After a Covid-19 absence of two years, the Donabate Christmas Lights Festival is back!!! The festival makes a welcome return on Saturday, December 3rd at 4.30pm, in the car-park of St. Patrick’s Church in the village. For the past 10 years or more, this much-loved local tradition has attracted huge crowds to the village to enjoy some seasonal festive refreshments and entertainment. This year is shaping up to be no different, with festive entertainment and refreshments for kids of all ages! And we have a real surprise in store to provide some seasonal entertainment. The organisers would like to thank Fingal County Council for sponsoring the event and for the beautiful Christmas tree and lights. Local electrician, Karl Harte, is coming back from retirement to oversee the installation of the festive lights around the village. Karl and his team have installed the festive lights around the village for more than 30 years, and we owe huge thanks to Karl for ensuring that the village will look festive and bright! We are very grateful to Tesco and SuperValu for their generous sponsorship of the event. SuperValu donate the delicious warm Mince Pies, washed down by Mulled Wine courtesy of Tesco. We are also grateful to Fr. Pat Reilly and all at St. Patrick’s Church for accommodating this event. Just across the road from the church, in St. Patrick’s Parish Hall, the festive Donabate Christmas Craft Fair also makes a welcome return. From 12-6pm, local crafters and artisans will showcase their arts and crafts. Drop in and browse the market and maybe even pick up a quirky Christmas gift or two! And boys and girls, unlike recent years when Santa visited Donabate via Zoom, Santa himself will be in the Parish Hall, in person, from 2.30-5pm to meet you all. A visit with Santa is free of charge and no appointment is necessary. The organisers would like to thank the team of Elves who give up their Saturday to make the day such a success. The day wouldn’t happen without them. Thank you. Later on in the evening, the businesses in the village will showcase their goodies and offers with a Christmas Market in the Town Centre. So, come along to the village on Saturday December 3rd and join in the festive atmosphere. Let’s kick-start the festive season in Donabate in style!!