There’s nothing quite like a Christmas outing to put us in a festive mood. Here’s our round-up of the ten best events from around the country, where you’re in for a treat …
Christmas Spectacular, Smithfield Square, Dublin
Open now until January 2, the Christmas Spectacular in Smithfield Square is Dublin’s newest festive experience which comprises a market, ice rink, big wheel and Nutcracker snug. Also part of the line-up is Ireland’s first Ice Museum – if visiting wrap up extra warm to view the handcrafted masterpieces. The Christmas Spectacular is supported by Dublin City Council which also supports Winter Lights at the nearby National Museum of Ireland Collins Barracks. Booking is required for this 360-degree immersive light and soundscape experience. Marvel as 18 iconic landmarks and Merrion Square Park are transformed with incredible light installations. www.dublinwinterlights.ie
Arnott’s Christmas Market, Dublin 1
While you’re in town, pop by the 181-year-old Arnott’s on Henry Street for a special Christmas Market on the Second Level where you’ll find 24 Irish brands in addition to the Pitch ’24 brands, with plenty of present inspo from craft to design, and from beauty to toys. www.arnotts.ie
Killruddery Christmas Farm Market, Wicklow
Running until December 23, visit 40 stalls filled with food, crafts, jewellery and more every Saturday and Sunday (10am to 5.30pm), with an additional Friday on December 20 (2pm to 8pm). Killruddery is also hosting the Broken Theatre Christmas Circus for the first time this year, with an extraordinary retelling of Hans Christian Andersen’s The Snow Queen brought to life through aerial acrobatics, classical music and family-friendly circus acts. There are performances until January 5, with family tickets at €80. www.killruddery.com
Wicklow Christmas Market
Why not swing by Wicklow Christmas Market in the historic Abbey Grounds of The Murrough for more goodies, a carnival and fire performers, ending the day with a delightful train ride along the scenic seafront on the Jingle Bell Express, with perhaps even a surprise visit from one of Santa’s elves! www.wicklowchristmasmarket.ie
Winterval Festival Christmas Market, Waterford
Open every weekend until December 23, the festival has over 50 events to appeal to all the family. These include an ice rink on the city’s Quayside, a vintage Ferris wheel at Arundel Square, a carousel in John Robert’s Square, the Winterval mini Express train and an Igloo Exploration Dome offering a 5D experience with audiences travelling through time inside. There’s also the vast Glenveagh Christmas Market set out in a series of attractive wooden cabins through the city into the cultural quarter. This year over 100 food, craft and drinks producers and creators feature across the festival. Visitors can soak up the sparkly Christmas atmosphere and yuletide spirit, browse the many Christmas craft and food stalls and support local, regional and national producers, makers and creators. There is food and drinks from Rom’s Crepes, Natural Gourmet Foods, Huckleberry Churros and Sapana’s Kitchen plus a range of creations and gift options from Copper Coast Arts & Crafts, Jayne Cahill Designs, Avoito Knitwear, Butterbox pet gifts to name a few. In addition, at the Waterford Cultural Quarter Crafts Market, also on Hanover Street, there is a wide variety of crafts and treats, from woollen products to wood carvings, paintings to driftwood creations and jewellery. For more information visit www.winterval.ie.
Corkmas
The inaugural Corkmas Parade kicked off this year’s festivities with the Barrack Street Band leading the spectacle through the city. In addition to the 32m Panoramic Wheel and Classic Carousel, a new Christmas Market can be found on Emmett Place until December 27 with the plaza transformed into a Christmas village complete with wooden chalets offering a range of festive delights and artisan crafts. Visitors can step inside a life-size Snow Globe for a photo op and enjoy Solas, a large-scale interactive Christmas lightscape taking place this year on Grand Parade. As if that wasn’t enough, Cork City On Ice in the Marina Market is open until January. www.corkcity.ie
Galway Christmas Market
One of Ireland’s longest-running Christmas markets, now in its 14th year, this year’s market will be contained to Eyre Square in the city centre, open until January 5 2025. There’s the usual mix of stalls and 50 wooden chalets along with live entertainment, a 32m ferris wheel, traditional carousel, beer tent and more. Last Christmas, over 450,000 visited Galway, so expect similar crowds this year! www.christmasmarketgalway.com
Yulefest Kilkenny
The Kilkenny Christmas market takes place on The Parade in the heart of the city. Here, you’ll find local artisans tucked away in festive wooden huts selling everything from food and crafts to festive trinkets. There’ll be live music and family entertainment every weekend, with a Christmas Trail and special events weekly, until December 22. Don’t miss the Christmas Tree Festival at St. Canice’s Cathedral from December 5 to 9, the Santa Run on December 8, Yulefest Movie Night on December 12 and the Festive Finale on December 21. www.yulefestkilkenny.ie
Mountain View Christmas Night Market
For evening festivities, the family-run Mountain View in Ballyhale holds Ireland’s largest market with over 150 stalls selling everything from art to vintage clothing. This is a BYOB and dog-friendly venue just 20 minutes outside Kilkenny, with a DJ spinning festive sets. www.mountainview.ie
Enchanted Christmas Winter Wonderland, Kerry
Santa’s elves will take you on a journey through the enchanted forest, where children can drop their letter in the magic letterbox to the North Pole, have fun with interactive activities and find clues to meet Santa in his grotto. Sure to be a highlight is a gift bag for each child, sponsored by Kelliher’s (Toys Upstairs) Toymaster, and a photo opportunity with Santa. Open from December 2 to 23, with dedicated sensory hours for families with sensitivities to sound and lights. New this year is the introduction of Santa Paws because no family photo is complete without your fur babies! Bring your furry friend along to visit Santa during dedicated times and each dog receives a goody bag sponsored by Petmania. These time slots are separate to general family visits to ensure that those uncomfortable around dogs can enjoy their visit. Tickets for two from €30, children under two go free; www.siamsatire.com
Belfast Christmas Market
Another of the longest-running markets in the UK and Ireland, now in its 20th year, until December 22 Belfast’s City Hall is transformed into a traditional German-style Christmas market, packed with 90 masterfully handcrafted wooden chalets. Check out the food court with cuisines from over 30 nationalities, buzzy beer tent and family activities including the Santa Train. The fun doesn’t have to stop there – take a ride on the vintage carousel or get a bird’s eye view of the market from the top of the helter-skelter. www.belfastcity.gov.uk