Last Christmas: Alan, Leah, Darragh and Linda Ryan from Shannon Harbour pictured last year at the Tullamore Christmas Market and Switching on of the Christmas Lights. Photo by Ger Rogers Photography.

Feast of Christmas festivities in Tullamore this weekend

This year marks the 400th anniversary of the beginning of the township of Tullamore, and the celebrations are set to continue this weekend with the official switch on of the town's Christmas lights and the opening of the 'Tullamore this Christmas' attractions.

The switching on of the Christmas lights, which officially marks the start of the countdown to Christmas, will take place on Sunday, November 27, at approximately 6pm.

This year the popular Christmas Markets return, with 20 stalls across O’Connor Square, selling food, drink and stockingfuls of crafts and seasonal gifts.

The markets are a must-visit attraction for visitors to the town and locals alike, and are guaranteed to get people into the Christmas spirit.

The markets are running over a three day period: Friday, November 25: 3pm - 7pm; Saturday, November 26: 11am - 7:30pm; and Sunday, November 27: 11am - 7:30pm.

Tullamore is set to be magical with dazzling lights, breath taking displays, exciting new experiences and yummy comfort food.

"Tullamore this Christmas" offers a festive surprise with the arrival of The Santa’s Magic Bus to the town centre, offering families and kids the chance to meet and greet the big man on board with each child receiving their very own gift! The Santa Magic Bus will begin operating from Friday, November 25 to Sunday, November 27, and tickets can be purchased online through Eventbrite.

Visitors will see O'Connor Square adorned with Christmas decorations, and a special carol service will feature thanks to local primary and secondary schools returning for another amazing and very festive choral performance.

The Cathaoirleach of the Tullamore Municipal District, Cllr Neil Feighery, said: "Tullamore is a very special place at Christmastime and we are encouraging everyone to come into the town and to shop locally.

"There will be fantastic Christmas food markets, choral concert, followed by a host of wonderful musical performances that will take place throughout the event."

The Tullamore Lights Committee added: "We love this time of year when the town is lit up with Christmas trees and lights. Our Christmas light switch-on event is hugely popular and once again we will be putting on a fantastic show."

"Tullamore this Christmas" is produced by Aidan Shortall of Up Close and Personal Promotions who said: "This event is created to offer the community a family-friendly Christmas celebration. The finishing touches are now being added to add the 'real magic' and we are so excited for the new surprises this year!"

This event is funded and delivered by Tullamore Christmas Lights and Tullamore Municipal District of Offaly County Council. "Tullamore this Christmas" opens this year on Friday, November 25, at 3pm, and runs through to November 27.

Updates will feature on facebook.com/tullamorelights and shared via facebook.com/offalycoco