As the end of the year approaches and weather starts to get colder, it’s only a matter of time before the festivities begin. This year, we’re expecting to see the return of Christmas markets across the country, following the easing of Covid-19 restrictions.
Here’s a list of some of the markets we’re most excited to visit during the festive period:
Galway Christmas Market
The Galway Christmas Market will return early this year to make up for lost time after last year’s cancellation. The market will run from 12 November until 20 December, and will feature all of the same fun and vibrancy from previous years.
Celebrating its 12th year, the market will host a range of stalls in Galway City’s Eyre Square, accompanied by fantastic food, drink and entertainment.
As in previous years, the market will feature amusement rides including a 32-metre high ferris wheel and traditional carousel. Santa’s express train will also be running, and there will be entertainment including live music performers, puppet shows, storytelling and school choirs, complete with Santa’s Grotto.
Find more information here.
Mistletown Christmas Market, Dublin
This year, Dublin City Council will support a new Christmas experience in the city’s Fruit and Veg Market on Mary’s Lane. The market will be transformed into the country’s biggest indoor festive experience.
Mistletown will take place from 4-23 December and will feature a range of exciting activities, including the artisan food village, the craft market and the vintage carnival.
Find more information here.
Waterford Winterval
Waterford Winterval returns to the city for its ninth year this Christmas from 19 November until 23 December. The festival offers events and entertainment for all ages, including the continental Christmas market at John Roberts Square and Broad Street.
Winterval’s 2021 theme ‘Celebrate Together’ marks the return of public gatherings and celebrating the festive season with those nearest and dearest to you. As part of the festival, this year’s market will showcase a variety of independent traders, selling gifts and offering a taste of Ireland’s street food scene.
Find more information here.
Marina Market, Cork
Head to Cork this Christmas as the Marina Market expands for the festive season. Watch the market come to life, with over 70 vendors including more than 25 unique food stalls hosted in the Graffiti Room.
Starting late November, you can expect to see things kick off at the Marina, and you can visit Santa in his grotto throughout the month of December.
Find more information here.
Wicklow Christmas Market
The Wicklow Christmas Market returns this year to a brand new location at The Murrough. Taking place between 27 November and 21 December, this year’s market is set to be bigger and even more fun-filled than previous years.
With various food stalls selling cuisine from across the globe, plenty of independent stallholders selling unique gifts and products and lots of activities for the kids, this year’s celebration is going to be unmissable.
Visitors can enjoy the nearby carnival rides, and there will even be friendly alpacas to meet and feed before visiting Santa and Mrs Claus. Dust off your ice skates this Christmas, as the market will also feature a brand new ice rink nearby.
This eco-conscious Christmas market prides itself on using recycled and sustainable materials, with stallholders following the ‘leave no trace’ policy.
Find more information here.
Belfast Christmas Market
Belfast Continental Christmas Market returns to the City Hall this year from 20 November-23 December. Details of what to expect are yet to be released, but if previous years are any indication, the market is set to be a lively and fun-filled festive celebration.
With independent traders selling all sorts of wonderfully quirky products, activities for the kids to enjoy, and –of course– lots of delicious food from all across the globe, the market promises a great time for all.
Find more information here.
Keep an eye out as more Christmas markets are announced, so you can celebrate this year’s festivities right on your doorstep. We hope you’re as excited as we are.
