Christmas cheer arrives in Leitrim town as festivities kick off this weekend

Christmas festivities are beginning in Carrick-on-Shannon this weekend, with the annual Christmas Lights parade taking place tomorrow, Saturday, December 6.

The parade will start at the fire station at 5:30pm, and everyone, individuals, businesses, groups, and schools, is welcome to come along, dress up, and take part as it moves through the town.

Once the parade concludes at approximately 6pm, Santa will officially turn on the Christmas lights in the town.

There will be plenty more Christmas fun to enjoy in Carrick-on-Shannon over the coming weekends, including Christmas markets in the Market Yard. 

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On Saturday, December 6, the Christmas market will be open from 1pm to 7pm, and it will return from December 12 to December 14 and again from December 19 to December 21. Opening times will be 1pm to 7pm on Fridays and Saturdays, and 1pm to 6pm on Sundays.

Santa’s Grotto will also be located in the Market Yard on December 13, 14, 20 and 21 from 2pm to 5pm. Online bookings can be made here.

Adding even more to the festive atmosphere, singers John and Ray will perform in the Market Yard on December 13 and December 21 from 4pm to 6pm on both days. 

They will be joined on December 21 by storyteller Eileen O’Toole.

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Huge work from the community has gone into Christmas in Carrick-on-Shannon this year, with a fundraising page set up to help make the festivities even more successful each year.

All donations are reinvested into the community and can be made here.