PICTURES: Huge crowds gather for the switching on of the Christmas lights in Tipperary

It's officially Christmas in It's officially Christmas in Tipperary Town as the lights were switched on by local girl Kate Sheehan, along with Santa Claus, on Saturday evening November 29. 

A huge crowd gathered to watch the Santa Express arrive in Tipperary Town, and the switching on of the lights by Kate and Santa. There was huge excitement as the Garda Car, which was escorting the entourage, swung in between the two banks and
into the Market Yard. The spectacle that followed was reminiscent of the Polar Express as a dazzling display of lights on vehicles followed, with the man himself, Santa Claus in his sleigh, which included the guest of honour, Kate Sheehan. How fantastic it was to see such a huge crowd and such a wonderful atmosphere in the town.

Electrician Dale Foley was on standby to see that everything went according to plan for the big switch on, and all the crowd joined with Kate Sheehan in counting down from 10. When they reached zero Kate hit the button and just like magic the lights came on in Tipperary Town.

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How fantastic it was to see the town light up for Christmas 2025. Well done to the organisers along with the Christmas Market and the choirs. It was a wonderful and memorable evening in the town. Thanks to everyone who came out and we hope that everyone enjoyed the evening.

Thanks to all the stall holders for braving the cold and My Street Food and Bunda Brothers for the delicious food. The stall holders certainly added to the event and the signing from the choirs made for a great Christmas atmosphere. A very special thank you to all the stewards who helped throughout the day. Dj Timmy Clarke provided a great mix of tunes on the truck provided by Cleanline, before Santa arrived into town, and the Moorehaven/Limerick Junction Vintage Club did superbly with their demonstration of vehicles, and for bringing Santa safely into town and for returning him to his destination so that he could return to the North Pole.

Thanks to The Tipperary Festival for organising the lights and for making the event possible, and to The Tipperary Town Business Alliance for hosting the Christmas Market. A special word of thanks to Eamonn Ryan, Chair of The
Tipperary Festival and to Stevie O'Donnell, who did such great promotional work on tipperarytown.ie and in welcoming Santa Claus to Tipperary Town. Congratulations to everyone involved in what was a super start to the Christmas season in Tipperary Town.

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