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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Top Holiday Events In and Around Galway
- Light Up Galway
- Santa’s Cabin at Galway Christmas Market
- 32m Ferris Wheel
- The Traditional Carousel
- Wildlands Winter Wonderland
- Elf Town
- Christmas Wonderland at Loughwell Farm Park
- Live Music Gigs in Galway
- Christmas Magic at Brigit’s Garden
- Galway Tradfest
See these and even more events listed below!
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 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
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- Ennis (30 miles)