Leon Farrell / Photocall Ireland Leon Farrell / Photocall Ireland / Photocall Ireland

TAKE A DEEP breath. It’s officially Christmas… well it is in Dublin and Cork at least, as the lights have been turned on today in two of the main shopping streets.

Crowds filled Dublin’s Grafton Street as Laurence Kinlan, who plays Elmo in Love/Hate, turned on the lights this evening. The Original Rudeboys also joined in on the festivities.

Leon Farrell / Photocall Ireland Crowds of people watch the Original Rudeboys perform. Leon Farrell / Photocall Ireland / Photocall Ireland

People are even singing Christmas carols (all for a good cause, of course, and everyone knows the best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear).

Some of Santa’s elves also turned up tonight…

Leon Farrell / Photocall Ireland Leon Farrell / Photocall Ireland / Photocall Ireland

If you missed out tonight, don’t worry, there’s another lighting-up ceremony for the Henry Street lights this weekend — the Rudeboys will again be performing the honours at 4pm on Sunday.

Lord Mayor Christy Burke will be turning on the main lights on O’Connell Street on Sunday 30 November, at 3.30pm.

Meanwhile, in Cork, Christmas is also all go, with the captains of the All Ireland-winning Cork Ladies Football and Cork camogie teams helping to turn on the lights on Patrick Street.

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Clare Keogh Gerard Maya Eva and Jill Dullea s to catch snow pictured at official switch-on of the Christmas lights on Patrick Street. Clare Keogh

Clare Keogh Sophia Petrassi of Turners Cross with her aunt Sarah Petrassi pictured at official switch-on of the Christmas lights on Patrick Street. Clare Keogh

Clare Keogh Ben Conor sits on his dad John Connor shoulders to catch snow pictured at official switch-on of the Christmas lights on Patrick Street. Clare Keogh

Read: We’re thinking about Christmas 3 months earlier than we did in 2007>

Read: The Late Late Toy Show is asking viewers to knit Ryan a jumper this year>

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