Your full festive guide to all the Laois Christmas markets this year
Laois has over a dozen Christmas Markets this festive season, offering fun family days out as well as a more environmentally sustainable way to buy gifts and support local businesses.
We've put together a comprehensive list of markets big and small, so grab a cup of hot chocolate and make your Christmas list.
Abbeyleix House and Farm Christmas Market, with Santa’s Grotto in Abbey Leix Estate is on Saturday December 3 from 11am to 4pm. Santa’s Grotto is sold out but market admission is still available to purchase via Eventbrite. Park in Abbeyleix and take a courtesy bus to the market. There will be carol singers, complimentary hot drinks and animals to visit in the paddocks. 100% of proceeds from the Abbeyleix House and Farm, Christmas Market and Santa’s Grotto will be donated to St.Lazarians SVP Conference and My Lovely Horse Rescue.
Timahoe Christmas Fair is on Saturday, December 3, in the grounds of the Heritage Centre, from 3pm to 7pm.
Durrow Community Saturday Market is on every Saturday, from 9am to 12 noon beside the church on the Kilkenny Road.
Stradbally Christmas Market is on December 3 and 4.
Rathdowney Christmas Market is on every Sunday in December, at Brand Central Hub, from 10.30am to 5pm.
Shanahoe Christmas Fair is on Sunday, December 4, 12 noon to 4pm, in Shanahoe Community Hall, with a pop up café, handmade gifts.
A Christmas fair in aid of Mary's Meals will be held in Ballyfin Community Centre on Sunday, December 4 from 11am to 3pm. It will offer home baking, firewood, plants, bric-a-brac and gifts and a Christmas Raffle.
Mountrath Christmas Market will be held on Sunday, December 4 from 2pm to 6pm in BloomHQ (Brigidine Convent). Carol singing, a visit from Santa, kids activities and a huge local market.
Ballinakill Christmas Lights Festival is on Saturday evening, December 10 from 6pm to 8pm, with local stalls.