Laois alight with a host of Christmas markets and festive fun

Christmas is well and truly up and running in Laois, with festive lights now switched on in many towns and last Friday's Late Late Toy Show setting the season in motion.

There is a plethora of festive events to choose from so here's a list of all things Christmassy around the county. 

The Stradbally Woodland Railway and Christmas Market held by the Irish Steam Preservation Society is an atmospheric treat set in the stunning Stradbally Woodlands. It began last weekend and continues for the next two weekends on December 2, 3 and 9, 10. This market offers not only a selection of unique locally-made products and crafts but also an enchanting Santa-themed train ride.

The Stradbally Christmas lights get switched on next Sunday, December 3 at noon, followed by entertainment and a Christmas market. 

Abbeyleix Town Christmas Market takes place next Saturday,  December 2 in the beautiful Market Square of Ireland's Tidiest Town.  It runs from 2 to 7 pm  with a wide range of goods from crafts, antiques, art and pottery to food vans and coffee trucks.

Shanahoe also hold their second annual Christmas Craft Fair on Sunday, December 3 from 12 noon.

On Saturday, December 9, Abbeyleix House & Farm will open fro a Christmas Market and Santa Grotto, from 12 to 8pm. Shuttle bus from Abbeyleix town, with tickets still left for the market.

Also on Saturday, December 9,  hundreds of Santas will  cycle through Portlaoise for the Barbacks charity fundraiser, in aid of SOSAD Laois and the Down Syndrome Centre Midlands branch. It starts from the Renault garage on the Abbeyleix road at 4.30pm. Find it on eventbrite.   

Portarlington Women’s Shed Market is on Saturday, December 9, at Portarlington Community Centre, with  entertainment, prizes, gifts and  Santa's Grotto,  all proceeds go to Cuisle Centre.

Also in Port is festive fun at Solas Eco Garden Shop, on Thursday night  December 7 and 14. A lit-up night-time market from 4 pm until 9pm. The business also hosts  farmers' markets every Saturday from 10 am to 2 pm and craft markets on Sundays from 11 am to 4 pm. 

Timahoe with its famed Round Tower holds an  annual Christmas Fair, light up of  the Christmas tree, carols, and treats on Saturday, December 9.

Mountrath is holding a Christmas version of its weekly Cottage Market on Sunday, December 10 at BloomHQ. Christmas in the Convent runs from 2 to 6pm, with Santa, carol singing and family fun.

Mountmellick is making up for the loss of their beloved tree in several ways. The town lights will be officially switched on on December 1 with the crib centreplace in the square. 

The Macra club will hold their Christmas Truck and Tractor run on December 16, giving half the proceeds to Eoin's Journey charity fund. The town square will feature crafted window displays organised by the Christmas tree committee and the streets  will be lit up with festive lights.

The Santa truck rolls into Mountmellick at the Corrib garage on Tuesday, December 19 from 6.30 to 8pm, in aid of the Laura Lynn children's hospice. 

A Santa's Magical Village Market is planned in The Clock Inn, Mountmellick from December 8 to 15, 12 to 6pm daily, with live music, crafts, food, and drinks.

The new Portlaoise Plaza Market & Fun Fair lasts a whole ten days, sited beside county hall just across the road from Lyster Square. Laois County Council and the Laois food and drinks collective, Laois Taste are jointly offering a festive, family-friendly event that promises to be a highlight of the holiday season in Laois. 

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The fair features live music, a fun fair, and a Santa's grotto experience. There will  be cake decorating and storytelling sessions, offering a little something for everyone. It runs from December 14 to 23 at the Plaza on James Fintan Lalor Avenue.

The Fisherstown Tractor and Truck run gears up on Sunday, December 17 at 5pm  from The Final Furlong, Ballybrittas.