Spirits were high on Thursday as crowds from all over came out to see the annual turning on of Grafton Street’s Christmas lights.

This year saw X Factor star Melanie McCabe, along with the Dublin football team lend a hand as the lights were switched on at 5.30pm outside St. Stephen’s Green shopping centre.

Jack White MC’d the event, while the Hallelujah gospel choir led the crowds in some festive singing.

A popular tradition among Irish people, previous years have seen Canadian popstar Michael Bublé and Downton Abbey actor Allen Leech do the honors of lighting up one of Ireland’s most iconic streets.

This occasion marks the beginning of the illumination of Dublin City as Henry Street is set to be lit up on the 17th of November, while O’ Connell Street’s lights will be turned on next Sunday.

Reporter: Claire Mc Quaid

Video: Jonathan Crean

Production: Kay Cairns