Christmas Events in Galway, Sligo and Mayo
Christmas on the West Coast – What’s on in Galway, Mayo and Sligo this Christmas
The West is wide awake this December. There is an incredible line up of events running right throughout the month. We have a few of the highlights listed here to help you start your list. Check out Inspireme.ie for even more ideas for what’s on near to you.
Christmas in Galway
The ever-popular Christmas Market in Galway will run in Eyre Square each day until Dec 22nd. For the craft beer enthusiasts there will be a Beer Keller. While the thrill seekers can check out the big wheel. Visit Santa, or wander around the stalls where there will all sorts of festive crafts and treats. You can even start ticking off the list of presents. But don’t get them all at once, you will need an excuse to come back! With a German Bratwurst and a mulled wine in hand, who needs to go abroad for the authentic Christmas market experience?
Or why not check out the Glenlo Christmas Express where the Glenlo Abbey Hotel will have a festive afternoon tea on each Saturday and Sunday in December. Afterwards there is a visit to Santa on the Orient Express carriage, and a viewing of the classic Christmas movie “The Polar Express”.
Galway racecourse is transformed over the Christmas season into the magical Elf Town. Children of all ages will delight in the Elf grove and Terrace, Mrs Claus Kitchen, Santa’s mail train, Jay Frost Ice House and many more. And at the end of this interactive journey you will find the main man, one Mr. S Claus waiting with a workshop full of presents. There is a park and ride shuttle bus from Eyre Square. And with mulled wine and mince pies for the adults, the elves have thought of everything.
Christmas in Ballinasloe
The Emerald Ballroom will be transformed into a winter wonderland with the Christmas Craft Fair on Sunday 26th November with Christmas crafts, face painting, festive music and lots more. Then from 5pm there will be music in the Square and Santa will be stopping off at 6.30 to light up the town.
Christmas in Loughrea
The magic of Christmas starts in Loughrea on Saturday Nov 25th. Santa Clause and the elves will be coming to town to help switch on the lights – then let the fun begin.
Christmas in Sligo
Sing for the Hell of It – Christmas Songs for Sligo promises a fun-filled evening. On Tues 28th Nov, under the watchful eye of Choirmaster Dave Flynn, everyone is welcome to sing the classics. As well as getting into the Christmas spirit, a brand new Christmas song for Sligo will be recorded. Proceeds on the night will go to the Hawk’s Well Renovation Fund.
A really special event is happening in Sligo the first weekend in January. Sligo’s first ever Christmas Tree Festival is taking place in St John’s Cathedral. Christmas Trees will be designed and set up by local schools, businesses, churches, charities and individuals. Admission is free. And there will be craft stalls and refreshments available.
Christmas shopping will be easy in Sligo this year. Head along the the IT Sligo on Tues 12th December for their Christmas Market. Anyone looking for a real Christmas tree needs to visit the Drumcliffe Christmas Tree and Craft Festival. There will be a fantastic selection available. You can even pick up some delicious home baking while you’re there! Or for a huge selection of crafts and fine foods look no further than the Strandhill People’s Market. A day market and a night market take place throughout the month of December. No excuse to gift socks this year!
Christmas in Mayo
There are so many Christmas events planned throughout the county of Mayo this December, one of the best named has to be the Frosty Salmon Festival in Ballina. Starting on Dec 3rd with a light ceremony, treasure hunt, Christmas crafts and cakes. There is also a Mistletoe Market taking place on Saturday 9th Dec.
We aren’t surprised that Santa wants to stop by Achill on Dec 3rd for a quick pre-Christmas visit. Santa’s Grotto will be set up in Dooagh for this fun fundraiser.
The Country Life Museum has some wonderful festive events planned. Get into the Christmas spirit with Carol Singing on Friday 15th December. Or head along on Saturday and Sunday the 16th and 17th, for Festive Family Fun. There is no booking required and entry is free for what promises to be a wonderful day.
For anyone feeling a little more active, check out the Claremorris Parkrun Santa Shuffle and Elf Walk on Saturday 23rd. You’ll definitely have earned your turkey dinner!
These early Christmas events will hopefully get you in the mood for the festivities that lie ahead . Don’t forget to visit www.inspireme.ie regularly to find lots of inspiration for things to do in your own locality. You can sign up here to receive regular updates on what’s on in your area. Finally, all events and details listed were correct at time of going to press. But please check with the organisers for updates before you travel.