Every Christmas since the mid-1970s, local people gather under the Christmas Tree in the Diamond, Carndonagh, to sing carols and meet Santa, marking the beginning of the festive season for many. This gallery includes photos of the tree in the old Diamond, 1996, and in the newly designed Diamond, 1997.
Anne Harkin with local children on the steps of the Diamond, Carndonagh, at the turning on of the Christmas Tree lights, 2008.
Local children performing at the carol service at the turning on of the lights, the Diamond, Carndonagh, 2008.
The choir are well wrapped-up for the carol service as the lights are turned on in the Diamond, Carndonagh, 2008.
Chlidren taking part in the Carol Service, 2008.
In 2013, the tree was brought down by high winds, which was then reported in the national press.
An article from the local press on the new Christmas tree being erected, following the destruction of the first tree due to high winds.
A notice in the local press announcing the turning on of the lights, 1980.
A good crowd gathered for the turning on of the lights at the Carndonagh Christmas Tree, 1979.
Mayor of Carndonagh John Doherty (Saddler) officiated at the turning on of the lights, pictured here with Packie Doherty (Bunaphobail), 1979.
Families gather at the tree every year to meet Santa.
Members of the Carndonagh Christmas Tree Committee pose for a photo under the tree, keeping an eye out for Santa (1996)!
Some of the hard-working members of the Christmas Tree Committee.
Gabriel Duffy and local children wait for Santa under the Christmas Tree in the Diamond, Carndonagh, 1996.
In 1996, the annual tradition of gathering around the Christmas Tree to meet Santa had been going for 21 years.
The Christmas Tree in all its glory in the old Diamond, Carndonagh.
Plenty of milk and biscuits, but who forgot to bring the tea for the hard-working Christmas tree committee?
The choir performing under the tree, 1996.
The choir prepare to sing carols and other seasonal songs at the Christmas tree in Carndonagh, 1996.
Some members of the Christmas Tree Committee having a planning meeting in the Diamond.
A good crowd gathered at the tree to meet Santa in 1996.
Posing for a photo after a job well done!
Members of the committee have a serious discussion about the logistics of putting up the tree.
Anthony Burke with children, meeting Santa under the tree, 1996.
The Christmas Tree Committee pose for a photo in 1996, looking a lot less colourful than they do these days without the hi-vis gear!
A child tells Santa what she wants for Christmas under the tree in the Diamond, 1996.
Santa Claus has aged a bit since this photo was taken back in 1996 under the Christmas Tree in Carndonagh.
Getting ready to set up the lights on the tree.
A crowd gathers to watch the Christmas tree being put in position in the new Diamond, 1998.
Onlookers watch as the Christmas Tree is erected in the newly designed Diamond, 1997.
The tree is moved into position in the new Diamond, 1997.
A crane is used to move the Christmas tree to its location in the newly designed Diamond, 1997.