Galway city is one of Ireland’s most magical destinations during the winter months, especially at Christmas time. When it arrives, the city transforms into a festive wonderland complete with fairy lights, Christmas markets, winter warmers, live music and so much more. Check out our top 15 best things to do in Galway at Christmas here and have a very merry festive season in Galway city.
From sipping on hot chocolates while browsing market stalls to joining the iconic Christmas Day swim in Salthill, there’s no shortage of festive fun to experience in Galway. How many of This is Galway's winter bucket list will you tick off this year?
1. Experience the Magic of the Christmas Markets
The legendary Galway Christmas Markets in Galway are one of the city’s main attractions over the winter months. Stroll through stalls selling handmade gifts, delicious treats, and mulled wine, all while soaking up the holiday spirit. In addition to the main festival at Eyre Square, don’t miss the local craft markets by St. Nicholas’ Church and at the Tiny Traders Village, which bring a truly authentic Irish Christmas feel to your Christmas gift list. If you want to see a complete list of all of the wonderful Christmas Markets that are taking place across Galway city and county please tap here.
above: photo by Ciarán MacChoncarraige
2. Give your Santa Letter directly to the Big Man himself
Santa is a difficult man to keep track of at the best of times, but the big man will be visiting the city in the run up to his busiest night of the year. This year you can visit him in-person at Elf Town. A magical experience for the whole family, Elf Town is a Christmas experience set over 3 different buildings with the magical journey itself set over 4 floors, where at the end, you and your family get a private visit with Santa Claus himself. When your child meets Santa he will give each child a special Elf Town coin that they get to bring to his Toy Shop and exchange for any toy of their choice! With so much to see and do onsite, this is a family-favourite Christmas activity that never fails to delight. For a complete list on where to meet Santa with the family this festive season click here.
3. Take the Plunge at the Christmas Day Swim
Join hundreds of brave swimmers for the annual Christmas Day Swim at Blackrock Beach in Salthill, organised by COPE Galway. Not only is it a wholesome community tradition, but it also raises funds for vulnerable people in the community. This is a fun way to start Christmas morning with your family and friends, while always helping to raise vital funds for a valuable Galway charity. This Christmas, be sound, brave the cold - take the plunge and make a difference this Christmas.
4. Indulge in a Festive Afternoon Tea
Christmas Afternoon Tea: an idyllic three tier cake plate, perfectly layered with both sweet and savoury light bites. All of which have taken inspiration from Christmas dinners and the season’s most popular dishes. While afternoon tea is typically served with tea and coffee, for the special Christmas season, festive afternoon teas are often accompanied by mulled wine, prosecco and even champagne! It’s truly one of our favourite parts about the lead up to Christmas Day so if you want some tried and tested recommendations, you’ve come to the right place. Our top picks include indulgent Festive Afternoon Teas at Galway’s finest hotels like The Hardiman, The Galmont and The Connacht Hotel, but for the complete list of where to go for a luxurious Christmas Afternoon Tea see here.
5. Warm Up with the Best Hot Chocolate in Galway
I don’t know about you, but we strongly believe that the only efficient way of thawing out frozen fingers is with a big, massive, marshmallow-heaped hot chocolate. Since this is a hill we are willing to die on, we’ve gone to the ends of the earth to narrow it down to the top places to get a mug of the good stuff here in Galway. You’re very welcome! Check it out here and enjoy! A cup of hot chocolate is the perfect winter warmer after a day of shopping around town.
6. Enjoy Traditional Irish Music Sessions
Galway is famous for its live trad music, and there’s no better time to experience it than at Christmas. Settle into a traditional pub, order a pint of Guinness or a hot whiskey, and let the lively tunes keep your spirits high. In a city that’s known for its echoes of traditional Irish music, there’s no better way to spend a winter’s day than with a pint of plain in hand, and tapping out a rhythm with your foot. For all our favourite places to listen to some live trad music in Galway please see here.
