The Irish Mirror has looked for this year’s Christmas markets to help get us all in the festive mood.
Sadly many have been cancelled but there are still a few happening around the country.
We've picked out a few that most definitely are going ahead.
KILKENNY
Cathaoirleach of Kilkenny County Council, Andrew McGuinness, said: "Although this has been a very difficult year for everyone, and Christmas will be very different this year.”
Events such as the annual Christmas markets will take place on the Parade this year in compliance with social distancing guidelines. Santa’s Christmas Village will be set up on the grounds of the Medieval Mile Museum.
There is set to be a ‘festival in a van” supported by creative Ireland nearer to Christmas. Also, there will be a virtual tour of the Wolfwalkers exhibition and a children’s art workshop online at the Christmas at Butler Gallery.
WATERFORD
Waterford Winterval will take place this year from the 4th till the 23rd of December with some events running till the 10th of December, in Ireland’s Christmas capital – Waterford.
The market's organisers said: “It’s official – Christmas is NOT cancelled! Santa has sent Scrooge packing and assured the people of Ireland that the magic of Christmas will be alive on the streets of Waterford when Winterval returns.”
Although there are some changes made to comply with the government's guidelines, the festivals favourites such as Winterval Train, the Waterford Eye, Santa’s Medieval Chambers and more will still be present at this year’s markets.
KILDARE
The Irish village markets will be on in Kildare for the fifth year running this year. The festive fun is taking place outside the Whitewater Shopping Centre Christmas market at Newbridge, Co. Kildare from December 9th – 24th 12 noon - 6pm (Twilight Market Christmas Week until 9pm).
The magic will include mulled wine, Irish coffees, mince pies, festive music, crafts, artisan foods & hampers, flowers/holly and mistletoe, handcrafted toys, felt and silk scarves, paintings, ceramics & pottery, woodturning, fur hats and scarves, leather and tweed, handcrafted jewellery and lots more.
Santa’s grotto will be situated in the shopping centre too.
LOUTH
The Smugglers Rest and Clogherhead Development Group have teamed together to bring Clogherhead its first-ever Christmas Market on Saturday the 12th of December from 12pm till the evening.
The small village has come together to spread Christmas spirit, and show their wonderful craft and businesses.
The stalls at the market will have a fantastic mix of handmade jewellery, artwork, frames, scents and much more. Food and drink will be served by the Smuggler’s Rest, Porthole and The Koffee Kart.
