Galway’s popular Christmas Market in Eyre Square returns next week, with organisers promising a plethora of scrumptious seasonal treats and a large variety of crafts and experiences. It also represents a considerable boost for the city as research has shown that for every €1 spent in the market, €3 is spent in city businesses.
Now in its 12th year, the Christmas market has become a cornerstone for the seasonal period in Galway, and returns following a reported 350,000 visitors to the market in 2021. As the panic buying of presents, the stock piling of delicious food and the reunions over beer steins, begin the Christmas Market is promising a return with a bang.
Filling its usual spot in Eyre Square, this year’s market will see the return of stalls offering German bratwurst, traditional crepes, Irish handmade fudge, chimney cakes and other deliciously indulgent confectionery from over 60 traders, as well as a range of hot food from the charcoal grills.
For those wishing for a Christmas tipple, the Bierkeller, will offer beers, which can be served in the traditional steins for those who want to get a taste of the true German Bierkeller experience as well traditional mulled wines which will warm you up from the inside.
Santa will be setting up shop on a temporary basis before heading back to the North Pole and will be available to meet with visitors to the market. The traditional carousel will be returning alongside the 32 metre observation wheel, which offers a view of the market, the city and right out to Galway Bay.
Visitors who want to remain with their feet firmly on the ground, can visit festival games, interact with local charities and walk through the enchanted light gardens where a traditional sleigh provides the backdrop for a Christmas market photo.
Maria Moynihan Lee of Milestone Inventive, the producers of the Christmas Market Galway, said they are delighted that the annual Christmas Market continues to deliver the spirit of Christmas and record visitor numbers to the city centre each year to the benefit of both the traders and the retail and hospitality sectors.
“The positive economic impact of the market to the city is huge, with thousands of Irish visitors and shoppers coming to Galway for the event.
“Our research consistently shows that for every €1 spent in the market, a further €3 is spent in local shops, bars and restaurants.”
The Christmas Market Galway runs from Friday November 11 to Wednesday, December 22, from 12 noon to 10pm Mondays to Wednesdays, from 10am to 10pm Thursdays to Saturday and 10am to 8pm Sundays.
For more information and to book a Santa visit see https://www.christmasmarketgalway.com/
