Organize your perfect festive season in Athlone with our guide. We’ve gathered all the top holiday events for you. Whether you're a familiar face or new in town, discover Athlone's holiday spirit with our guide.
Popular events include the Galway Christmas Markets, where visitors can enjoy an array of local crafts and delicious treats. Immersive activities and festive lights transform the town during Glow - A Cork Christmas Celebration, providing a unique seasonal experience. And the Waterford Winterval is something you definitely don't want to miss, featuring a delightful combination of winter wonderland attractions and cultural events. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Athlone
- Galway Christmas Markets (Galway)
- Leopardstown Christmas Festival (Dublin)
- Waterford Winterval (Waterford)
- Glow - A Cork Christmas Celebration (Cork)
- Limerick Christmas Racing Festival (Limerick)
- Kilkenny Christmas Markets (Kilkenny)
- Believe at Fota Island Resort (Cork)
- Santa Visit at Bunratty Castle & Folk Park (Bunratty)
- Wicklow Christmas Market (Wicklow)
- Christmas Parties at Glasson Lakehouse
See these and even more events listed below!
Athlone Holiday Markets and Shopping
Glow - A Cork Christmas Celebration
What to Expect:
Interactive light installations and festive market.
Description:
Corkmas 2024 features a Christmas parade, markets, the return of the Ferris Wheel, and interactive light installations, offering a true Cork Christmas experience with twinkling lights and joyful activities.
Where: Cork | More Info: Glow - A Cork Christmas Celebration
Galway Christmas Markets
What to Expect:
Traditional wooden chalets with local and European traders.
Description:
The Galway Christmas Market in Eyre Square offers a variety of entertainment and stalls, including artisan food products, amusement rides, and Santa’s Grotto. Visitors can enjoy bratwurst, French pastries, pretzels, and other seasonal treats while exploring the enchanted light gardens and interacting with local charities.
Where: Galway | More Info: Galway Christmas Markets
Waterford Winterval
What to Expect:
Ireland's largest Christmas festival with a diverse range of events.
Description:
Waterford Winterval is Ireland's largest Christmas festival, featuring a variety of events including live music, ice skating, festive markets, and light displays. The festival offers something for all ages with a mix of traditional and new attractions.
Where: Waterford | More Info: Waterford Winterval
Kilkenny Christmas Markets
What to Expect:
Live local music and creative crafts each weekend.
Description:
The Kilkenny Christmas Markets offer a variety of festive activities, including live local music, creative crafts, and family entertainment each weekend. Visitors can explore the Christmas light trail and enjoy special events throughout the festival.
Where: Kilkenny | More Info: Kilkenny Christmas Markets
Wicklow Christmas Market
What to Expect:
Eco-friendly ice skating and diverse international cuisine.
Description:
The Wicklow Christmas Market offers a vibrant celebration with international cuisine, over 40 craft stalls, live entertainment, and festive activities for all ages. It features an Eco Ice Rink, Santa Express, and a Fun Fair with carnival rides and games.
Where: Wicklow | More Info: Wicklow Christmas Market
Athlone Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Santa Visit at Bunratty Castle & Folk Park
What to Expect:
Personal visit with Santa Claus and festive character encounters.
Description:
Visit Santa Claus in his grotto at Bunratty Castle & Folk Park, where you can meet festive characters, enjoy light installations, and explore the winter wonderland.
Where: Bunratty | More Info: Santa Visit at Bunratty Castle & Folk Park
Limerick Christmas Racing Festival
What to Expect:
Top-class jumps racing with memorable live acts.
Description:
The Limerick Christmas Racing Festival is a four-day event featuring top-class jumps racing, live music, and family fun activities. Highlights include the Dorans Pride Grade 2 Novice Hurdle, Dawn Run Grade 2 Novice Steeplechase, and Grade 1 Faugheen Novice Steeplechase. The final day is a Family Fun Day with children's amusements and entertainers.
Where: Limerick | More Info: Limerick Christmas Racing Festival
Christmas Party Nights at Hodson Bay
What to Expect:
Festive celebration with live music and DJ.
Description:
Celebrate the holiday season with a delightful drinks reception, followed by a festive 4-course feast and live entertainment featuring a talented band and DJ at the Hodson Bay Hotel.
Where: Athlone | More Info: Christmas Party Nights at Hodson Bay
Christmas Party Nights at Shamrock Lodge Hotel
What to Expect:
Live music and themed entertainment with a 4-course festive dinner.
Description:
Celebrate the holiday season with live music, themed DJ nights, and a 4-course festive dinner at Shamrock Lodge Hotel.
Where: Athlone | More Info: Christmas Party Nights at Shamrock Lodge Hotel
Athlone Other Holiday Activities
Believe at Fota Island Resort
What to Expect:
Luxurious Christmas celebration with Santa meet-and-greet.
Description:
At Fota Island Resort, immerse yourself in a luxurious Christmas celebration with fairy lights, festive decorations, and decadent seasonal dining. Enjoy a memorable experience with family and friends, including the opportunity to meet Santa at Fota House.
Where: Cork | More Info: Believe at Fota Island Resort
Leopardstown Christmas Festival
What to Expect:
High-quality National Hunt racing with Grade 1 events and festive entertainment.
Description:
The Leopardstown Christmas Festival is a four-day event featuring top-class National Hunt racing, live music, and festive entertainment. It includes Grade 1 races, celebrity tipster panels, and the Savills Style Awards. The festival offers a variety of packages with hotel accommodations, breakfast, admission tickets, and transport.
Where: Dublin | More Info: Leopardstown Christmas Festival
Christmas Party Nights at Sheraton Athlone
What to Expect:
Lavish party with bubbly and mulled wine reception.
Description:
Celebrate the holiday season with a jolly drinks reception, a 4-course Christmas menu, novelty games, and live entertainment at Sheraton Athlone Hotel.
Where: Athlone | More Info: Christmas Party Nights at Sheraton Athlone
Christmas Party Nights at Athlone Springs Hotel
What to Expect:
Grinch-themed celebration with live music and DJ.
Description:
Join us for a Grinch-themed Christmas Party Night at Athlone Springs Hotel, featuring a red carpet arrival, themed drinks reception, 4-course meal, live music, and DJ till late.
Where: Athlone | More Info: Christmas Party Nights at Athlone Springs Hotel
Christmas Parties at Glasson Lakehouse
What to Expect:
Laid-back luxury with real Christmas trees and winter views.
Description:
Celebrate Christmas at Glasson Lakehouse with specially curated packages, including warm welcomes, mulled wine, and delightful 5-course festive lunches. Enjoy relaxed dinners, light evening suppers, and activities like board games and heated pool dips. The Reid Suite offers banquet-style dining for up to 240 guests, while Bonnies Restaurant provides intimate settings for smaller groups.