Towns across Co Cork are set to turn on their Christmas lights tomorrow night, which is two weeks ahead of time.
It is part of a county-wide effort to bolster communities and businesses in the lead up to Christmas, organised by Cork County Council.
Householders and businesses are also being encouraged to light up at 7pm tomorrow evening.
As well as the council launching a virtual marketplace online for local businesses, 4th class national school children have been challenged to design special Christmas postcards depicting what a real Cork Christmas means to them.
It is hoped the winning designs will be available free in early December and that people will send them to friends and family far and wide.
Over the coming weeks, community walkways across the county will also be decked with red and white ribbons under an initiative 'Slí Na Croí Ám Nollaig' to promote well being and mental health.
Mayor of County Cork, Councillor Mary Linehan Foley, says the introduction of Level 5 restrictions has been a significant blow for local retailers.
"We now need to show our support for our family and friends by making sure that what we spend this Christmas stays local," Ms Foley said.
