Ballycumber gears up for Christmas market with new sensory hour

Ballycumber is set to kick off the festive season in style the community prepares for its annual Christmas Market on Saturday, December 6.

For the first time, organisers have introduced a dedicated sensory hour from 4pm to 5pm, designed to make the market more accessible and enjoyable for everyone. The hour will feature reduced noise, music, and lighting, along with extra space for wheelchair users and those using other mobility supports.

Visitors can also look forward to meeting Tiny Tim from Hug Equine Assisted Learning, while Santa himself will be on hand with a special treat for early attendees.

The general Christmas market will follow from 5.15pm to 8pm, showcasing 30 stalls packed with festive gifts, crafts, and seasonal favourites. At 6.30pm, the St Manchan’s Choir will take centre stage with a half-hour performance that organisers say is “not to be missed.”

Festivities continue at 7pm, when Santa makes his big arrival and the village’s Christmas lights are switched on, marking the official start of the holiday season in Ballycumber.

All proceeds from tea, coffee, and hot chocolate sales on the night will be donated to the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association (IMNDA), encouraging attendees to enjoy a warm drink in support of a worthy cause.

The evening will also feature the much-anticipated annual Christmas market draw, with all cash prizes awarded on the night and 100% of winnings going back to a supporter.

Organisers promise a “jam-packed night with something for everyone” and say they can’t wait to welcome the community for what is expected to be one of the village’s most festive events of the year.