With Christmas fast approaching, towns and villages across Laois are gearing up for the holiday season with stunning Christmas markets.

Along with the markets being an exciting winter warmer for Laois locals, it gives local artisans, craft makers and businesses the chance to showcase their talents and wares.

Have a look at the Leinster Express / Laois Live's full roundup of the Christmas markets taking place across Laois:

Mountmellick

Mountmellick will hold their annual Christmas fair in the ICA Hall (R32 KV60) on Saturday December 13, from 12 noon to 4:30PM. There will be free entry to this event, which is set to feature local crafts, a bric-a-brac, a raffle and gorgeous homemade gifts. 

Pictured: Mountmellick Christmas lights, 2024. Photo: Denis Byrne

Portarlington

Portarlington is all set to host its first Portarlington Concert Band Christmas Market!.

Join locals for a magical festive day filled with live music from Portarlington Concert Band, with over 20 stalls offering beautiful Christmas gifts, handmade crafts, and tasty festive treats. Live festive musical performances from the Concert Babd throughout the day.

The event will take place on November 29 from 12pm-5pm in St Michaels NS, Patrick St, Kilmalogue, Portarlington (R32 V272).

"It’s going to be a wonderful community event — perfect for getting into the Christmas spirit, finding special gifts, and supporting local talent and makers!" organisers boast.

Solas Garden Centre will also host a Christmas market, with 26 festive stalls offering tasty treats and handmade crafts at the shop.

These day time markets will take place on Sunday November 30, Sunday December 7, 24 and 21 from 11am to 4pm.

"There is something magical about a Christmas Market at Solas Eco Garden Shop," organisers stated.

"Christmas markets bring together the very best of what local Craft people and Artists can offer. Also experience our great food, hot drinks & festive entertainment," they said.

Portlaoise

The Dunamaise Arts Centre Christmas Art & Craft Fair will take place over a full weekend, promising local, handmade Christmas crafts.

Talented local artists and craftspeople have been busy creating beautiful, unique gifts to kick off your festive season.

"The market is free for the public to attend, so bring the family, enjoy the atmosphere, and get into the Christmas spirit with us!" organisers encouraged.

"And don’t forget… the Big Man himself will be here on Saturday! Make sure to pop in for a free photo opportunity! We can’t wait to celebrate the season with you at the Dunamaise!" they finished.

The Dunamaise Christmas Art & Craft Fair takes place on Friday November 28 from 1pm to 7pm, and Saturday November 29 from 11am to 8pm.

Also taking place in Portlaoise is a Christmas market for R&R Mental Health Recovery at St Fintan's Church (R32 R2HF).

Taking place on Thursday November 27 (from 1pm to 6:30pm) and Friday November 28 (from 11am to 3pm), this event will feature gorgeous handmade crafts from service users, staff and supporters of the health service. 

There will be a bric-a-brac, handmade cards, handcrafted decorations and much more! Attendees will be spoiled with a live performance from The Community of Sound on Friday 28 at 12:30pm. 

Pictured: Dunamaise Christmas Market in Portlaoise, 2021

Timahoe

The Timahoe Christmas Fair and Christmas Lights switch-on will take place on December 6, from 3pm to 7pm. The event will feature plenty of stalls and treats.

The Christmas lights will be switched on, adding that perfect sparkle to the Heritage Centre grounds — and of course, Santa himself will be there to meet all the boys and girls!

Tower & Bean Coffee Shop at the Timahoe Heritage Centre will be offering a warm welcome, tasty treats, and the perfect spot to soak up the Christmas atmosphere. Mark the date, bring the family, and step into the magic of Christmas in Timahoe.

Timahoe will also hold their annual Community Hall Christmas Hamper Raffle on December 14 at 11am, with a top prize of €500 cash and plenty of deluxe hampers.

Castletown

Castletown Irish Countrywomen's Association (ICA) will host a wonderful Christmas Fair on Sunday November 30!

Come along and enjoy gorgeous local crafts, makes and bakes at Castletown Community Centre!

Castletown ICA are looking forward to welcoming locals from 1pm to 5pm.

Rathdowney

Rathdowney will hold a series of Christmas markets in the weeks leading up to Christmas day. These markets will now take place in the Community Centre, (R32XK5E).

These markets will take place from 2pm to 7pm on; Saturday November 29, Saturday December 6 and Saturday December 13.

Limited places left for stall holders. Entry to the market is €10 per day. To book a stall, contact rathdowneychristmasmarket@gmail.com. Madge: (089)9418745. Felicity: (087)7650443. Danny: (085)1933516.

Stradbally

Stradbally Christmas Market takes place this year on Sunday 8th December from 11am until 6pm with festive atmosphere music, choirs, Christmas stalls, along with a special visit from Santa Clause to turn on the lights!

The Fitz of Inch Christmas Festival is set to bring an unforgettable celebration of our local community to the heart of Stradbally, Co. Laois from Friday 12 to Sunday, 14 December.

This enchanting event promises something special for everyone, from the Christmas Food and Crafts Market and Santa Experience to the musical highlight of the weekend; a series of live Christmas Concerts each evening.

