Seasonal Magic in Connemara: Your Guide to the Christmas in Clifden Experience
In partnership with Christmas in Clifden.
The beloved Christmas in Clifden festival returns this year, promising festive fun for every age. Set across two magical weekends, 5-7th and 11th-14th December, the festival brings the idyllic Connemara town to life with over 30 sparkling events.
This year's festival HQ is ‘Candy Cane Corner’ aka Alcock and Brown Hotel. Event highlights include an unmissable festive cooking class with Connemara foodies Cliodhna Prendergast, Suzanne Mullen and Siobhan Vaughan, live music across lots of venues, great shopping experiences and the much-anticipated Clifden Christmas Market.
Whether you’re covered in glow sticks attempting a 5k, or sipping mulled wine as you reminisce on those you have lost down memory lane, Christmas in Clifden is an experience for the entire family that won’t be forgotten.
With the schedule bursting with fun activities, here’s our guide to making the most of the festivities in Clifden this December.
Shop at Clifden Christmas Market
Head to Alcock & Brown Hotel on December 13th for the annual Clifden Christmas Market. Running from 12-5pm, this festive market promises a wide selection of handmade crafts, festive treats, local gifts and artisan jewellery. Grab a mulled wine and soak in the buzzing atmosphere as you tick off the last of your Christmas list, or wander around Clifden town popping into the plethora of brilliant independent stores.
December 13th, 12-5pm
Stroll down Memory Lane
Memory Lane, tucked beside the AIB and leading towards the tourist office, transforms into a magical, fairy-lit path each Christmas, in remembrance of those we have lost. Colourful murals painted by 5th year students bring the walls to life, while a heartfelt poem pays tribute to the love we have lost. Join the community on December 12th for a heartfelt celebration of life, love and community spirit.
December, 12th, 6-7pm
Shine bright at the Glow up Fun Run
Deck yourself and the family in glow sticks and santa hats and partake in the Glow Up Fun Run. Hosted by Ellen Curley (EC Fitness) this festive fitness event is a fantastic way to get some exercise in before Christmas. This disco-themes run or walk covers a 5km distance from The Square to the school and back around via Doneen, finishing with live music and hot drinks. All donations go to Galway Hospice.
December 5th, 5-6pm
Get crafty at the Christmas wreath workshop
Led by florist Geraldine Coakley, attendees will craft their own beautiful wreaths to bring home. Running on both December 6th and 7th, there are two slots for this hands-on workshop 12pm or 3pm, and no experience is needed. Combining creativity and festive cheer, you will leave with a unique masterpiece that will make a statement on your door.
December 6th and 7th. Contact Geraldine to book: 086 876 8462
Master dinner at the Christmas cooking class
Join Connemara food heroes Suzanne Mullen, Cliodhna Prendergast and Siobhan Vaughan at Alcock and Brown Hotel for a Christmas cooking masterclass on December 7th. The event costs €25 per person to book, and you’ll head home knowing your Christmas dinner will have a major upgrade this year.
December 7th, 5pm. To book contact Fenella:087 6082324
Sit back and watch It’s a wonderful life
Enjoy a screening of Frank Capra’s Christmas classic It’s a Wonderful Life hosted by Clifden Film Society and the Station House Theatre. Entry is free, and attendees will enjoy warming mulled wine and delicious treats as the festive favourite plays.
12th December, 7.30pm
Visit Santa at Kings Paper shop
Gather the kids and visit Kings Paper shop on December 7th for a day the children will never forget. Meet Santa and get a special gift and a magical photo with the big man himself so you can cherish the memory forever.
7th December, 12pm
Entertain the kids at the Bracelet Workshop
Hosted by O’Dalaigh Jewellers, this workshop promises a morning of Christmas joy as they invite little creatives to design and craft their own bracelets to take home. Parents can book a slot directly with O’Dalaigh jewellers by calling 095 22119
December 7th 11am or December 14th 10am
Get cocktail savvy at EJ King’s
If you’re partial to a cocktail or two at Christmas, this mixology session is not to be missed. Learn from the best at EJ King’s, so you can be drinking the night away with delicious drinks this Christmas. Call EJ's on 095 21330 to book.
December 14th, 7pm
Sing Carols with Cantairí Chonamara
There’s nothing more festive than belting out Christmas carols with the community. Hosted in The Square by the wonderful Cantairí Chonamara, this event promises a joyful atmosphere whether you choose to sing along or just enjoy the music.
December 6th and 13th, 5pm
Christmas in Clifden runs from December 5-7th and December 12th-14th. Click here for the full festive schedule
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