Dundalk's town centre will be lit up for the festive period this evening as part of the town's Frostival Winter Festival.
Organisers say that the Louth town will be home to the tallest Christmas Tree in any town centre in Ireland.
The Christmas tree lights will be switched on later at 5.30pm, along with the Northern Lights installation on Market Square.
A carnival of light parade will take place in the town on Sunday evening.
The festival is run by Dundalk BIDS, whose manager Martin McElligot said it marks the start of the festive season in Dundalk.
"We are thrilled to announce that Dundalk will officially install the tallest Town Centre Christmas Tree in Ireland, crowned with the majestic North Star.
"This is something we have been striving to achieve for the past number of years, and we are excited to share this next phase of our vision in becoming the premier Christmas destination in the northeast", he said.
A 30-metre Ferris wheel at St Patrick's Cathedral will also provide great views of the cathedral and the town's skyline, while market stalls will bring a mix of crafts, food and seasonal treats to visitors.
Chief executive of Louth County Council David Conway said the council helped to secure funding for "Ireland's tallest town centre Christmas tree".
He said the festival continues to grow in scale and ambition.
