Many people have already booked their Christmas experience for the kids but what about the fabulous festive markets that will be popping up around the country?
Many people have already booked their Christmas experience for the kids but what about the fabulous festive markets that will be popping up around the country?
We have some of Europe's finest markets on our home soil waiting to be explored; here are our top picks of those not to be missed this winter.
1. Winterval Waterford, 17th November - 23rd December
For many years Winterval has been known as Ireland's Christmas capital when it comes to Christmas markets. It's a place for both young and old with a heap of free and ticketed events in the lead-up to Christmas. To kick things off, Santa will be arriving on November 17th alongside Kirsten Mate Maher, the International Rose of Tralee. The market itself is a hub of bars, shops, cafés and restaurants surrounded by twinkling festive lights, a giant Christmas tree, with music and street entertainment, Santa's post box and of course, numerous festive vendors.
At Winterval, you can also visit Santa at his Grotto and watch the elves hard at work or hitch a ride on Santa's express train. Winterval on Ice will also be back and The Waterford Eye will be setting up on Merchant’s Quay. Dates and times for Winterval Illuminates have yet to be announced but it is without a doubt an experience to pop on your Christmas bucket list.
For more information visit Winterval Waterford.
2. Wicklow Christmas Market, various dates in December
A place of magic and where Christmas begins for many located in the stunning Abbey Grounds. Immerse yourself in delicious artisan foods, find the perfect gift for a loved one or browse the stunning handmade crafts setting up stall at the Wicklow Christmas Market. Here you can pick out the perfect Christmas tree, visit Santa, stop by the Funfair, take part in numerous workshops and enjoy the heaps of free entertainment over the course of December. This year the market will be open on the 8th, 9th, 15th, 16th, 22nd and 23rd of December from 12-6pm.
For more information visit Wicklow Christmas Market.
3. Galway's Continental Christmas Market, 16th November - 22nd December
Now in its ninth year, Eyre Square will be transformed into a stunning winter wonderland but this year it's going to be even bigger and better! Galway's Continental Christmas Market will feature a massive 32 metre-high Big Wheel at its funfair, including carol singing, puppet shows, live performances, storytelling and of course, Santa's grotto just to name a few. The market will have artisan food stalls and a host of Christmas gift ideas from both local and European traders.
For more information visit their Facebook page.
4. Glow, A Cork Christmas Celebration, various weekend dates from November
Presented by Cork City Council, Glow is one of the most anticipated festivals in the South of Ireland, a spectacular event loved by all! Embrace the Glow of Christmas by indulging in the Christmas markets, the Grand Parade, the Christmas light switch on and the Ferris wheel which soars above the Cork sky with amazing views of the city. The Cork City Christmas lights switch on will take place on St. Patrick's Street on November 18th from 6.30pm to 7.30pm. More events at Bishops Lucey Park have yet to be announced. Glow will open every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from November 30th and Thursday 20th December to Saturday 22nd of December.
For more information visit Cork Christmas Celebration.
Written by Kellie Kearney staff writer at FFHQ who also blogs at www.mylittlebabog.com.
