Market seller 2010. Photo by: Peter Fedrizzi
Last year’s inaugural event attracted over 600,000 visitors, organisers are hoping for the same and more with the return of the Galway Continental Christmas Market from the 25th November to the 18th December. The glistening hub of festive gifts, food and fun is a real treat for the senses featuring traditional Bavarian and Irish stalls selling a range of Christmas delights.
Maria Moynihan Lee, market producer, said “Along with Christmas crafts, gifts and fashion, the Galway Continental Christmas Market will again feature a food section with delicacies from around the world including festive Gluhwein, German Pretzel, Polish Sausage, Belgian Macaroons and much more! The Christmas Market Big Top – the artisan food and craft market arena – is a great new attraction for people to engage in Christmas workshops. The market provides the city with a festive atmosphere that is a wonderful attraction for people to visit Galway along with bring festive cheer to the city shoppers”.
The market is set to be bigger and better than last year with over seventy wooden chalets filled with festive goodies from local and European traders lining the winding pathways of Eyre Square. The Christmas Market Big Top is set to be the new focal point of the celebrations with daily demonstrations and interactive workshops such as cheese and wine tasting classes and fashion shows taking place. Festivities for the family include Santa’s grotto with Mrs. Claus’ story-telling sessions and vintage amusements keeping kids entertained. Once again, profits from the Santa’s grotto will go towards two local charities – Enable Ireland and the ISPCC.
According to Paul Faller, Chairman of the Galway City Business Association “Galway cannot just sit back and hope visitors will come to Galway. We need to create attractions for our city and market our city as a destination for a winter break. This Christmas market will lead to securing employment in the city”.
The Galway Continental Christmas Market will open from 10am to 10pm Monday to Saturday and from 12 noon to 8pm on Sunday. Take an early Christmas break to enjoy the Christmas market with local hotels offering special accommodation rates for visitors to the market.
Follow the Continental Christmas Market on Facebook.
