Christmas markets are the perfect place to relax in a party spirit

THOUSANDS of Irish people will visit Christmas markets in Europe this year, but some of the holiday gems are in our own backyard.

There are lots of fairs, grottoes, stalls and farms popping up all over the country for the end of the year, so get hats, scarves and shopping bags out.

Christmas markets are the perfect place to find something special for your loved ones or a secret Santa Claus.

Take a glbad of mulled wine and browse some of Ireland's most beautiful winter wonderland.

Galway Christmas Market

This year marks the ninth year of the Christmas market in Galway, with artisan dishes and Christmas gift ideas from local and international traders.

Original rides will return, including a 32-meter high Ferris wheel, Helter Skelter and a traditional carousel.

There will be live music artists, puppet shows, storytelling, school choirs and singing, as well as charity and community events.

Local charities will also hold a Santa Claus cave for children.

Belfast Continental Christmas Market

Visitors to the Belfast Christmas Market can enjoy a hot Glühwein mug, feast on a roast pork or indulge themselves with Belgian chocolates that are mouth watering.

The markets offer baklava, pancakes and specialty cheeses, or meats from all over the continent, all in "an overflowing atmosphere of Christmas joy".

Belfast Continental Christmas Market

In addition to the delightful outdoor food court, Pretty & # 39; n & # 39; n & # 39; Pink, a charity dedicated to bad cancer, is organizing the cave this year.

A visit, a toy and a photo with Santa cost £ 10 for one child and £ 5 for any extra child.

And visitors can even visit the Continental Bar or Lavery's Traditional Irish Bar to listen to live music.

Cork GLOW Christmas party

GLOW is the festive installation of Cork City at Bishop Lucey Park. It includes a Ferris wheel, a festive market and a grand parade this Christmas.

The food stalls offer artisan cooking and the outdoor area offers vintage rides, choral performances, mulled wine and many activities.

No charges

Waterford Winterval

The launch of this year's Waterford Festival across the city has been a huge success. Rose of Tralee winner Kirsten Maher kicked off the festivities.

Visitors can enjoy market stalls, pancakes, rides, light shows and even a Helter Skelter.

Winterval Illuminates Christmas Light Show starts at 17h, then every 30 minutes until 20h.

Dublin Flea Market Christmas

A break from the icy cold, this indoor market has a total of 280 stands, without manufactured products manufactured in series.

The market hosts start-ups and small businesses based in Ireland, including artists, designers, craftsmen, retro collectors, antique collectors and craftsmen.

Strandhill Popular Market, Sligo

This market, located in Sligo Airport's Hangar 1, comes to life at Christmas time with local crafts, food and small businesses.

With over 60 stalls where to stroll around a hot chocolate or a mulled wine, it's one of the best Christmas attractions in the West.

Yulefest Kilkenny

The Yulefest Kilkenny Christmas Market will be held at John Street Wine Center in Kilkenny County this winter.

The courtyard will be transformed into a winter wonderland with festive traders and loads of entertainment.

Butler House will also turn into a beautiful Christmas garden at night with Santa, his elves and a craft fair.

Limerick's milk market

Limerick's year-round market is a crazy year for the Christmas season: seasonal food, Santa's visits and a Christmas craft fair.

Wicklow Christmas Market

Abbey Grounds, in the town of Wicklow, will host the traditional mix of food and beverage stalls, gingerbread decorating workshops, a carnival, but most of all, his famous alpaca experience.

Visitors can pick up their Christmas tree and their decorations, and even walk around the craft market.

Wicklow Christmas Market

• Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 December
• Saturday 15th and Sunday 16th
• Saturday 22

Opening from 12h to 18h