So this is Christmas, (Galway-style)! As one of Ireland’s most popular destinations at Christmas time, Galway has a number of festive attractions that you won’t find anywhere else. Whether you're planning a festive getaway or a seasonal day trip, our guide highlights the very best ways to celebrate Christmas in Galway.
If you’re looking for the best things to do in Galway at Christmas, you’re in for a treat! Here’s our list of unmissable festive experiences to make the most of your visit.
above: Elf Town
Bring the kids to meet Santa & Mrs Claus, his Elves, & Reindeers
What is it? - Elf Town Galway
When: Now until December 23rd
Where: Ballybrit Racecourse
More information here
For ten years, Elf Town has been delighting the children of Galway and bringing the magic of Christmas to life. One of the most spectacular family-friendly activities you can do in the lead up to Christmas Day, the experience is a two-hour journey to Santa’s grotto, with loads of fun things to do and see on your way! Glitterpants (Santa’s head Elf) will meet you on arrival and grant you a map of Elf Town, from there you and your child(ren) will visit Jack Frost’s real ice home, stop by the Postal Portal, hit the dance floor with Disco Elf, meet the reindeers, and even more of Santa’s elves!, call into Mrs Claus’ Kitchen, and see the Elf Town Express whiz past, all before entering the Grotto to meet Santa Claus himself. An unforgettable Christmas tradition for both young and old family members, this is a festive experience everyone will love.
above: Christmas Day Swim, photo by Daniel O'Brien Photography.
Brave the Cold with a Christmas Swim
What is it? - COPE Galway's Christmas Day Swim
When: Christmas Day, 9am-1pm
Where: Salthill Beach (or any beach near you!)
More information here
Every Christmas Day, hundreds gather onto the beach by Blackrock Diving Tower to brave the cold so others don’t have to. The Galway Christmas Swim is a community fundraising event where all funds raised go towards supporting COPE Galway’s essential services.These services are a vital support for families and individuals facing homelessness, women and children impacted by domestic abuse and older people in our community who need social and nutritional support. The event brings together people of all ages, and many families have made it a cherished part of their Christmas, taking the plunge together and making memories that last a lifetime.
Down a Stein in the Christmas Market Beer Tent
When: Now until December 31st, from 6pm
Where: Galway Christmas Market, Eyre Square
More information here
Every year, a visit to the Galway Christmas Market Beer Tent is a highlight for students, tourists, and all those about to take up the challenge of the 12 pubs of Christmas.. After taking a whirl around the surrounding market we recommend popping inside the Beer Tent for an ol’ stein or pint. (Please note steins aren’t available Monday to Thursday). If you really want to take your partying up a level we recommend making the Beer Tent your starting point for the 12 pubs of Christmas, from here work your way through some of the city's bars, downing pints and completing different challenges in every location. Good luck, enjoy, and if you make it to all 12 and are still standing then, we salute you boss.
above: Connacht Rugby, photo by Inpho Sports Photography
Trade TV for First Row Seats at Connacht Rugby
What is it? - Connacht Rugby Home Games
When: December 13th & 27th
Where: Dexcom Stadium
More information here
Are you ready for the festive season of rugby magic at Dexcom Stadium this December! Wrap up warm, gather your friends and family, and come along to soak up the Christmas cheer as you enjoy every high and low of the action with fellow supporters. Connacht Rugby takes on the Black Lion on December 13th in Round 2 of the Challenge Cup, followed by a thrilling clash against Ulster Rugby on December 27th in United Rugby Championship Round 8. Expect big hits, high tempo rugby, and all the edge-of-your-seat excitement. With that unmistakable winter matchday buzz, these games promise to be unforgettable festive fixtures.
Get into the Christmas Spirit with some Festive Carols in one of Galway's cosiest Settings
What is it? - Claddagh Chamber Choir's A Claddagh Christmas
When: December 22nd and 23rd, at 3pm, 4.30pm, 7pm and 8.30pm
Where: St. Nicholas’ Collegiate Church
More information here
Galway’s much-loved Claddagh Chamber Choir returns this December with A Claddagh Christmas, a series of short, heart-warming concerts designed to bring people together in the final days before Christmas. Each 40-minute performance blends festive carols and uplifting choral works in a relaxed, welcoming setting - perfect for seasoned concert-goers and first-time listeners alike. With four performances daily, audiences can drop in for a moment of calm and connection amid the Christmas rush. Enjoy the festive atmosphere with their indoor drinks area which will be open, serving whiskey and mulled wine as well as good cheer before each concert. This is the perfect way to toast the season together.
