November and December bring all the fun and excitement in the run up to Christmas. We have lots of cheap and free things to do to help spread your budget as far as possible while still making it magical.
Cork
WinterLee Festival
Date: November 8th – 19th Jan
Cost: Free to enter
Step into the magic of Winterlee, Cork’s ultimate Winter Festival, set against the stunning backdrop of Páirc Uí Chaoimh. This enchanting event transforms the grounds into a glittering wonderland, perfect for creating unforgettable winter memories. Whether you’re seeking festive fun with colleagues, family, friends, or a romantic evening out, Winterlee has something for everyone.
Alpine Skate Trail
One of the star attractions is the Alpine Skate Trail, a must-visit experience that transports you to a winter wonderland. Glide through a beautifully illuminated path surrounded by snow-dusted trees, twinkling fairy lights, and festive decorations. The trail winds gracefully through the stadium’s North Stand, offering a (dry and) magical ice-skating adventure for all ages. After your skate, warm up with hot cocoa or mulled wine from one of the charming chalet stalls, adding a touch of Alpine charm to your evening.
Festive Delights & Après-Ski Vibes
But the magic doesn’t stop there. Winterlee is a hub of festive delights, featuring a cosy après-ski village with roaring fire pits, live entertainment, and mouth-watering winter treats. Sip on spiced drinks, enjoy artisan food, and soak in the joyful atmosphere, all while exploring the array of pop-up shops offering unique gifts and crafts.
From the thrill of the Alpine Skate Trail to the warmth of the après-ski experience, Winterlee at Supervalu Páirc Uí Chaoimh is the perfect place to embrace the spirit of the season. Join us for a celebration filled with laughter, twinkling lights, and festive cheer!
For more information visit: https://www.winterlee.ie/#home
Saving Santa
Date: 23 Nov -23 Dec
Price: €10-20
Where: Marina Market Cork
Saving Santa is an interactive Santa experience aimed at families designed by the brains behind WeEscape. Step aboard a magical elevator and journey straight to the snow-covered wonderland of Lapland. But Christmas is in danger, and only you can save it! With escape room-inspired puzzles, kids will work together to fix Santa’s broken sleigh, power up the toy factory, and help the elves get back on track—all before the clock runs out!
Dublin
The Jonathan Swift Festival
Date: Saturday 23rd November
Times: 12pm
Location: St. Patricks Cathedral Dublin 8
Cost: Free
Saturday, November 23rd, offers a day of engaging activities for all ages. At 12:00 PM, families can take part in a free of charge Gulliver’s Travels bookmaking workshop, where children will craft their own adventure stories inspired by Swift’s famous novel. At 3:00 PM, Jonathan and the Jest will take attendees on a literary tour of Saint Patrick’s Cathedral and Marsh’s Library, guided by actor Damien Devaney as Jonathan Swift and playwright Alice Coghlan. Participants will explore the books that inspired Swift’s satire, some of which bear his own handwritten graffiti.
The Moving Crib
Date: 28th Nov – 5th Jan
Time: all day
Location: St. Martin Apostale, Parnell Sq West, Dublin 1
Cost: Free
Step into the Christmas Spirit! Dublin’s beloved Moving Crib returns for its 68th year, bringing the Nativity story to life from Nov 28, 2024 – Jan 5, 2025. Delight in enchanting scenes and cherished memories at 42 Parnell Square West, Dublin 1!
Step into the Christmas Spirit with Dublin’s iconic Moving Crib as it returns for its 68th year of festive magic! We invite you to visit our beloved tradition and explore beautifully crafted Nativity scenes and enchanting animatronic characters that will captivate visitors of all ages. Open daily the Moving Crib is a heartwarming celebration of the holiday spirit.
NO booking necessary for individuals & families.
**Join Us For A Treat**
On **December 1st from 12 noon – 3.30pm, kick off the festive season with our annual Christmas sing-along featuring the incredible Bray Gospel Choir! Experience the joy of well-known Christmas carols, soul, and gospel music as we come together to celebrate this magical season.
