Excitement in Laois town for big Christmas lights switch-on

The buzz has started in Portlaoise already and the event that really gets Christmas started in town is the ‘Christmas Lights Big Switch On’ which will take place on Friday, November 21.

Opening this exciting event will be the Children’s Choir at 6pm who will sing their cute Christmas songs until 6.15pm and this will be followed by Jack Nolan MC introducing the Cathaoirleach of Laois County Council,  Cllr Barry Walsh.

At 6.20pm Jack will introduce the man himself, Santa, who will chat to the children about being good for Christmas and then at 6.30pm Santa will switch on the lights and the whole town will be illuminated with a new sparkling curtain of lights added to Lyster Car Park this year.   As the town is glistening the Laois Community Choir will sing their hearts out as Santa moves to the Sleigh to allow families to capture their selfies with the man in red. 

It is worth noting that the Lower Main St. and Church Avenue will be closed from 4pm that day to reopen at 9pm.  Local businesses and residents are asked to make alternative arrangements for their cars and vans, for that short period.

READ NEXT: Breaking: Laois summer music festival reveals lineup and site change for 2026

The organisers said: "Downtown Portlaoise endeavour each year to deliver a fantastic lighting display in the town and love to extend the features as much as possible.  It is with thanks to Laois Partnership that this is made possible.  Thanks to Laois Partnership we have added the new lighting feature to the Post Office building.  Laois County Council support Downtown Portlaoise’s efforts each year and this project would not be possible without their support.  Many thanks also to the businesses in the town who contribute to the running costs and tolerate a few inconveniences in getting the lights erected. Mark Martley and Tom Lacey who always give back to their community. Mark provides our stage each year and Tom Lacey, TopLay surprising us all this year with a fabulous article truck decked out for Christmas.   The support we get from Laois Live, Laois Today, Laois Nationalist, Laois People and the Link-Up is greatly appreciated.  The Roads Department of Laois County Council, Civil Defence and An Gardai work together to support this event which we greatly appreciate."   CONTINUE READING BELOW PHOTO

Barry, Emily and James Kelly with Síomha Nelson-Heffernan at the Portlaoise Christmas lights event in 2024. Photo: Alf Harvey.

‘This is a very important event for Portlaoise town at Christmas time.  It shows how the town can work together as a community to deliver this event and help to kickstart the festive season.  Downtown Portlaoise is a voluntary organisation and I wish to thank all my committee for their work in the build up to this exciting evening’ says Andrew Shaw, Chairperson of Downtown Portlaoise.

"Downtown Portlaoise Jersey is a new fun item added to our Christmas season.  This jersey is available in store in Shaws Portlaoise and makes a gorgeous gift which can be sent abroad to those not lucky enough to be home for Christmas.  We would love a selfie to be taken from all over the world and emailed to portlaoiseretail@gmail.com or tag Downtown Portlaoise facebook page and we will highlight the picture.  We are happy to report that Robert Sheehan and Zack Tuohy are fans and wear the jersey regularly when they want to feel close to home." 

Laois actor Robert Sheehan wearing the Downtown Portlaoise

That same evening, Midlands Radio 3 outside broadcast will be on the street from 12-3pm promoting Portlaoise.  There will be giveaways and plenty of fun happening during this time.

There will be a whole host of events to help the community get in the Christmas spirit. 

On Saturday, November 22 from 2pm to 3.30pm at Hynds Square Portlaoise Tradfest will bring a festive open trad session. All are welcome to bring instruments and join in.

There will be a Christmas dance party with Niall Doorhy on Sunday, November 23 at the Performance and events space. There will be interactive jiving, line dancing and social dancing, with high energy and a crowd friendly format suitable for all ages, experienced and those with two left feet from 2.30pm to 5pm with special guest 2025 Rose of Tralee Katelyn Cummins. 

A cookery demonstration will be hosted by Graham Herterich (The Cupcake Bloke) with Yvonne Carty (Hey Pesto) and Erica Drum (Virgin Media)  on Wednesday, November 26 at the Dunamaise Theatre from 6.30pm. The chefs will be using Laois produce, demonstrations and exhibitors on the night. 

On Friday and Saturday, November 28 & 29 an arts and crafts fair will take place at Dunamaise Theatre with special guest Santa Clause from 1pm – 7pm and 11am – 8pm. Shop artisan crafts, enjoy festive treats, and meet Santa for a holiday photo. Activities include family arts and crafts and cookie decorating with Brie’s Bakes. 

Portlaoise Jazz Fest – Tiny Crimes – Jazz of the late 1930s to early 1940s will take place in Hynds Square on Saturday, November 29 from 2pm to 3.30pm.   

 On Saturday, November 29,  Epiphany by Lesley Conroy will be in St. Peter’s Church of Ireland from 6.30pm - 7.45pm. A bold reimagining of James Joyce’s The Dead with live music.

The Big Christmas Sing featuring choirs from around the County will sing their favourite songs from  2pm to 4pm at the Performance & Events Space on Sunday, November 30. 

             
Tickets for the Cookery & Dancing events are for €20 and €10 respectively, available on Dunamaise Arts centre.

Speaking about the programme of Christmas events, Cllr Barry Walsh, Cathaoirleach of Laois County Council, said: “We hope communities from across Laois come together to enjoy the wide range of Christmas activities organised for residents and visitors alike. From children to older people, there is something for everyone to make this special time of year truly memorable.”

Angela McEvoy, Director of Services at Laois County Council, added: “Christmas in Portlaoise is about creating joy and connection. These events not only celebrate the season but also support local businesses, artists, and performers. We encourage everyone to join us and experience the magic of Christmas in the heart of Laois.”