Everybody will have their own unique hallmark for what triggers the first nascent excitement for Christmas' approach. For soome, it will be the feeling of the evenings drawing in, and the evening air adopting a tell-tale crispness; for others they will only begin to feel the first flurries of festive cheer when they see houses bedecked with Christmas lights, colourfully twinkling in the blustery darkness. Personally however, I can only muster up the beginnings of Yule-tide joy once I am sinking my teeth into some questionably grilled meat that was cooked en masse on a sort of pendulating wire-mesh suspended above a pit of coals in a sort of hastily assembled plywood hut covered in tinsel. It is this, it is this that acts as the metaphorical shot from the starting pistol on my Christmas.
If this chimes with you then you my friend will consider Christmas markets to be something of a home from home. You consider a warren of temporary wooden chalets, each selling an array of glitter-covered trinkets and woollen garments to be your natural environs. If so, then you will almost certainly be heartened to hear that Galway's Christmas Market will be returning this year.
Galway Tourism have confirmed that the Christmas market will be returning to Eyre Square this year. It will be opening at 6pm on Friday 15th November and will run until Sunday 22nd December.
The 2019 Christmas Market is the tenth year of the market in Galway and visitors can expect to enjoy a wide variety of entertainment and stalls located in Eyre Square in Galway City centre.
This year will feature amusement rides including a 32 metre high Big Wheel and traditional Carousel along with the Après Ski Bar, Santa’s Express Train, live music performers, puppet shows, storytelling, school choirs, carol singing together with charity and community events will feature. Once again, Santa’s Grotto will be run by local charities and the popular Bier Keller will be playing host to various events throughout the Market’s duration.
Food lovers can feast on a bratwurst, French pastries, pretzels or confectionery, crêpes and waffles, while beer lovers can sample a stein at the German Bierkeller, offering a range of traditional German beers, apple cider and mulled wine.
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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.
The 2019 Market will also feature artisan food products and Christmas gift ideas from both local and European traders.
Opening hours will be from noon - 8pm, Monday - Wednesday and, 10am - 10pm, Thursday - Sunday.
