There will be tons of fantastic Christmas Markets popping up across Galway over the upcoming weeks so here is our guide of where to get your Christmas list ticked off this year..
One of our favourite things to do at Christmas time is to visit all of the lovely Christmas Markets that pop up countywide. These eclectic markets always give us a chance to find perfect one-of-a-kind gifts for our loved ones while also supporting local creators and makers. The best of both worlds, here is where to go Christmas shopping this year;
above: photo by Clive Kim on Pexels
Caltra’s Christmas Market
December 8th at 11am-2pm // Caltra Community Centre, Ballinalsoe
Stall in the Hall – It’s time again for Ballinasloe’s festive craft and food fair where of course Santa will be in attendance in the wonderful grotto on the day. Bring along your family and friends and make this year's Christmas Market truly special!
Tuam Christmas Craft Fair
November 23rd at 10am-5pm // Main Hall at High Cross College (South Campus)
A must-visit fair for all craft enthusiasts. This is your chance to shop handmade treasures and one-of-a-kind presents while enjoying the festive ambiance in this craft lover’s paradise.
Ballyglunin Station Winter Wonderland
December 1st at 11am-5pm // Ballyglunin Station, Station Road, Coolfowerbeg, Ballyglunin
On the day, enjoy festive decorations, live entertainment, and visit the Christmas traders. Here you can also meet Mr and Mrs Claus in Santa’s Grotto, walk the Winter Wonderland trail, and listen to cheery Christmas tunes from local singers as you shop!
Tiny Traders Christmas Village
December 6th-24th // Edward Square next to New Look
Tiny Traders are back with another fantastic indoor Christmas Market which will run from early December right up until Christmas Eve. The market features the best local artisan gifts, arts, crafts, cosmetics, antiques, vintage clothing, food, collectors items, souvenirs and much much more. In addition to hosting their amazing array of regular traders they’ll have some exciting new vendors to introduce you to as well!
St. Nicholas' Collegiate Church Christmas Fayre
November 23rd, at 10.30am-2.30pm // St Nicholas' Collegiate Church
In preparation of the festive season, visit St. Nicholas’ Collegiate Church on Saturday November 23rd for their spectacular Christmas Fair running between 10.30am-2.30pm on the day. For the occasion there will be second hand books, children’s toys, handmade crafts, mulled wine, homebaked treats and carol singers. All taking place inside the magnificent church, don’t miss it. €3 entry.
Athenry Lights Christmas Craft Fair
November 30th at 10am-4pm // Athenry Community Hall
Support local by shopping local this Christmas and visit the annual Athenry Lights Craft Fair. Come along and browse a range of arts, crafts, and festive food stalls, while staying warm with a hot cuppa and homemade sweet treats.
Oranmore Christmas Fair
December 7th at 4-8pm and December 8th at 10am-2pm // Oranmore Community Centre
From handcrafted ornaments to scrumptious treats, unique gifts, and heartwarming decorations, there’s something for all ages to explore and enjoy at the 2024 Oranmore Christmas Fair.
Loughrea Craft & Gift Fair
December 15th at 11am-6pm // Lough Rea Hotel & Spa
Shop over 50 crafters, and enjoy delicious festive bakes at Loughrea’s Christmas Craft and Gift Fair. It’s free entry, and promises to be a great day for the whole family so be sure to come along on the day to get your loved ones presents.
above: photo by Tim Mossholder on Pexels
The Flow Life Christmas Market
November 22nd at 5pm-9pm // Main Street, Craughwell
The annual festive market at The Flow Life will open its doors on the evening of November 22nd. All visitors will have the opportunity to shop beautiful gift hampers, jewellery, local crafts, food and enjoy spectacular Christmas music.
The Loughnane & Quinn Christmas Craft Fair
November 24th // Labane Community Hall, Ballylara, Labane, Ardrahan
Join The Loughnane & Quinn Memorial Christmas Craft Fair for a festive day filled with local crafts, unique gifts, and community spirit. This craft fair will showcase a wonderful selection of art, jewellery, and handmade crafts, perfect for finding that special Christmas gift!
Oughterard Christmas Market
November 24th at 12pm-4pm // Oughterard Community Centre
Shop over 40 amazing stalls, enjoy fresh bakes and delicious festive treats and take part in the raffle to be in for the chance to win some fabulous prizes. It’s €2 entry, and 50% of the total door takings will go towards supporting a nominated local group. This promises to be a great day out for the whole family so be sure to come along!
Christmas Fair at Ceardlann Village
November 23rd at 10am-2pm // Spiddal Craft Village
Expect demos, discounts, wine & food tastings, live music free mulled wine & hot chocolates, brilliant gift ideas and lots more festive fun!
