The switching on of Portlaoise's Christmas Lights starts at 6 pm.
Portlaoise will kick off its festive celebrations with the turning on of its Christmas lights today.
The event is in collaboration with Downtown Portlaoise and Laois County Council - with Laois Partnership also providing a grant to the ceremony.
The event kicks off at 6 o clock this evening outside the library on Main Street with a performance by Portlaoise Children's Choir.
Santa will also park his sleigh on the street and make a special visit - with a Christmas market also running in Dunamaise Arts Centre until tomorrow.
Chairperson of Downtown Portlaoise Ger Mulhall says it helps to light up the town: