Aside from St Patrick’s Day, Christmas is another big event on the Irish calendar. It’s a time when families come together, exchange gifts, and enjoy quality time over drinks and food.
Christmas in Ireland starts with the turning on of the Christmas lights in towns and villages across the Emerald Isle. These can be big events at the end of November or the beginning of December, with plenty of people gathering to welcome in the festive season to their corner of Ireland.
Visits to the best Christmas tree farms in Ireland are next on the agenda as families look to secure their real Christmas tree if they prefer real over fake.
The best Christmas markets in Ireland begin at the start of December and are great places to find unique and handcrafted gifts for family and friends. Many cities and larger towns have Christmas markets that are reminiscent of those on the continent, and the best Christmas markets Ireland has to offer will also have food stalls serving local treats and warm drinks.
Christmas dinner in Ireland is a grand affair with ham, turkey, roast potatoes, and vegetables top of the list. Families gather around the table to enjoy the food and have their own favourite dishes, but most Irish families will have ham and turkey as the meats for dinner.
Other Christmas traditions in Ireland include the big shopping day out for those from ‘down the country’ on December 8th. Another tradition families have during the festive season is to bring the kids to one of the Christmas pantomimes that take place across the country. Traditional pantomime shows are a Christmas tradition that many families include in their festive preparations and celebrations.
Some families opt for getting away for the festive season, taking advantage of Christmas breaks in Ireland where someone else will do the cooking and washing up. Many hotels and resorts will offer special Christmas breaks for locals or those wanting to travel to Ireland for Christmas.
So, whether you are a local and are looking to find a Christmas event near you, or you’ll be visiting the Emerald Isle and are looking for somewhere to spend the festive break, you’ll find it all here.
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