEXT: In Pictures - Community spirit and festive cheer at Leghowney breakfast and market Ballyshannon Fire Service was on hand to ensure that Santa got through the massive crowd that gathered in the streets of the Erneside town, treating him to a lift in the fire engine. On arrival, Santa took lots of time to meet the children and pose for photos.  And then came the moment everyone was waiting for - Honorary Garda Malachi Collins did the honours, flipping the switch to light up Ballyshannon with a wonderful display of Christmas lights. 

In Pictures: Huge turnout as Honorary Garda Malachi lights up Ballyshannon

Siobhán McNamara
By Siobhán McNamara

DonegalLive multimedia journalist

Published 30th Nov 2025, 22:33 GMT

Santa arrived in style with a huge crowd lining the streets to greet him and to see the moment of magic as the town’s Christmas lights were switched on

Donegal Camera Club We want your photos to feature on the website via our Camera Club. Do you have a great photo from life in the locality? Whether it’s a party, wedding, communion, landscape, a quirky shot from your archives, or a simple everyday moment, we want your snapshots. We are inviting people to share photos that capture the spirit of the county. From special occasions to quieter moments, your pictures help tell the story of everyday life in our community. To submit: Go to the Camera Club page and follow the instructions to upload your photo. Include your name, where it was taken, and a short caption if you can.  Your photo could be featured on our website and newspaper and seen by readers across the county and beyond.  TAP HERE TO SUBMIT YOUR PICTURES TODAY

5.

Donegal Camera Club We want your photos to feature on the website via our Camera Club. Do you have a great photo from life in the locality? Whether it’s a party, wedding, communion, landscape, a quirky shot from your archives, or a simple everyday moment, we want your snapshots. We are inviting people to share photos that capture the spirit of the county. From special occasions to quieter moments, your pictures help tell the story of everyday life in our community. To submit: Go to the Camera Club page and follow the instructions to upload your photo. Include your name, where it was taken, and a short caption if you can.  Your photo could be featured on our website and newspaper and seen by readers across the county and beyond.  TAP HERE TO SUBMIT YOUR PICTURES TODAY

Donegal Camera Club We want your photos to feature on the website via our Camera Club. Do you have a great photo from life in the locality? Whether it’s a party, wedding, communion, landscape, a quirky shot from your archives, or a simple everyday moment, we want your snapshots. We are inviting people to share photos that capture the spirit of the county. From special occasions to quieter moments, your pictures help tell the story of everyday life in our community. To submit: Go to the Camera Club page and follow the instructions to upload your photo. Include your name, where it was taken, and a short caption if you can.  Your photo could be featured on our website and newspaper and seen by readers across the county and beyond.  TAP HERE TO SUBMIT YOUR PICTURES TODAY

6.

Donegal Camera Club We want your photos to feature on the website via our Camera Club. Do you have a great photo from life in the locality? Whether it’s a party, wedding, communion, landscape, a quirky shot from your archives, or a simple everyday moment, we want your snapshots. We are inviting people to share photos that capture the spirit of the county. From special occasions to quieter moments, your pictures help tell the story of everyday life in our community. To submit: Go to the Camera Club page and follow the instructions to upload your photo. Include your name, where it was taken, and a short caption if you can.  Your photo could be featured on our website and newspaper and seen by readers across the county and beyond.  TAP HERE TO SUBMIT YOUR PICTURES TODAY

Donegal Camera Club We want your photos to feature on the website via our Camera Club. Do you have a great photo from life in the locality? Whether it’s a party, wedding, communion, landscape, a quirky shot from your archives, or a simple everyday moment, we want your snapshots. We are inviting people to share photos that capture the spirit of the county. From special occasions to quieter moments, your pictures help tell the story of everyday life in our community. To submit: Go to the Camera Club page and follow the instructions to upload your photo. Include your name, where it was taken, and a short caption if you can.  Your photo could be featured on our website and newspaper and seen by readers across the county and beyond.  TAP HERE TO SUBMIT YOUR PICTURES TODAY

7.

Donegal Camera Club We want your photos to feature on the website via our Camera Club. Do you have a great photo from life in the locality? Whether it’s a party, wedding, communion, landscape, a quirky shot from your archives, or a simple everyday moment, we want your snapshots. We are inviting people to share photos that capture the spirit of the county. From special occasions to quieter moments, your pictures help tell the story of everyday life in our community. To submit: Go to the Camera Club page and follow the instructions to upload your photo. Include your name, where it was taken, and a short caption if you can.  Your photo could be featured on our website and newspaper and seen by readers across the county and beyond.  TAP HERE TO SUBMIT YOUR PICTURES TODAY

Donegal Camera Club We want your photos to feature on the website via our Camera Club. Do you have a great photo from life in the locality? Whether it’s a party, wedding, communion, landscape, a quirky shot from your archives, or a simple everyday moment, we want your snapshots. We are inviting people to share photos that capture the spirit of the county. From special occasions to quieter moments, your pictures help tell the story of everyday life in our community. To submit: Go to the Camera Club page and follow the instructions to upload your photo. Include your name, where it was taken, and a short caption if you can.  Your photo could be featured on our website and newspaper and seen by readers across the county and beyond.  TAP HERE TO SUBMIT YOUR PICTURES TODAY

8.

Donegal Camera Club We want your photos to feature on the website via our Camera Club. Do you have a great photo from life in the locality? Whether it’s a party, wedding, communion, landscape, a quirky shot from your archives, or a simple everyday moment, we want your snapshots. We are inviting people to share photos that capture the spirit of the county. From special occasions to quieter moments, your pictures help tell the story of everyday life in our community. To submit: Go to the Camera Club page and follow the instructions to upload your photo. Include your name, where it was taken, and a short caption if you can.  Your photo could be featured on our website and newspaper and seen by readers across the county and beyond.  TAP HERE TO SUBMIT YOUR PICTURES TODAY

Previous
2 / 8
Next Page
Related topics:BallyshannonChristmasLittle Blue Heroes
Register
Follow us
© 2026 Formpress Publishing LTD. All rights reserved.Cookie SettingsTerms and ConditionsPrivacy notice