Clifden Christmas Market
November 30th at 12pm // Christ Church, Clifden
The annual Christmas Market is returning to the Capital of Connemara. This will be a community focused afternoon of handmade crafts, presents, and will offer loads of gift ideas, bargains and festive fun to finish! Expect to see the best of local art, craft, design, food, music and more. It's going to be a terrific festive affair so be sure to be a part of Christmas 2024 in Clifden town!
Ballymoe Christmas Market & Gift Fair
November 24th at 11am-4pm // Ballymoe Community Centre, Ballymoe, Castlerea
Returning to Castlerea for another festive celebration of local craft and food vendors. The Ballymoe Christmas Market will have loads of amazing stalls for all visitors to browse and admire. They will also be hosting a raffle on the day which will feature amazing prizes.
above: photo by Laura James on Pexels
Galway Christmas Market
November 8th to January 5th // Eyre Square
This year, the highly beloved Christmas Market will once again feature the highly popular 32m observation wheel, the Beer Tent, Santa’s Express Train, a traditional carousel and over 50 wooden chalets, offering scrumptious seasonal treats and a variety of crafts.
Galway Gnó Christmas Market
December 15th at 9am-4pm // Súil Eile Space, Barna
Galway Gnó are hosting their first pop up market event in Súil Eile Space where not only will you be able to kick start your festive shopping by supporting amazing small independent businesses but also you can get a delicious hot drink and fabulous treats while you browse!
Outset Xmas Market
December 7th + 14th at 11am-4pm // The Cornstore Mall, Middle Street
Offering the best of vintage, retro, secondhand and handmade from independent business and creative individuals from Galway and beyond – this is the perfect xmas gift destination. Furthermore, local musicians will be spreading Christmas cheer with live music from DJs & bands. You can also expect mini events and demos to make these days extra special.
Local Food & Craft Fair
November 30th at 10am-6pm and December 1st at 11am-5pm // Black Box Theatre
This event will showcase Galway designers, handcrafted goods and artisan produce, with over 50 stands featuring the best in locally produced gifts. Barnardo the Magician will be keeping the kids entertained with balloon creations and magic shows over the course of the weekend – guaranteeing a great family day out!
Slieve Aughty Centre’s Christmas Market
December 7th+8th and December 14th+15th at 12am-5pm // Slieve Aughty Centre, Kylebrack West, Loughrea
Mark your calendars for the Slieve Aughty Centre’s Christmas Market – the perfect spot for festive fun! Shop local with amazing food, crafts, art, and more – no booking needed for the market, just come and browse! However booking is required to meet Santa at the Christmas festival so tap here to book your time slot!
Kinvara Christmas Fair
December 7th+8th and December 14th+15th at 10am-5pm // Kinvara Community Centre
Get into the festive spirit at the Kinvara Christmas Fair which will take place over two weekends. Set against the stunning backdrop of Galway Bay, the Kinvara Christmas Fair is the perfect spot to find unique, handcrafted gifts, enjoy festive food, and get your last-minute Christmas shopping done. Don’t miss the raffle and other exciting surprises!
above: photo by Dahlia E Akhaine on Pexels
St Nicholas’ Church Christmas Market
December 14th to December 22nd at 9am-6pm // Church Lane, Galway City
During the festive season, the Christmas Market edition of the Galway Market will operate daily from December 14th to 24th, providing a delightful array of homemade Christmas goodies in a beautifully decorated setting, as well as time to get all your last minute presents!
Glenamaddy Christmas Market & Craft Fair
December 8th at 11am-4pm // Glenamaddy Community Centre
The festive spirit is in the air at this year’s Glenamaddy Christmas Market & Craft Fair. There will be loads of fun, local crafts and food vendors to enjoy so do what you have to do to get out in time for this annual celebration.
Kilcoona Christmas Market
December 8th // Kilcoona National School
Get into the festive spirit at the Kilcoona Christmas Market. This market promises a wonderful selection of local crafts and food, making it the perfect spot for Christmas shopping. With plenty of festive fun for all, it’s also a great way to support local vendors and enjoy the Christmas season.
above: photo by cottonbro Studio on Pexels
Mountbellew Christmas Market
November 17th at 11am-4pm // Mountbellew, Barnwellsgrove
Save the date! The annual Mountbellew Christmas Fair will be held on Sunday November 17th to ensure shoppers have plenty of time to get their gifts ahead of the big day.
Moylough Christmas Market
November 30th at 5pm // Mountbellew-Moylough GAA Club
The Moylough Christmas Market is back on the evening of November 30th. It’s going to jam packed with fantastic vendors and creators, so come along on the night as local arts, crafts, food stalls and Christmas vibes await!
Eddie Ned’s Christmas Market
December 1st at 10am-2pm // Eddie Ned’s Bar & Lounge, Monivea
A special Christmas Market hosted by Eddie Ned’s in Monivea. There will be indoor and outdoor stalls plus a marquee full of arts & craft stalls to pick up some locally made goodies for yourself or as gifts and delicious beverages and sweet treats to keep you refreshed!
Feature photo by Hert Niks on Pexels
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