7. Take a brisk Winter Walk
Regardless of red noses and numb fingers, there’s something magical about having that crisp winter air flowing through your lungs. The landscape in Galway is always a thing of beauty, but once the veil of frost has descended and the grass begins to glint in the light, it’s nothing short of enchanting. Since we’re super sound, here’s a list of some of the finest places to have a wander around the city. Check it out here.
above: photo by Ciarán MacChoncarraige
8. Sip on a Hot Whiskey
If you’re having a bad day, if the winter blues have got you down or you just can’t be arsed with the festive season, nothing will cure your blues faster than a traditional Irish hot whiskey. Bundle yourself up in a cosy corner or pull your chair close to the fire in any one of this city’s relaxing pubs and sip away to your heart’s content. Sugar, lemon, cloves and whiskey - it’s a combination that will cure what ails you. Check out where to sit and have a sip in Galway here.
9. Throw a Christmas Party
Looking for the perfect spot for a Christmas party in Galway? Whether you’re gathering a few of your work friends to blow off some steam or the whole crew are going out in force for some corporate craic, the drinks would want to be flowing. A festive feast, a lively atmosphere and some good old fashioned Christmas spirit(s), what more could you ask for? Discover where to throw your work Christmas party here.
above: photo by Ciarán MacChoncarraige
10. Catch a Festive Show or Pantomime
From the annual ballet, to family-friendly pantomime shows, there is something in Galway theatres and event venues for everyone and then some. This year’s highlights include the annual Renmore Pantomime and Christmas ballet in the Town Hall Theatre, and An Taibhdhearc’s festive production. These shows are perfect for families and theatre lovers alike! Keep your eyes peeled on An Taibhdhearc and the Town Hall Theatre’s websites for show announcements and to get your tickets.
11. Visit the Christmas Festival at Slieve Aughty Centre
This December 6th, 7th, 13th and 14th, Slieve Aughty Centre invites you to step into the magic of the season with festive family fun, heartwarming traditions, and plenty of holiday cheer. Festival highlights include visiting Santa and the mischievous Grinch, pony rides for children, face painting and arts & crafts, an enchanted forest walk, café festive delights, their annual Christmas market, wreath-making workshops and so much more. Read all about it here.
12. Shop Local for Unique Christmas Gifts
Support Galway’s independent shops and pick up one-of-a-kind Christmas presents. From handmade crafts to artisan goods, shopping local ensures you’ll find meaningful gifts while helping the community thrive. And best of all, we can guarantee that Galway has got something for everyone on your gift list. Through these independent stores’ unique offerings and personal customer service, you’ll be confident that you’ve spent your cash wisely. Discover some of our favourite places to endlessly browse and buy by clicking here.
above: photo by Ciarán MacChoncarraige
13. Discover Galway’s Food Scene
Galway's foodie scene never fails to impress, and winter is the perfect time to explore it! Discover it in-depth with the help of Galway Food Tours and for more on this check out their website here. If you are visiting the city for the first time be sure to check out Galway Food Tours' tour that is made for anyone who wants to really know the city. The Welcome to the Neighbourhood isn’t your typical tourist food tour, it’s a cultural adventure through Galway’s most famous neighbourhoods. From Woodquay to Salthill, every step brings something new: hidden hangouts, quirky local stories, and plenty of spots you’ll definitely want to come back to with your mates. Think of it as the ultimate crash course in Galway life, a mix of history, culture, and fun that will give you real insider vibes. Best of all, it’s super budget-friendly at just €35 per person (with group tours starting from 4 people).
14. Try an Escape Room Adventure
Looking for a unique activity to do over the winter season? While Christmas is often spent playing board games with your family and piecing together a jigsaw at an alarmingly slow pace, mix things up a bit this year with the help of an escape room. Get your friends or families together at Great Escape Rooms Galway, and then with the help of your nearest and dearest try and solve all the puzzles that must be solved in order to gain freedom - what could go wrong!
15. Go on a Tour of Ahascragh Distillery
Immerse yourself in the art of distillation, where age old tradition meets modern innovation at Ahascragh Distillery. Their fully guided tours; Visitor Experience and Premium Tasting Tour, finish with a tasting of their award-winning whiskeys and gin, creating memories and tastes that will linger long after your visit. Discover the full tour details here and get booking. You can also elevate your tour experience by booking their Luxury Tour. As the ultimate sensory journey, this exclusive tour offers a rare opportunity to sample premium whiskeys and gin, along with an exclusive tasting of Ahascragh’s new make spirit. Dates for their Luxury Tour are limited, dates still available for 2025 include the 21st of November, and 19th of December.
Main photo by Ciarán MacChoncarraige
Published on Updated on
