President Mary McAleese has invited 150 children from throughout Ireland to join her as she switches on the Christmas tree lights at Áras an Uachtarain this evening.
Guests will include 15 children from the Share A Dram Foundation and four families from the Waterford Homeshare respite care programme.
The reception will begin at 4 p.m. with entertainment being provided by a magician, face painters, balloon modellers and choir. Also present will be various Christmas characters including Santa Claus, one of his elves and a bear who has travelled from the North Pole.
President McAleese will switch on the lights at 5 p.m.