The festive season officially roared to life in Bray on Saturday, November 22nd, as thousands gathered for the annual Christmas Lights Switch-On, marking the start of the #ChristmasInBray 2025 campaign. The atmosphere was electric, with families enjoying a magical evening of entertainment, community spirit, and a little unexpected chaos.
This flagship event is consistently cited as a significant community highlight. This year, the festivities included a local DJ, dynamic performances from Studio X, and a mass sing-along led by MC Adam Burke.
Just as the excitement was building, gasps went through the crowd as the Grinch was spotted abseiling down the civic buildings, seemingly intent on stealing Christmas. However, local Gardaí were on hand to help defuse the situation, ensuring the Grinch’s plans were foiled and the festive fun could continue.
The main event saw Santa Claus himself arriving spectacularly on a steam train, delighting children and adults alike. The honour of officially illuminating the town went to the O’Neill Family, who joined Santa on stage to push the magic button and switch on Bray’s Christmas Lights for 2025.
Cllr Erika Doyle, Cathaoirleach of Bray Municipal District, praised the event’s success: “Saturday’s switch-on was a truly spectacular start to the festive season in Bray. The electric atmosphere at the Civic Plaza perfectly captured our wonderful community spirit. Seeing so many families, the arrival of Santa, and even the Grinch’s antics, all brought the town to life. It was the perfect community celebration to launch the Christmas period.”
Photo Gallery—Click the photo to enlarge.
Photos by Leigh Anderson
A Big Thank You!
The success of the 2025 Christmas Lights Switch-On was truly a collaborative effort. The organisers extend their deepest gratitude to the event delivery team, including Kathy O’Toole, Mick Glynn, Paul Carney, and the dedicated Chambers’ Executive Committee, whose tireless work brought the night to life. A massive thank you also goes to the excellent MC Adam Burke, the main man Santa, and Eamonn and Mary McAleenan for providing the spectacular steam train. The committee is extremely grateful to An Garda Síochána, Wicklow, for the crucial escort provided to the steam train as it made its way up the Main Street to ensure Santa arrived safely. For the essential action on the night, thanks are especially given to Garda Joe and Sean for being sharpish to intercept the Grinch (and the incredible team at Squirrel’s Scramble for performing the dramatic abseil!).
The campaign committee must also recognise the groups and organisations whose support was essential: Domino’s Pizza Bray and Mermaid Arts Centre for sponsoring the competition prizes; Studio X for their brilliant dancing; and the fantastic Square One Theatre Group. Appreciation is extended to the hardworking transition year students in Presentation College and all volunteers. The organisers were delighted to welcome Cllr Erika Doyle, Cathaoirleach of Bray Municipal District, and all public representatives who came along and supported the event. Thanks are also extended to the teams at Bray Municipal District and Wicklow County Council, including Bray District Manager, Jackie Carroll, and Bray District Administrator Brian Wildes.
Finally, the organising team offers sincere thanks to all service providers who greatly added to the event experience. Thanks are also extended to all emergency services who ensured the safe and smooth running of the evening. Special thanks are also given to any other businesses, community members, or local authority staff who assisted in the success of the event.
Shop Local First This Christmas!
The annual #ChristmasInBray campaign serves as the town’s comprehensive strategy to welcome the festive season, encouraging locals and visitors alike to engage with the community, entertainment, and local businesses. The campaign is a partnership, successfully uniting the efforts of the Bray Municipal District, the Bray & District Chamber of Commerce, and bray.ie.
At the heart of the campaign is the strong ‘shop local first’ initiative. The campaign acknowledges the vital role of festive trade for the town’s economy and encourages everyone to shop, hire, and source locally.
The organisers stress that this simple yet impactful decision directly supports the local economy, helping to nurture a vibrant business community. The success of the Lights Switch-On is seen as a vital booster, setting a positive tone for retailers and hospitality providers who benefit from the increased footfall generated by the campaign’s activities.
Jonathan Donnelly, President of the Bray & District Chamber of Commerce, added: “The success of Saturday’s event was a fantastic boost for the entire town. Now, our #ChristmasInBray campaign really kicks into gear, focusing on supporting our local businesses. We have a packed calendar of events, but the core message is to ‘shop local first’. When you support our retailers, restaurants, and artists this Christmas, you are supporting our whole community. With the town looking so festive, it’s the perfect time to discover what Bray has to offer.”
What’s On in Bray This Festive Season
Bray is pulling out all the stops this year, with the town set to be buzzing with festive cheer, unique events, and plenty of craic for all ages. From the magic of meeting Santa to the hustle and bustle of the Christmas markets, not to mention the annual panto and cosy candlelight concerts, there’s a warm welcome awaiting everyone under the twinkling town lights. With free weekend parking at Herbert Road* making it easy to shop local first, and the legendary Charity Sea Swim to wash away the cobwebs on New Year’s Day, Bray is the place to be this festive season.
For the full run-down on what’s on, times, and booking details, head straight to our dedicated portal at bray.ie/christmasinbray.
*Free car parking will be available in the Herbert Road Car Park (Council-owned portion) every weekend from Saturday, November 22nd, until Sunday, January 4th, 2026.