The Christmas tree is up and the countdown is on to the most exciting day of the year in Donabate! The Donabate Christmas Lights Festival is on Saturday December 7th.

Many thanks to Fingal County Council for installing the beautiful tree and lights.

All day on Saturday 7th, Karl Harte and his team from CP Electrical will be busy installing all the other festive lights around the village. We are hugely indebted to Karl who has been voluntarily doing this job for 30 years or more now. Huge thanks to Karl’s team who will give up their day on Saturday to help make the village look sparkly and festive.

The Christmas Craft Fair will be on in the Parish Hall, from 12-6pm, with lots of artisans showcasing their crafts. Drop in and browse and maybe pick up a gift or two!

Santa Claus will arrive in the Parish Hall at 11am and will be there all day in his grotto visiting with the good boys and girls.

Free hot drinks will be on offer outside the Parish Hall from Shirley Higgins and her coffee van, courtesy of Progressive Credit Union.

At 4.30pm the switching-on event will start at the tree in the carpark of St. Patrick’s RC Church. There will be festive entertainment from the Peninsula Voices, under the baton of Áine Daly.

There will be seasonal refreshments, with Mulled Wine and Mince Pies for the adults and juices and treats for the kids.

We are very grateful to Tesco, SuperValu and the Progressive Credit Union for their ongoing support for this event. Without their generosity, the event would not happen.

Four children have been chosen, one from each of the Primary schools on the peninsula, to lead the countdown and flick the switch to turn on the lights.

After the lights are on, there will be a Christmas Market in the Town Mall, with local businesses showcasing their goods.

So, put on your Santa hat, join us for some of the festivities and help kick-start the Donabate festive season in style!