Christmas Market Galway 2023 | Christmas in Galway

The Galway Christmas Market!

Near The Ardilaun Hotel

As one of the most popular Christmas markets in Ireland, the Galway Christmas Market gives the already festive city an extra layer of buzz. Attracting over 600,000 visitors every year over the course of 35 days, the Galway Christmas Market, in the heart of the city is a national highlight of the festive season, suitable for all ages and is located in Eyre Square in the City center, only 5 minutes drive or 30 minute walk form The Ardilaun Hotel.

The 2023 Christmas Market is the 14th year of the market in Galway and visitors can expect to enjoy a wide variety of entertainment and stalls. Building on the successful format of previous years, the market is always a hive of activity with lots of entertainment. Once again, this year will feature amusement rides including a 32-metre high ferris wheel and traditional carousel, Santa’s express train, live music performers, puppet shows, storytelling, school choirs and of course, we all know that it’s not Christmas without a visit to Santa’s Grotto, run by local charities.

Food lovers can feast on a bratwurst, French pastries, pretzels or confectionery, crêpes and waffles, while families and friends can enjoy a walk through the enchanted light gardens providing the perfect backdrop for a Christmas Market photo, stop off at Santa’s post-box and much more.

Call our reservations team to enquire about overnight packages, afternoon teas or to purchase a gift voucher for your loved ones on 091 521433 or email reservations@theardilaunhotel.ie

Market Opening Hours

The Galway Christmas Market will be opening from Friday 10th November until Friday 22nd December 2023!

Visit Santa and his Elves at Elf Town in Galway!

Elf Town is a fabulous Christmas experience the entire family can enjoy together. This festive season the magical Elf Town returns to Galway Racecourse, a 20 minute drive from The Ardilaun Hotel. Set over 3 buildings with a magical journey through Elf Town set over 4 floors. Your children will be able to meet Santa, Mrs. Claus, their reindeer, and their entire staff of happy elves. Elf Town 2023 opens Friday 24th November offering a range of times and dates leading right up until Saturday 23rd of December; including the full week prior to Christmas. Tickets for Elf Town are not included in our packages and must be booked directly.

Your journey into Elf Town through the Grand Entrance starts at the Castle gates, where you will meet Glitterpants, Santa’s head Elf who will get you started on your journey and show you Elf Town’s very own “Elf Town Shuffle”. Now, we don’t want to be giving too much away about the Magic that is behind those Castle gates but here are just a few of the highlights…

Mrs. Clause will greet the little ones in her Kitchen where they will get to help her decorate a delicious Christmas cookie while mum and dad unwind with festive mulled wine and mince pies. Each family will be invited to meet Santa and his Elves in the cosy Grotto. Santa will spend some time finding out what each boy and girl would like on Christmas morning and there will be an opportunity to have your family photo taken with him. Before you leave each child will receive a gold toy coin from Santa for them to go to Santa’s toy shop that is stacked floor to ceiling with lots and lots of presents that Santa’s Elves have made for the boys and girls. Here they can exchange the toy coin for any present they like.

Experience festive cheer in a safe fun-filled environment where Santa and his Elves are truly looking forward to welcoming all the children back to Elf Town, for what promises to be another Christmas experience that’s sure to amaze!

Book Elf Town