Dublin City Winter Lights
Date: Friday 29th Nov to Tues 31st Dec
Time: After Dusk
Location: Various
The ‘Dublin City Council Dublin Winter Lights’ festival transforms the city centre with epic light features on iconic landmarks, buildings, bridges, trees, statues and Merrion Square Park.
It is a festive experience like no other where people of all generations can experience specially commissioned dynamic, colourful and imaginative light projections by leading artists throughout the city centre.
The locations are:
- National Museum of Ireland Collins Barracks (NEW Ticketed Event: From Nov 29th – Dec 15th inclusive)
- GPO (General Post Office)
- Merrion Square Park (Ticketed Event: From Nov 29th – Dec 22nd inclusive)
- Custom House
- Bank of Ireland, College Green
- Millennium Bridge
- Trinity College Dublin
- O’Connell Street and The Spire
- Hugh Lane Gallery
- Newcomen Bank (NEW)
- Mansion House
- George’s Dock (From 11th-15th Dec inclusive)
- Samuel Beckett Bridge
- Ha’penny Bridge
- Liffey Boardwalk (NEW)
- James Joyce Bridge (NEW)
- Palace Street and Barnardo Square
- St. Stephen’s Green (NEW)
Richmond Barracks Christmas Fair
Dates: Nov 30th – Dec 1st
Time: 11am
Location: Richmond Barracks, Saint Michael’s Estate, Inchicore, Dublin, Ireland
Enjoy a weekend filled with creativity, community and connection at our Christmas Fair.
Come together to meet artists, makers, producers and small businesses as we celebrate the winter season. Find unique and delicious gifts for you and yours.
Our fairs are family friendly, with entertainment and creative activities for all ages. There will be stalls, workshops, walking tours, entertainment, food and drink and more to enjoy.
With free admission, you can bring your family, friends, and curiosity for a day of exploration and discovery. Dogs are welcome too.
Our building is accessible, with safe parking for bikes and for buggies. We open at 11 am each day.
Galway
Galway Christmas Market
Date: November 8th – Jan 5th
Time: 10am -10pm
Location: Eyre Square, Galway
Making its return to the City of Tribes, the Galway Christmas Market opens on the 8th of November running through until 5th of January 2025.
This year, The Christmas Market will once again feature the highly popular 32m observation wheel, Après Ski Bar, Santa’s Express Train, a traditional Carousel and over 50 wooden chalets which line Eyre Square, offering scrumptious seasonal treats and a variety of crafts.
Food lovers can feast on a wide selection of treats, everything from German Bratwurst, Traditional Crepes, Irish handmade fudge, Chocolate fountain, Chimney cakes and other indulgent confectionery from over 60 traders with traditional mulled wine and beer served in steins at the popular Christmas drinking destination the Galway Christmas Market beer tent. Also on offer are a broad range of Artisan traders showcasing handmade crafts which make for the perfect Christmas gift.
Families and friends can enjoy a walk through the enchanted light gardens providing the backdrop for a Christmas Market photo, stop off at Santa’s postbox, interact with local charities and much more.
Christmas Brick Show
Date: 16&17 December
Location: Loughrea Hotel and Spa
Time:Saturday 16th times: 11am – 2pm | 3pm – 6pm
Sunday 17th times: 10am – 1pm | 2pm – 5pm
Price: Adults €8 (+ booking fee) Kids €18 includes Lego set (+ booking fee)
These shows bring to life the world of Lego with huge custom made models, dioramas and MOC’s made by Lego enthusiasts.
These cover a range to the favourite Lego themes including Lego City, Star Wars, Ninjago, Technic and Castle to name but a few. As well as a variety of custom made models you will see some older and harder to find Lego sets on display. Free speed build competitions with a small prize given for each winner and the fastest overall in each age category at the end of the day win a set. The age categories are:
6 AND UNDER
7-8
9-11
12 AND OVER
Colouring table for younger kids, Duplo play area for younger kids. Treasure hunt for everyone – A selection of questions based on the models on display, prizes given for the winner drawn at each time slot. Vendors selling Lego minifigures and merchandise.
