If you want to find out where your local Christmas Market is this year, have a look at our list of where and when they will be taking place across Laois, Longford, Westmeath and Offaly. Supporting local is the driving force behind many of our local Christmas Markets. It is an opportunity to meet old friends, especially Santa! Here is a list of local Christmas Markets in the Midlands.
Longford
Longford will welcome Santa and Mrs Claus back to Longford Town to turn on the Christmas lights this Friday. Santa will be accompanied on his journey by the Bula Bula Samba Band. The event will take place at 6.30pm this Friday, November 24, coinciding with the launch of a number of exciting initiatives and events this Christmas #ShopLongford season.
In the midst of all the excitement, “Project Us” will light up Connolly Barracks, in vivid and bright lights, from 6.30pm until 9pm.nThe art installation is a wall projection created by visual artist Caroline Conway and music composer Niamh Ní Mheara. Caroline Conway is the artistic Director of Longford Lights 2024 with the project giving the public a sneak peek of what is in store as part of the now iconic Longford Lights Festival when it takes place in the new year.
Ballymahon
The Jolly Christmas Market is happening at Jollyboys Ballymahon on Saturday 2nd, Sunday 3rd, Friday 8th and Saturday 9th December. They will transform their backyard area into a Winter Wonderland.
The Jolly Boys team will be serving up themed food and drinks too to keep you warm and happy while you shop.
Music acts by Ballymahon School of Music, Sizzle School of Dance and there will be Carol Singing Colouring Competitions and FREE Face painting for the kiddies!
Tickets are FREE, no charge for entry. KIDS are WELCOME – this is a family friendly event
Others in Longford
Granard Butter Market N39FC99 Christmas Fayre 12-5 Sunday 3rd Dec
Drumlish Street Christmas Market (9th & 10th Dec)
Offaly
Christmas market in Birr this Saturday
Birr will come to life with a day of festive activities this Saturday, from 12pm until 7pm the Chestnut pub in Birr will transform its outer roofed over areas into a winter market. The event will see over 30 vendors set up for a days trading. Vendors will be selling vinyl records, vintage sports jerseys, arts, crafts, collectibles, lego, cosmetics, jewellery and much, much more.
For a lot of vendors this will be their first market in the Midlands. Facilitated by Birrr Tidy Towns, they will be traveling from Dublin, Kilkenny, Galway, Limerick and all other corners of Ireland to join some of the best marketeers that the Midlands region has to offer. The turning on of the Christmas Lights by Santa Claus is 7pm and there will be stunning illuminations “Illumineers” on Cumberland House.
Christmas Winter Fair at the County Arms Hotel in Birr, Co Offaly
On the 6th and 7th of December from 12-8pm, there will be a wide selection of unique stand holders from all around the country including: antique’s, vintage interior, arts & crafts, Christmas continental style floristry, designer jewellery and much more.
Kilcormac
Christmas Fayre & Santa’s Grotto at Kilcormac Community Centre!
Save the Date: December 8th. There will be a festive extravaganza at the Kilcormac Community Centre! Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus are coming to town frim 5pm to 8.30pm
Visit Santa’s Grotto and share your Christmas wishes. Enjoy a day filled with exciting activities and surprises. There will also be Craft and Gift Market
Laois
Solas Eco Gardenshop, Portarlington
Celebrate Christmas at SOLAS and enjoy their Santa Experience. This year Santa is coming to town and you too can meet him in person! Take a walk through the wonky winter wonderland and meet Santa’s happy helper Sean the Sheep.
Also at SOLAS our the Christmas:
- Christmas night markets (Thursday 4 to 9)
- Craft Markets (Sundays 11 – 4)
- Carol Singing
- Busker performances
- Christmas Shop
- Craft Events & Chocolate making
The SOLAS Christmas markets will start December 1st and run throughout December.
Portlaoise
The Christmas Lights will be switched on at Portlaoise Library on Friday, November 24.
A street closure in operation from 4pm that day and events get underway at 5.45pm with Harpist Seren Roberts playing Christmas tunes..
A Market and Fair will be held in Portlaoise over the Christmas period.
Laois County Council along with Laois Taste are holding a Christmas Plaza Market and Fun Fair at the Civic Plaza at the council offices along James Fintan Lalor Avenue in Portlaoise from Thursday 14 to Saturday 23 December.
During the family-friendly event there will be live music, a fun fair, food and drink stalls, arts and crafts, entertainment, a Santa Grotto, cake decorating demonstrations, games, storytellers and vendors.
Westmeath
Winterfest Mullingar
Mullingar Chamber has announced the return of the Christmas Markets, which are set to take place on the weekends of December 8-10 and 15-17. Boasting over 40 handpicked stalls, each one offering unique gifts, handcrafted ornaments and much more.
The Mullingar Chamber Christmas Markets will be located at the back of all-weather tent at Caffrey’s on Mount Street, bringing the spirit of the season to life. Visitors can expect an enchanting atmosphere, complete with twinkling lights, treats, and an array of unique gifts and crafts from local artisans.
To make this year’s event even more spectacular, Mullingar Chamber has plans to host a Santa’s Grotto in the same space, creating a memorable experience for families to meet the jolly man himself. Book Santa here
Athlone Christmas Market
Athlone Civic Square I 14th – 17th December 2023 I Christmas Market
There will be lots of great stalls, Festive Food, Christmas Carols, Entertainment and so much more. Get your Christmas started with a trip to Athlone’s Christmas Market happening in the heart of Athlone. More information here
Times
Thursday 10am-7pm
Friday 10am-7pm
Saturday 9am-6pm
Sunday 10am-6pm
Collinstown Christmas Market
Collinstown Christmas Market
Collinstown Dance Hall N91 HR96 I 26th November 2023 I Collinstown Christmas Market 11-4pm
Get ready for Christmas with a magical day for all to enjoy at Collinstown Christmas Market. There will be artisan local food and crafts, Festive Music, Santa visit and lots more to enjoy on this wonderful family day out.
Christmas The Market Clonmellon takes place on Sunday, 3rd December from 11.00am-3.00pm. There will be over 40 stall including speciality foods, artisan crafts and original art. Take a break in the Eat Space, grab a burger or hot cheese raclette with a coffee or hot chocolate and enjoy the Christmas Choir all the safe surroundings of the historic Old Market Square.
Enjoy and shop local!
