Festivals

November-December 2018

Christmas is coming and Mayo’s towns and villages are getting ready to celebrate. Many Christmas Fairs and Markets will bring a truly festive atmosphere along the streets decorated with Christmas lights.

Stalls will be fully packed with ideal gifts to buy for everyone in the family. Knitwear, jewellery, stone craft, traditional crafts and artisan foods and more will be on sale.

Here there is a list of the most popular Christmas markets where it is possible to shop and have fun while doing it.

Ballina

The Mistletoe Market and Frosty Ale Fest will take place from Saturday 8th December to Sunday 9th December in the Military Quarter, off Pearse Street and beside the Market Square from 12 pm to 7 pm.

It is a European Style Market where the decorated stalls will showcase all their best local traditional crafts and artisan foods. It will be a feast for the senses!

There will be carol singers, festive tunes and Santa will wait for children in his Grotto.

The Frosty Ale Fest will return this year. The event will introduce visitors to the flavours of the craft beer made in Mayo and surrounds.

Foxford

Foxford Crafts Fair is one of the biggest and well known Christmas markets in Mayo. It will take place from Friday 30th to Sunday 2nd  December at The Foxford Sports and Leisure Centre beside Foxford Wollen Mills.

It will offer a variety of high-quality handmade products ranging from ironworks, wood crafts, seasonal foods, glass craft, jewellery, Christmas decorations and paintings.

Crossmolina

The 2018 Crossmolina Christmas Market will run from Saturday 15th December to Sunday 16th December at Enniscoe House in the old courtyard.

Great food and local Irish craft will be on offer.

After the shopping families and children may enjoy looped walks around the estate or a stroll along the breathtaking lakeshore of Lough Conn.

Knock

Knock Christmas Market will take place on Sunday 9th December at Knock House Hotel from 11 am to 4 pm.

A wide range of Christmas gifts will be on offer under one roof including Crochet, Wood Turner, Floral Arrangements, Knitted Items, Christmas Decorations, Baked Goods, Canvas & Plaques, Cushions, Hand Paintings on Stone, Handmade Jewellery, Silk Scarves, Stainless Glass, Jams & Chutneys and Temping Hampers.

A charity raffle will take place in aid of St. Vincent de Paul, Knock, on the day. There will be over 30 spot prizes donated by the talented crafters.

Swinford

The 2018 Swinford’s Annual Christmas Market will take place from Saturday 1st December to Sunday 2nd December at Swinford Cultural Centre from 9:30 am to 2 pm.

A tremendous variety of handmade products will be on offer including ceramics, jewellery and decorations, handmade greetings cards, wooden ornaments, winter woollies, and a selection of cakes, bakes and jams all made by local stallholders.

Children will enjoy the Christmas decoration workshops meanwhile a local choir will sing some festive songs. Santa will also be there handing out sweets and sharing Christmas cheers.

Ballycastle

The 2018 Ballycastle Christmas Experience will take place on Saturday 15th December from 5 pm to 7 pm at the stunning setting of “The Shambles”.

Santa and Mrs Claus will be there in their grotto. Nearby the elves will be busy at work in their workshop making toys and gifts.

There will also be a living crib with real animals. Music and entertainments will be performed on that night.

Families and children will enjoy tasty food and drink browsing through the tempting stalls.

Belmullet

The “Belmullet Christmas Lights Switch On” will take place on Saturday 1st December from 3.00 pm to 6.00 pm.

Santa, Mrs Claus and the Elves will kick off the event at 3.00 o’clock. New, this year, are the Spectacular Fire Show and the Festive Train.

The Train will take visitors around the town’s streets where Street Artists, Music, Blessing of the Crib and Choirs will perform and warm up the hearts with joy.

Cong

The 2018 Cong Christmas Market and Craft Fair will take place Sunday 2nd December from 12.30 to 5.00 pm at The Crossroads Centre.

Unique crafts and products made by local producers will be on offer including cards, wooden plaques, knitting, jewellery, decorations, cakes, jams, chutneys and lots more.

There will also be various stalls fully packed with goodies and fares. Children will enjoy face painting, and adults mulled wine. The local choir will perform and warm up the atmosphere.

Newport

The 2018 Newport Christmas Village will take place on Sunday 2nd December from 4 pm to 7 pm.

There will be markets on the town’s streets and the “Switch On” ceremony of the Newport Christmas Lights.

Santa will join the event and meet the children.

An excellent selection of local crafts, goodie and fares will be on offer on the tempting stalls.

Carol singers and hot drinks will warm up the festive season atmosphere.

Louisbourgh

The 2018 Louisburgh Christmas Fair will take place on Saturday 1st December from 4 pm to 9 pm and Sunday 2nd December from 10.30 am to 3 pm at the Town Hall and along Long Street.

A variety of handmade crafts will be on offer on the stalls.

On Saturday from 6.45 pm to 7.15 pm Louisburgh Voices, directed by Pauline Graham, will perform a short programme of festive music.

Killeen School Choir, Louisburgh Junior Choir and dancers from the Cresham Academy of Dance will also perform throughout the week-end.

Ballinrobe

The Ballinrobe Christmas Market will run from Friday 30th November to Sunday 2nd December in the Library Grounds at the Marquees.

Santa will arrive in town at 5 pm and switch on the Christmas Lights.

Friday night and Saturday children will visit Santa in the library enjoying the pony and trap rides and the Kids Christmas Crafts.

On Sunday there will be the Christmas Lights Tractor Parade at 5 pm and the Pet Farm and Bouncy Castles on Abbey St from 4 pm to 7 pm.