above: The Carrick Family Light Show
Watch a Dazzling Lights Show with Family
What is it? - The Carrick Family Light Show
When: From Saturday November 29th
Where: Renmore, H91 Y17D
More information here
Each year, in order to help raise funds for vital local charities, the Carrick family transforms the exterior of their home into a dazzling display of holiday magic with fairy lights and Christmas decorations. This year, they are shining a light on and supporting Galway Autism Partnership (GAP), who are a brilliant local Galway charity doing amazing work in our community. In the weeks leading up to Christmas Day, The Carrick Family Light Show will take place Wednesday to Saturday at 6.30pm and on Sunday at 4.30pm. The show lasts under one hour and while it’s free to attend, all attendees are asked to make a donation (big or small) to Galway Autism Partnership through the link here. Save these dates, wrap up warm, and join them for a festive season of sparkle, smiles, and plenty of Christmas spirit.
above: An Fathach Leithleasach
Embrace the Magic of Christmas at a family-friendly Irish Language Show
What is it? - An Taibhdhearc's An Fathach Leithleasach
When: December 2nd - 19th
Where: An Taibhdhearc
More information here
Galway’s Irish language theatre, An Taibhdhearc is bringing a new festive show to their stage. An Fathach Leithleasach is a magical story of a grumpy Giant who banishes children from his beautiful garden, turning his world upside down. Inspired by Oscar Wilde’s The Selfish Giant, audiences young and old will be captivated by a world, brimming full of magical creatures, plants and trees, where children, a grumpy giant and a mischievous fairy sing and dance their way through this unworldly garden. Will the grumpy giant ever open his heart and share his garden once again?
above: Kylemore Abbey
Experience the Christmas Festivities at one of Ireland's most enchanting Attractions
What is it? - Christmas festivities around Kylemore Abbey and Estate.
When: Throughout the month of December
Where: Kylemore Abbey
More information here
Get into the Christmas spirit at Kylemore Abbey with the Christmas Trail and programme of festive musical performances. Begin your adventure by picking up a Christmas Trail map at the Abbey and setting off to find the hidden Irish animals tucked throughout the castle. Along the way, solve festive riddles and uncover a secret holiday message. Don’t forget to stop by the Abbey’s main hall to write your letter to Santa. Robbie the Robin, Kylemore’s very own special-delivery helper, will bring your note to the North Pole just in time for the big day! Kylemore Abbey will play host to a series of live performances throughout the month, for more on these please see here. Additionally, call into the Kylemore Shop, where you can browse their range of hampers, chocolates, Christmas puddings, ornaments, and other seasonal treats.
above: Pedal Power Galway
Tour Galway's most Christmassy Sights by Bike
What is it? - Pedal Power Galway
When: Book a day/time that suits you
Where: Galway City
More information here
Galway is gorgeously decorated in time for Christmas and if you want a chance to see it all in one easy, fun, and exciting way, booking a sleigh ride with Pedal Power Galway is exactly what you need! From the seat of your multi-seater bike, you and your family, friends or work colleagues can see all the city’s main festive attractions; the Galway Christmas Market, the curtain of light at the Spanish Arch, the beautifully decorated Galway’s Westend and so much more. With pit stops for winter warmers along the way, and festive tunes on blast, this is a totally unique way to explore Christmas in Galway.
Prep for Christmas Dinner with Galway Bay Seafoods
Where: New Docks, Galway
More information here
Celebrate the festive season with the freshest local seafood from a family-run fish shop that’s been part of the community for over 75 years. Galway Bay Seafoods are taking Christmas orders now, offering their renowned prawns (perfect for classic prawn cocktails) and premium quality salmon for your Christmas dinner. With decades of expertise and a commitment to sourcing only the best, you can trust this local favourite to bring exceptional flavour to your Christmas celebrations. Place your order early at 087 920 4747 and make your festive feast truly special. If you’re not meal-prepping in advance of the big day, but out and about Galway city finding gifts for loved ones, call into Galway Bay Seafoods’ Dockside Deli for a delicious mid-shopping meal.
Main image by Ciarán MacChoncarraige.
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