Each year, some 20,000 people visit Áras an Uachtaraín, as guests at some of the many events organised in the home of the President of Ireland.
At one of these events, which takes place each year at the beginning of December, President and Sabina Higgins welcome hundreds of families to the Áras to be present for the official switching on of the Christmas lights. This is a special event, where the President and Sabina make the children feel especially welcome at Áras an Uachtaráin by transforming the house into a winter wonderland with twinkling lights, reindeer toys, snowy teddy bears and a special appearance by Santa.
The President gave a speech to the families, after which the lights were switched on on a Christmas tree outside.