The amount of models on display depends on the size of each venue, we do our best to have at least one new big model per show.
Creativity Workshop: Responding to Objects at Galway City Museum
Date: November 30th
Location: Galway City Museum
Join artist Vicky Smith to create subtle watercolour studies of the beautiful Joyce Claddagh Ring, the oldest known Claddagh Ring. Attendees will view museum objects and create pencil drawings from direct observation. These drawings will then inspire watercolour studies. Using watercolour paint, gouache colours, pencil, fineliners and watercolour paper you can create two paintings. This workshop is a fantastic opportunity to enhance your observational skills and learn the beautiful art of watercolour techniques.
Vicky Smith is a visual artist from Galway City. Her practice is rooted in painting, and she is a painter on the Turps Correspondence Course 2024–25. She is Education Co-ordinator at Engage Art Studios and FET Tutor in Fine Art Drawing at Galway Technical Institute.
This event is free of charge, but advance booking is advisable as places are limited. To book, call the Museum on (091) 532460 or email musuem@galwaycity.ie.
Suitable for ages 12 to 14
Local Food & Craft Fair
Date: 30th November &1st December
Location: Black Box Galway
Limerick
Christmas in Doon
Dates: 29th November -1st December
Location: Doon Community Centre, Toher Road, Doon, Co. Limerick
Price: Free
On Friday, November 29th, a kids’ disco will take place from 6:30pm to 8pm at the Doon Community Centre. On Saturday, November 30th, enjoy a cinema day featuring “Muppets Christmas Carol” at 12:30 pm. The event culminates on Sunday, December 1st, with Santa’s Christmas fair beginning at 12pm, featuring a sensory Santa from 12 to 2 pm for children with special needs, and then open to all from 2pm. There will be entertainment, refreshments, and various stalls from 12pm to 5pm, with all proceeds supporting future community events.
Christmas Boutique Fair
Dates: 1st December
Time: All day
Location: Rockbarton Garden Centre ,Holycross, Bruff,Co. Limerick
Get ready to kick off the festive season in style at an Annual Boutique Christmas Market. This is more than just a market—it’s a day of holiday cheer for the whole family.
What’s in Store?
- Unique Gifts: Discover one-of-a-kind treasures crafted by talented local artisans—perfect for everyone on your list.
- Festive Décor: Choose from a stunning selection of Christmas trees, wreaths, and planters to deck your halls.
- Handcrafted Delights: Explore a variety of beautiful baubles, cozy knits, fragrant candles, homemade jams, pure honey, luxurious soaps, ceramics, and much more!
- Warm Up with a Treat: Savor a delicious hot chocolate as you stroll through our enchanting 18th Century Courtyard, catching up with friends and soaking in the holiday spirit.
Whether you’re searching for that perfect gift or just want to embrace the magic of the season, our Christmas Boutique Market is the place to be. We can’t wait to celebrate with you!
Christmas Tales by The Limerick Fireside
Dates: Various
Location: Various
Join storyteller and musician David Collopy as he recounts stories of Christmas traditions gone by, including the Hunting of the Wren, Thomond Bridge on Christmas Eve, the bells of St. Mary’s Cathedral and Nollaig na mban!
Warm up your holiday season with these magical stories, thanks to the support of Limerick City and County Council.
Perfect for all ages – bring your family and friends for a heartwarming Christmas experience!
Where & When:
Light Up Limerick
Dates: 15th December
Location: Limerick City
Time: 6pm
This event is to raise funds for the completion of the Ambulance base for The East Limerick Red Cross.
Santa will lead a parade of Trucks, Tractors, Cars, Bikes & Trikes through the city on the night.
Included in the run is an appreciation run for Emergency services agencies in Limerick, Tipperary and Clare.
From Christmas lights on tractors to blue lights on fire engines and so much more, this year’s event will delight spectators of all ages.
Waterford
Winterville
Dates: Winterval runs Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays from November 15th, until Monday December 23rd.
Location: Various locations across Waterford City
Price: Free and Paid events
About the Author: Michelle Mead