The Christmas Concert series will feature a line-up of outstanding local talent, guaranteed to fill the air with joy and festive spirit.

On Friday, The Buggy School of Dance will perform from 7pm and The Beating Time Singers will take to the stage at 8pm.

Saturday night, will see local act the Stradbally Community Choir perform first, followed by Queen Bees Vocal Harmony Group.

On Sunday, the ever-popular Vicarstown Ukulele Group will commence proceedings at 7pm.

Each of the local support acts will run raffle on the evening of their performance to raise funds and ensure this truly local event gives as much as possible back to the community.

“We’re absolutely thrilled to welcome families and friends to Fitz of Inch for our magical Christmas festival," said Managing Director of Fitz of Inch, Michael Fitzpatrick.

"The event is all about celebrating community, supporting local talent, and bringing people together in the true spirit of the season. The concerts include a daily raffle, with proceeds supporting local community groups, which is a wonderful way to give back during the season of goodwill.”

During the concert intervals, guests can enjoy delicious food and explore the lively Christmas Food and Crafts Market, packed with handmade gifts, sweet treats, and festive decorations from local artisans. There really is something for everyone to enjoy at the Fitz of Inch Christmas Festival. 

Tickets are available now via www.fitzofinch.com. Don’t miss your chance to experience a weekend of live music, local talent, and Christmas magic at The Fitz Christmas Festival!

Pictured: Abbeyleix House and Farm Christmas market, 2024

Abbeyleix

Abbeyleix will hold their town Christmas market on December 6 from 2pm to 7pm in the Market Square. The market will feature Santa's Grotto, Jeca the Clown, fantastic fire performances and more surprises! The town's Christmas lights will turn on at 5pm.

Abbeyleix House and Farm will also hold their highly-anticipated Christmas market, with 100% of ticket sales, vendor fees and proceeds going directly to charity. The event will feature a Santa's Grotto Experience, Santa's Reindeer Trail, and plenty of vendors and stalls to peruse! Timahoe Men’s Choir will also be doing a special performance at 3:30 pm in the stable yard.

Get ready to immerse yourself in the Christmas spirit with a day filled with unique handmade crafts, delicious treats, charming decorations, and exciting activities for kids. Whether you’re searching for the perfect gift or wish to bask in the festive atmosphere, there’s something for everyone at this Christmas market!

Mountrath

Bloom HQ in Mountrath (R32 DT9F) will host an exciting Christmas market for Laois locals, with live music and festive stalls.

Taking place from 1pm to 5pm on Sunday December 14, the event will have tasty treats and seasonal magic in a stunning setting!

Mountrath has recently held a seasonal Christmas Cookery demo with celebrity chef Edward Hayden. See more photos here!

Clonaslee

Clonaslee Basketball Club will host their annual Christmas market at the Clonaslee Heritage Centre, with all proceeds going back to the club.

The event will take place on Sunday, December 14 from 2pm to 6pm, featuring a bake sale, handmade crafts and decorations, pre-loved clothing and plenty of mini-games suitable for all. A raffle will take place on the day, with fabulous prizes up for grabs, along with a visit from the one and only Santa Clause!

Ballyroan

The Christmas Markets & Light Switch-On in Ballyroan will take feature local crafts, warm drinks, friendly faces, and a truly magical atmosphere.

Taking place in Ballyroan Community Hall (R32TN52) on December 7, from 2pm to 5:30pm. This exciting event will feature the children's choir, plenty of stalls and vendors, and an exciting visit from Santa Clause to coincide with the turning on of the

Christmas Lights!

Glenbarrow

For a truly picturesque shopping experience, visit The Falls at Glenbarrow on December 7th and 14th, offering unique gifts in a stunning natural setting.

The event boasts stunning crafts, food and gifts right at the foot of the Slieve Bloom Mountains (R32 R2NF).

Killenard

Killenard Community Centre will host a magical Christmas market on December 7, from 11am onwards. Back for its second year after last year’s fantastic success, organisers are excited to welcome all for another magical day.

Enjoy a wide range of local traders selling beautiful handcrafted gifts and stocking fillers – perfect for your Christmas shopping!

Santa Claus will be visiting to meet all the boys and girls, face painting, live music, and plenty of coffee & hot chocolate to keep you warm and cosy!

Shanahoe

Shanahoe will host their annual Christmas market on Sunday December 7 from 12 - 3pm in the local community hall.

A range of treats, wreaths, handmade toys, candles and more will be available for locals!

Emo

Emo Court and Parklands will host an exciting weekend-long festive event, under a heated canopy on their gorgeous grounds.

"Join us under our heated festive canopy for a weekend packed with incredible local choirs, bands & musical acts!" organisers said.

The market will see a special indoor performance yet to be revealed!

The market will feature seasonal food such as mulled wine, mince pies, hot chocolate and more! There will also be delicious seasonal food from Catoca, and tasty festive tacos from Tacoman Ireland.

Killeshin

Killeshin FC will hold a Christmas Craft Fair in Killeshin Community Hall on Sunday, December 14. Fantastic gifts will be available, all for a great cause!

From 10am to 4pm, a wide variety of handmade crafts and treats will be available. General admission is €3, with free parking on site!

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