On Saturday 8 December, President Michael D. Higgins switched on the Christmas tree lights at Áras an Uachtaráin.
Each year, President and Sabina Higgins welcome hundreds of families to Áras an Uachtaráin, to be present for the official switching on of the Christmas lights.
This year, the President and Sabina invited 166 children and their carers (a total of 338 guests), who were made especially welcome at Áras an Uachtaráin, which was transformed into a winter wonderland with twinkling lights, reindeer toys, snowy teddy bears and a special appearance by Santa.
This year’s event also featured a horse and sleigh, provided by WALK, the Walkinstown Association for People with an Intellectual Disability.
Since his inauguration, President Higgins has made a determined effort to open Áras an Uachtaráin to members of the public, and he has invited countless people and organisations that work on initiatives to promote social change, inclusion and practical solidarity. An estimated 20,000 people are invited to the home of the President each year.
