It is that time of year again where Christmas Markets are getting their stalls ready around the midlands. Packed with local food and crafts, mulled wine and Santa’s grottos, you dont have to go abroad to find your little bit of Christmas before the big day!
As early as this Saturday, local markets from Clonmellon to Abbeyshrule, Abbeyleix to Clonkill, will be open to the general public. So round up those reindeers, get your woolly hats on and your baskets ready with the intention of supporting local.
WESTMEATH
Kilbeggan Distillery
On Saturday 19th November, Kilbeggan Distillery will be kicking off the festive season with an Open Day & Craft Fair at Kilbeggan Distillery. Experience the magic of the steam engine running for the first time in 3 years and enjoy local musicians filling the courtyard with festive tunes. Santa will be in his Whiskey Garden Grotto and special guests on the day will be the 2022 All-Ireland Champions Dancers from the Mullingar Fleadh 2022! Opens 10am – 4pm
The Market Clonmellon
Next market Sunday December 4th. For original handmade cards, unique handmade jewellery, peat art, pebble art and wreath/floral arrangements. Fresh food & crafts in the historic Old Market Square. Shop or relax with a coffee/snack in the Eat Space! Recently visited by Darina Allen, the market is hosted by Clonmellon Community Council. The Christmas Market in Clonmellon will get you in the Christmas spirit and you might just pick up a few presents along the way. Opens 11am – 3pm.
Christmas at Collinstown!
Choose from a variety of fresh seasonal vegetables, salads, eggs, preserves, chutney’s, oils, raw organic milk, health and beauty goods, hand crafted gifts and gardening products while enjoying a fresh coffee and a tasty snack from one of their passionate vendors.
A playground on the grounds of the hall ensures the children are happy, tample parking, and lots to do and see locally with this beautiful and picturesque village located close to the stunning shores of Lough Lene, the majestic Fore Abbey, Loughcrew ,and Mullaghmeen forest. Nov 27th 11am – 3pm
Clonkill Christmas Market
After a great day last year Clonkill Christmas Market returns for 2022 taking place on Sunday November 20th, at 11am – 3pm. Even bigger and better than before. You’ll find a selection of wonderful artisan arts, crafts, great gifts, wood crafts, decorations, handmade jewellery, food vendors including Lough Owell Organic farm and stalls, raffle, music, Santa, and special surprise guests on the day returning courtesy of our friends at the Mullingar Arts Centre! Lough Owel Organic Farm will be serving up their mouthwatering, TV famous burgers or as Nevin Maguire calls them a “superb burger”!
Address: Clonkill, Loughegar , Westmeath. E: clonkillchristmasmarket@gmail.com
The Railway Christmas Markets in association with Mullingar Chamber (Winterfest)
The Railway Christmas Market is opening on Saturday 26th November at 10.45am by The Christmas Fairy with Mullingar Town Band. The Christmas Market will run each weekend until Sunday 18th Dec.
Part of Winterfest & Supported by Mullingar Chamber.
Visit Santa, Supporting Charities, Crafts, Gifts, Food, Entertainment.
November 26th- December 18th Saturdays 11am-6pm, Sundays 11am-3pm
N91YY96 Enquiries: marketmullingar@gmail.com
LONGFORD
Abbeyshrule Christmas craft fair at The Rustic Inn
December 11th 12-6pm, lots of handmade & artisan crafts, food & gifts, Santa will be there from 2-5pm, face painting, raffle in aid of Longford Autism Club, the Christmas Lights Tractor Run will be going through the village after 5pm, in aid of Cian’s kennels, & of course delicious food at the Rustic Inn.
JOLLY CHRISTMAS MARKET, BALLYMAHON
The annual JOLLY CHRISTMAS MARKET is happening on Saturday, 3rd and Sunday, 4th December from 12-6pm in Ballymahon. The Jolly Boys Pizza will transform their backyard area into a Winter Wonderland, with local businesses selling their products, bringing the magic of Christmas to Ballymahon while helping to Support Local.
The Jolly Boys team will be serving up food and drinks at The Jolly Christmas Market too. There will be lots of Christmas themed food and drinks available to keep you warm and happy while you shop with live music and family entertainment. Tickets are FREE, this is a family friendly event
PLEASE BRING CASH WITH YOU AS SOME VENDORS CANNOT ACCEPT CARD PAYMENTS
LAOIS
Christmas Craft Markets at Solas Eco Garden Shop https://ecogardenshop.ie/ Portarlington Co. Laois
Dates and times – December 1st and 2nd Christmas evening market 5-9pm
Sunday 4th, 11th and 18th of December 11-4pm
December 8th, 9th, 15th,16th of December, 5-9pm
Their Christmas and Evening markets bring together the very best of what local craft people and artists can offer. Also experience delicious food, hot drinks and visit Santa of course.
Also book your Christmas Craft workshops here The garden shop workshops
Visit Santa at SOLAS this Christmas. Meet Alphie and Sean : Santa’s little animal helpers
The Santa Train Experience, Stradbally
Exciting adventure at the magical setting of Stradbally Woodlands Dec 3rd, 10th and 11th. Get to meet Santa and Mrs Claus and their band of merry elves. Check out our Steamin’ Brews Coffee Hut and enjoy a hot chocolate while you take a wander through the stalls of the Christmas Market.
Róisín spent her working life on the bog railways of counties Laois and Offaly for Bord na Móna alongside her sister steam engines, Nos 1 and 3. Róisín has now called Stradbally her home for over 50 years and she’s been lovingly cared for by our small but dedicated Irish Steam Preservation Society volunteers since the day she arrived.
This year Róisín will have the very important job of hosting Santa, Mrs. Claus, lots of busy elves and lots of lucky families, as they journey through the magical setting of Stradbally Woodlands! Tickets here https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/the-santa-train-experience-tickets-400875267717
Abbeyleix House and Farm Christmas Market
The magical Christmas Market and Santa’s Grotto opens on Saturday the 3rd of December from 11am to 4pm. (Last Admission 3:30pm) Abbeyleix Estate is owned by the Stripe billionaire John Collison.
*Santa’s Grotto is Sold Out – Market Admission is still available to purchase via Eventbrite. They ask all visitors and families to take our courtesy bus from Abbeyleix Town to our Market and Santa’s Grotto for a variety of local craft and food vendors.
Enjoy soft, jolly sounds of our carol singers’, singing festive music as you sip on a complimentary hot drink and take a stroll around the market or out to the paddocks, where you might meet some of our friendly furry friends.
100% of proceeds from the Abbeyleix House and Farm, Christmas Market and Santa’s Grotto will be donated to St.Lazarians SVP Conference and My Lovely Horse Rescue. See above for more information on all the markets around Laois.
OFFALY
Tullamore’s ‘This Christmas’ events take place from November 25th to 27th, with the official turning on of the Christmas Lights taking place on final day, Sunday 27th at 6pm.
Events include a Christmas Market, with craft stalls, food village and chalets in O’Connor Square, along with family entertainment, carol singing, and even Santa’s Train which will run through the town on the Sunday of the event. With local artists, crafters, food and the best coffee!!!
Edenderry Artisan Market
From 10am till 2pm. With handmade Christmas gifts, coffee from The Rambling Bean, and delicious homemade treats, Edenderry Artisan Market will be in the square in Edenderry every Saturday, right up to Christmas.
There are other markets and events taking place across the Midlands which are yet to be announced. This page will be updated as information comes through. Email anmkelly@laoiscoco.ie to update us with further information.
