Bray’s Christmas schedule has been released – and it’s jam-packed!

The tagline for this year is 'unwrap the Christmas magic in Bray—your festive season starts here', a drive that officials hope will urge the local community to continue shopping, hiring, and sourcing locally. It also invites everyone to participate in the town's many festive events and activities taking place through late November and December.

From Christmas movies at the Mermaid, to visiting Santa and the ponies at Festina Lente, or exploring local Christmas markets and catching a candlelight concert, the line-up is sure to get you in the spirit.

Speaking at the big reveal, Bray & District Chamber of Commerce president Kieran Ward said: "There's no better way to embrace the Christmas spirit than by enjoying everything our wonderful town has to offer. From festive events to the fantastic local businesses that make Bray special, it's the perfect time to shop local and support our vibrant business community."

What's on during Christmas in Bray

It all kicks off on Saturday, November 23 at the Civic Plaza, where Santa is due to arrive after 4.45pm. There will be a Christmas DJ, a singalong with MC Adam Burke and a mischievous Grinch causing chaos, so they say.

Apart from Santa, of course, the main event is the switching on of Bray's Christmas lights, and this year Bray.ie is giving one lucky family the opportunity to press the magic button.

Families can apply via bray.ie/christmasinbray, with entries closing on Monday, November 18.

On the way to the Civic Plaza, children might like to stop at Santa's post box outside Bray Town Hall. All letters posted up to Friday, December 13 will be delivered to the main man.

Apart from the scores of school and community group markets running around the town, Bray's top farmer's market at Killruddery is running special Christmas editions on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays up to Sunday, December 22.

If you're looking to get crafty, Killruddery also has Christmas wreath-making workshops on November 22, 23, and 30 and on December 1, 5 and 6. They run from 10am to 1.30pm and cost €120 from killruddery.com

Festina Lente also has an array of festive workshops kicking off on Saturday, November 30, including sustainable wreath-making (from €37.82), family wreath and decoration making (from €37.82), and winter robin painting (from €43.04). These can be booked via eventbrite.ie/o/festina-lente-clg-11124317923.

At the same website you will also be able to book your child's spot to visit Santa and the overwhelmingly adorable mini ponies, who will be ready to charm on Saturday, December 14 and Sunday, December 15. Tickets cost €30 and include pony rides for little ones, storytime with Santa's elves, craft making, getting involved in the Christmas wishing tree and a hot chocolate. There is free parking and adults go free, with all proceeds supporting the Festina Lente Charity.

As December rolls in, so do carol concerts and the delights of Voices of Bray's Christmas Concert, which is set to take place in St Fergal's Church on Sunday, December 1, at 7:30 pm. Tickets can be purchased at www.vobcc.org/events.

Classics by Candlelight at Christ Church returns for its fifteenth year on the same night at 7:30 pm, while Purple House's Christmas Candlelight Service takes place on Friday, December 6, at 6 pm in Christ Church.

The Christmas line-up at the Mermaid fires up on Saturday, November 23 when Joe the Magician flies into town. 'Sister Act: The Musical' entertains from November 27 to 29 and the Nutcracker Sweeties are on stage from December 3 to 4 followed swiftly by 'Junior Musicals presents Sparklejollytwinklejingley' on December 7 and 8.

There are also a host of Christmas movies showing in December, starring 'How the Grinch Stole Christmas', 'The Muppet Christmas Carol' and 'It's A Wonderful Life'. Book all events at mermaid.ie.

Christmas free parking in Bray

There is free car parking available in the Herbert Road Car Park (Council-owned portion) every weekend from Saturday, November 23 until Sunday, December 29

Public transport

There are no scheduled works on the Dart line throughout November or December, but there are upcoming changes to Go Ahead bus routes and schedules to be aware of. These come into effect on December 8.