Last updated: 11 November 2024
Get ready for a magical holiday season in Galway with our comprehensive guide. Whether you're rediscovering your city or visiting for the first time, our guide showcases the best of Galway's holidays.
One highlight of the festive season is Light Up Galway, where the city transforms with dazzling decorations and vibrant lights, creating a warm atmosphere. Another unique experience awaits at Santa’s Cabin at Galway Christmas Market, where children can meet Santa amidst charming stalls and delightful treats. And the Traditional Carousel is something you definitely don't want to miss, offering fun for all ages with its enchanting rides. For more details on these and other fun events and activities, see below!
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Galway Holiday Light Displays
Light Up Galway
- What to Expect
- Interactive LED-lit Christmas decorations at city centre landmarks.
- Description
- Galway's city centre transforms into a vibrant spectacle with LED-lit Christmas decorations, including giant baubles and oversized stars, creating interactive photo opportunities at iconic landmarks.
- Where
- Galway | More Info : Light Up Galway
Galway Holiday Markets and Shopping
Santa’s Cabin at Galway Christmas Market
- What to Expect
- Special Santa visits with age-appropriate gifts.
- Description
- Visit Santa's Cabin at the Galway Christmas Market, located in Eyre Square, Galway, Ireland. This festive attraction offers a special visit with Santa, including an age-appropriate gift, and is open on Fridays from 4 pm to 8 pm, Saturdays from 11 am to 8 pm, and Sundays from 11 am to 7:30 pm.
- Where
- Galway | More Info : Santa’s Cabin at Galway Christmas Market
The Traditional Carousel
- What to Expect
- Classic horse-drawn carousel ride with intricate designs.
- Description
- The Traditional Carousel is a classic ride featuring intricately designed horses and other animals, providing a nostalgic and enjoyable experience for all ages.
- Where
- Galway | More Info : The Traditional Carousel
32m Ferris Wheel
- What to Expect
- Panoramic views of Eyre Square.
- Description
- The 32m Ferris Wheel at the Galway Christmas Market offers panoramic views of Eyre Square, providing a thrilling and elevated experience amidst festive stalls and entertainment.
- Where
- Galway | More Info : 32m Ferris Wheel
Galway Christmas Market
- What to Expect
- A showcase of local crafts and foods in a charming outdoor setting
- Description
- The Galway Christmas Market offers a vibrant atmosphere filled with delightful stalls featuring local crafts, delicious food, and seasonal treats. Visitors can explore beautifully decorated spaces while enjoying live music and the cheerful spirit that fills the air. This event showcases the creativity and talent of local artisans, making it a focal point for community and festivity during the holiday season.
- Where
- Galway | More Info : Galway Christmas Market
Galway Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Christmas Magic at Brigit’s Garden
- What to Expect
- Interactive Santa show with storytelling and activities for all ages.
- Description
- At Brigit’s Garden, Santa and his musical Elf, Elfeena, bring Christmas magic to life with a unique, non-commercial Santa experience. The show features a new story where Elfeena needs help from the children, and everyone helps Santa and Elfeena light the Christmas tree. Before the show, enjoy activities like joining Mrs. Claus for stories in the thatched Roundhouse, following clues in the elfish Treasure Hunt around Celtic Gardens, playing games in the Marquee, and hanging wishes on the special Christmas Wishing Tree.
- Where
- Galway | More Info : Christmas Magic at Brigit’s Garden
Live Music Gigs in Galway
- What to Expect
- Diverse lineup of local and international artists.
- Description
- Galway's vibrant live music scene offers a diverse array of concerts and festivals at iconic venues like Roisin Dubh, Monroe's Live, and the Town Hall Theatre. From indie rock to classical performances, there's something for every music enthusiast.
- Where
- Galway | More Info : Live Music Gigs in Galway
Galway Tradfest
- What to Expect
- High-level Irish traditional music opportunities for children and young people.
- Description
- Galway Tradfest is an inaugural event by Music Generation Galway County, featuring masterclasses and performances showcasing a range of Irish traditional music activities. The festival provides high-level Irish traditional music opportunities for children and young people in Galway.
- Where
- Galway | More Info : Galway Tradfest
Macnas Halloween Parade
- What to Expect
- Large-scale interactive performances with giant puppets and captivating music.
- Description
- Macnas Halloween Parade is a spectacular street performance in Galway, featuring giant puppets, haunting music, and immersive storytelling.
- Where
- Galway | More Info : Macnas Halloween Parade
Baboró International Arts Festival for Children
- What to Expect
- Diverse and inclusive arts programming for children of all ages.
- Description
- Baboró International Arts Festival for Children is Ireland's premier arts festival dedicated to children and families, featuring theatre, dance, puppetry, music, and visual art from around the world.
- Where
- Galway | More Info : Baboró International Arts Festival for Children
International Galway Tattoo Show
- What to Expect
- Celebration of tattoo art with international artists and live music.
- Description
- The International Galway Tattoo Show brings together the world's best tattoo artists, featuring stunning art, live music, market stalls, and entertainment.
- Where
- Galway | More Info : International Galway Tattoo Show
Galway Other Holiday Activities
Elf Town
- What to Expect
- Private visits with Santa and personalized experiences for children.
- Description
- Elf Town Galway is a 2-hour Christmas experience set over 3 buildings and 4 floors, featuring a private visit with Santa, personalized postcards, and a special Elf Town gold toy coin for each child.
- Where
- Galway | More Info : Elf Town
Wildlands Winter Wonderland
- What to Expect
- Interactive Christmas play village with Santa and his elves.
- Description
- At Wildlands Winter Wonderland, children can explore a beautiful atmospheric Christmas-themed play village, interacting with Santa's elves and Mrs. Claus, posting letters to the North Pole, and enjoying a reading of "The Night Before Christmas." The event includes complimentary playground access, fairy trails, and junior orienteering for children and parents.
- Where
- Galway | More Info : Wildlands Winter Wonderland
Christmas Wonderland at Loughwell Farm Park
- What to Expect
- Interactive festive experience with a working Christmas village.
- Description
- Step into the Barn Yard Theatre at Loughwell Farm Park, where a transformed space awaits with face painting, animal balloon making, letter writing to Santa, and a miniature working Christmas village. Enjoy mulled wine and mince pies for adults amidst the holiday cheer.
- Where
- Galway | More Info : Christmas Wonderland at Loughwell Farm Park
Galway Skates
- What to Expect
- Real ice skating experience with a festive market.
- Description
- Galway Skates offers an exciting ice-skating experience overlooking Galway Bay at Leisureland in Salthill. The event features a 600m² enclosed ice rink and a festive market, providing fun for all ages.
- Where
- Galway | More Info : Galway Skates
TULCA Festival of Visual Arts
- What to Expect
- Curated by Michele Horrigan, showcasing innovative visual arts exhibitions.
- Description
- The TULCA Festival of Visual Arts is a multi-venue, artist-centered festival in Galway, Ireland, curated by Michele Horrigan. It features innovative exhibitions that provoke and energize audiences, promoting contemporary visual arts culture through a national and international network of artists, audiences, curators, and art critics.
- Where
- Galway | More Info : TULCA Festival of Visual Arts
Shorelines Arts Festival
- What to Expect
- Emphasis on local and guest artist exhibitions and performances.
- Description
- Shorelines Arts Festival is a celebration of art and culture in Portumna, featuring theatre, music, film, visual arts, and workshops that showcase local and guest artists.
- Where
- Portumna | More Info : Shorelines Arts Festival