Whether we get a white Christmas or just a bit of a rainy one this year, the holiday season in Ireland is absolutely magic. Although 2020 has caused a lot of changes to take place, there are still a handful of bright and beautiful spots to experience a little bit of the (socially-distanced!) Christmas Spirit!
Wicklow Christmas Market Reimagined
Running from December 4th to the 22nd, the Wicklow Christmas Market is going ahead this year, complete with craft stalls, fire shows, food vendors and loads more. They've got their Elf + Safety guidelines all covered so you know it's going to be full of socially-distanced fun! There's even a rumour that Santa himself is going to be there...!
Galway Continental Christmas Market - CANCELLED
One of Ireland's favourites, this would have been the 11th year in operation for Galway's Continental Christmas Market. Sadly, it's been cancelled for 2020 but keep this one on your list for 2021 to make the most of their Christmas stalls, a 32-metre-high Ferris wheel plus food and warming drinks - you’d have to be the actual Grinch not to feel full of the Christmas Spirit after a trip here and e look forward to welcoming them back soon!
GLOW Cork Christmas Celebration
Complete with rides, market stalls, live choir performances and the National Elf Test HQ, the GLOW Cork Christmas Celebration is a multi-sensory experience for all ages. Head to the website for the full run-down on everything that’s happening on the Grand Parade and at Bishop Lucey Park this holiday season! November 18th - January 10th, 2020!
Winterval in Waterford
As far as we can tell, there’s no activity that isn’t covered here at Winterval in Waterford! From free events including markets stalls, an outdoor cinema, storytelling events and breakfasts with Santa, through to ticketed events like horse-drawn sleigh rides, a giant Ferris wheel and an enchanted winter light-garden! Grab the fam and friends and skate your way to Waterford this Christmas! On from the 4th to the 23rd of December!
Belfast Christmas Market - CANCELLED
For the first time in 15 years, the Belfast Christmas Market sadly will not be taking place. The beauty that is the Belfast Christmas Market will be sorely missed but we look forward to welcoming them back soon! In the meantime, check out the Buy Belfast Virtual Christmas Market to support local and get your Christmas fix!
Milk Market Christmas, Limerick
In a 'normal' Christmas period, Limerick’s famous Milk Market transforms into a winter wonderland fully kitted out with local + seasonal artisan food stalls, Christmas crafts, a letter service direct to Santa Claus (!!!!) as well as a rotating schedule of local musicians and performers. This year looks a little bit different but there's still lots to see, do and experience. Check out the dates and details at the link for more!
Dublin: Keep Checking back!
There may be a few events that won't be going ahead this Christmas and there's still some yet to announce their status, but there’s still a handful to choose from in the capital as well as a few virtual versions!
Starting on the Southside, the Dun Laoghaire Christmas Festival will be heading completely online for 2020 and Mistletown Market (normally in Smithfield) will also be playing online host to their Christmas vendors this year!
On the Northside of the city, Swords Castle Christmas Market has been cancelled for 2020, but you can still head into the centre of Dublin to experience the Winter Lights installations, and get your fill of the beauty of Dublin's buildings, lit up with snowflakes and Christmas baubles!
There are so many magical little spots around the country if you need to get your fill of Christmas cosiness - let us know if there are any more we need to include here!
