Santa Claus is coming to Ballymahon town!

The children of Ballymahon will be getting a very special visitor this weekend as Father Christmas pays a visit to the town. Preparations are underway to make sure the big man's Ballymahon sojourn goes smoothly.

The town has their festive lights up and the visit by the man in red will set the tone for the season. The organisers are inviting people, young and old, to join them on Santa Claus' trip to the town.

The man in red will meet up with the young people of the town at 4:30pm at the Library.

Ballymahon Traders member, Jenny White, said excitement is building: “Santa will be giving out selection boxes to the children who attend.

This weekend gets off to a great start this Saturday, 3 and Sunday, 4 of December when the Jolly Boys Christmas market takes place from 12-6pm.

Jenny says the market is gaining a lot of attention: “Everyone is looking forward to it. They have a huge range of stands. There will be music and a food court.”

This year visitors can look forward to a showcase of incredible products, entertainment, and food and drink from the Jolly Boys team.

Jenny hopes that Santa's visit will mark the beginning of the holiday rush: “Christmas is so important for local businesses. I think everyone appreciates how important it is to support local businesses in their difficult times. Ballymahon has so many great local businesses and they are reliant on the support of the local customers at this time of the year.”

Another highlight of the Ballymahon festive programme will be the performance by the Mulligan Sisters in St Matthews Church. Operation Blue Light Santa presents The Mulligan Sister's Christmas Concert by Candlelight on Sunday the 18th of December at 6pm in St. Matthews Church, Ballymahon.

The beneficiaries of this year’s fundraiser will be Bridgeways Family Resource Centre, Ballymahon, Lus na Greine Family Resource Centre, Granard and Little Blue Heroes.