Letterkenny lights up with Christmas cheer

Cold conditions didn’t dull the feel-good festive spirit in Letterkenny tonight for the Christmas light switch-on.

The Main Street became a merry place full of families, friends and fun. The festivities stretched from McGettigan’s Hotel to the Market Square, with many businesses in between opening their doors to offer warm drinks and treats to passers-by.

Children and adults wrapped up in their winter woollies to come out and see the town come alight… and to see a very special celebrity. Santa Claus came to town in his Santa Express with a dedicated Garda escort. The big man in red was greeted like a hero by young and old.

Many families started the party at McGettigan’s Hotel, where another special switch-on took place. This is the hotel’s first Christmas under the McGettigan’s name, which called for big celebrations.

Cheery elves gave out mince pies, mulled wine and candy canes to one and all. A children’s choir from the Donegal Music Education Partnership added to the community collaboration. Mr Claus created a lot of excitement, as well as the guests of honour – Ballybofey champion boxer Jason Quigley and Finn Harps team members.

Quigley and Santa turned on the McGettigan’s Christmas lights together. They illuminated a stunning stretch of lights across three floors of the hotel that shines out onto the street.

The McGettigan’s Christmas display of 2017 was the vision of Manager Caraline Spence, who has been dreaming up ideas since February.

Lisa Crampsie, Marketing and Promotions Manager, said it was wonderful to add extra sparkle to the main street over the festive period: “The McGettigan’s group were delighted to work with the Letterkenny Chamber of Commerce to coincide with the whole switch-on event.

“We hope that from this year on our event will get bigger and bring the community together even more. With all the bad news around us every day sometimes you need a little twinkle among it all,” Lisa said.

The McGettigan’s switch-on marks the beginning of a fun season. From Santa Sundays to Christmas Party Nights, charity movie days and Christmas jumper parties there will be something for everyone in both McGettigan’s and Warehouse Bar + Kitchen.

The festivities moved down Letterkenny street to the Market Square at 7pm, where the Chamber of Commerce led the big switch-on for the entire town.

Mayor Jimmy Kavanagh and the lucky winner of the school art competition turned the lights on here. The crowd gazed up in amazement when the overhead blue twinkling lights came on. Everyone was singing and dancing beneath the display that looked like snowflakes, until real snow starting to fall!

The Christmas cheer was kept going strong with MC Keith Fletcher decked out in a dazzling suit and the Chamber of Commerce team sharing sweets with children. Mr Claus was certainly the man of the moment. Many children were excited to have a chance to meet him before he begins his Christmas preparations.

The switch-on was a big success for the Letterkenny Chamber of Commerce and Shop LK, who are championing a great ‘Shop Local’ message this season. The whole event kindled a great community spirit to begin the Most Wonderful Time of the Year.

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