Christmas in Galway

With the City lit up and the Christmas market in full swing, Galway is a great place to be at Christmas. Whether you are shopping or catching up with friends over a bite to eat or a few pints, Christmas in Galway won’t disappoint. Throughout December, you can enjoy many, many things Christmas for kids and adults alike.

Bring your kids to see Santa, risk your life on the ice, or hide away for dinner in front of a roaring fire. This year once again, businesses and the council have gone all out to make your Christmas merry and bright.

Let’s look at some special events coming up in the next few days.

Ice Skating in Salthill

Set up beside Leisureland, Galway Skates is the place to be for anyone daring to take to the ice. The rink will be open until the 5 January, so there is plenty of time left.

Beyond the Christmas Market – Tiny Traders

When you have bought all you can at the Christmas Market, go to the Eyre Square Shopping Centre and check out the “Tiny Traders Village.”

You will find beautiful handmade gifts from small local businesses and have the chance to support them and buy gifts to remember.

For the Little Ones: Elf Town, Winter Wonderland, and Christmas Wonderland

There is a true abundance of magical Christmas events and venues around Galway. At Ballybrit race course, your family can participate in all sorts of fun activities over hot chocolate, mulled wine, and scrumptious Christmas treats.

Travel out the N59 to discover the Wildlands Winter Wonderland where Santa, the elves, and reindeer will meet and treat you. You will be kept busy for hours with fun activities and Christmas treats for adults and kids.

A few miles up the mountain road from Spiddal, you can spend the day at Loughwell Farm Park and have lots of Christmas fun indoors and outside. Visit Santa, check out the Christmas village, and enjoy mulled wine while your kids dive into arts and crafts.

Carol Singing at the Cathedral

The annual Carol Singing Service at the cathedral is not to be missed. This year, it’s on Thursday, 19 December 2024, at 7:30 pm. Sing along and be swept away by the uniquely Galwegian Christmas spirit.

Gigs in the Run-Up to Christmas

You’ve got several options if you are looking for a gig between now and Christmas. Mary Coughlan is performing at the Town Hall Theater on Friday 20 and Saturday 21 of December, and Hermitage Green at the Róisín Dubh on the same night, with the Amazing Apples gracing the stage at Monroe’s on the 21 December too.

Belfast band the Rapparees perform their unique tribute to Shane McGowan with “The Fairytale of the Pogues”. Having sold out over 30 tribute shows over the past few years, they perform at Monroe’s on Friday, 20 December. You can expect all your favourite Pogues songs.

Take A Dip in the Ocean for Cope on Christmas Day!

A long-held Galway tradition, the Christmas Day Swim at Blackrock sees hundreds of people brave the icy water for Cope, a charity supporting homeless people and domestic abuse sufferers.

Donate what you can on the day or register as an individual for €10 or as a family for €30.