Galway’s Eyre Square has been transformed into a festive wonderland in the run up to Christmas. Over 50 wooden chalets are set up for the Galway Christmas Market, stocked up with everything from local crafts to treats like fresh crêpes and mulled wine. There’s also live music, a 32-metre Ferris Wheel and a Christmas Market Beer Tent. It's on most days from November 8 to December 31.

Christmas at the Castle Show returns to the 15th century Bunratty Castle, combining a four-course candlelit medieval feast with a live performance of classic and contemporary carols by the Bunratty Castle Entertainers along with theatre and poetry. The event kicks off with a mulled wine reception as the resident harpist and violinist play. Tickets are available for select nights between November 30 to December 22. 

Set in a giant hangar in Strandhill Airport, the People’s Market is a regular stomping ground for Sligo residents on a Sunday. But their Christmas markets up the ante even further. Running every Sunday from November 26 to December 17, these markets will see the hangar decorated to the hilt, and all the regular stalls selling gifts like artisan gin sets and natural cosmetics. When you feel peckish, you can grab some vegan curry or a cannoli to nibble on.

In the run up to Christmas, each weekend at Limerick’s Milk Market takes on a different theme, from a record fair and an antique event to a festive food extravaganza and an epic outdoor café. But whenever you visit, there will be the market’s usual selection of local crafts, produce and baked goods for sale, as well as vintage clothes and antique jewellery in the permanent shops around its edges. The Christmas markets are running every Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from December 1, with the final Christmas market taking place on Tuesday, December 24.

You'll find a balance of parades, delicious dining and other fun at Christmas in Killarney, a festival taking place throughout the holiday season. On November 14 and 21, you can 'Dine in Killarney' at participating restaurants and enjoy a festive three-course menu for €35. Bring the family to meet Santa at Deenagh Lodge in Killarney National Park, or head out and wonder at the big Christmas parade that runs through town every Saturday evening over the course of the festival.

Running from November 15 to December 30, the Corkmas Christmas Celebration is taking over Cork city. Browse the colourful Christmas market, warm your hands on a hot beverage and watch the lights of the city below as you take a ride on the Ferris wheel. You can even catch a spot of carol singing. 

There are a few great Christmas markets in the Rebel County, like the Ballymaloe Craft Fair, which highlights locally made items. The Christmas takeover at the Marina Market is one of Cork's finest. Held in a separate space to the traditional market, the festive version takes over on weekends from November 29 to December 27, with vendors selling all kinds of artisan gifts. If you have the kids in tow, check out the Christmas-inspired escape room where the mission is to save Santa from the mischievous Grinch. Or test your skills on the ice rink. There’s also a stage for live music and loads of food offerings available, so you can tuck into wood fired pizza or Nashville fried chicken when you’re finished shopping. 

Over 100 wooden chalets make up the spectacular continental Christmas market at Waterford Winterval, which are laid out along the spine of the city’s medieval centre. Expect live music and performances on the Main Stage on O’Connell Street, with over 60 events scheduled. There’s also a nod to the heritage of the city with Déise Medieval, a recreation of a Viking settlement with actors who bring the spirit of a historical Christmas to life.

Catch a film, take in some glittering lights and get in the festive spirit medieval style at Yulefest Kilkenny from November 30. The fitness-minded can sign up for the Medieval Mile Run, which sees participants dress up in their Christmas finery for a festive jog. For the music lovers, Gavin James will be amongst the impressive line-up of entertainers taking to the stage throughout the festival. There'll also plenty to keep the kids entertained, including their Snow White Panto and visit from Mr and Mrs Claus themselves. Things are a little less strenuous at the Christmas Market in Graiguenamanagh, where you can pick up everything from home baked treats to affordable art. 

The Wicklow Christmas Market is running weekends from November 23 to December 22, with stalls selling artisan woodcrafts and handmade ornaments. There are also plenty of spots where you can grab a bite to eat, whether you fancy a freshly griddled bratwurst or a chocolate cupcake. Catch fire shows and hop on fun carnival rides, all in the setting of a winter wonderland.  

Strokestown Park in Roscommon is putting together a Christmas celebration straight from another era. Set in the estate's Palladian mansion, their Victorian Christmas Experience runs from November 30 to December 22 and invites families to explore their Elf Quarter, hear stories from Mrs Claus and relax with Santa beside the roaring fire. On November 24, they're also hosting a special Paws and Claus event so that your furry friend can enjoy dog-friendly treats and meet Santa, too. 

Fancy ticking off all of your Christmas shopping under one roof? Ireland’s biggest craft and design fair, Gifted is heading back to the RDS this Christmas, with over 400 designers selling their wares. You can find everything from herringbone blankets to sheepskin slippers and leather wallets – and premium chocolate and sea salt fudge from artisan food producers. It’s on from December 4-8.

While the winter evenings draw in early, that doesn’t mean you can’t head out for a stroll. And there’s no walk more magical than one through the incredible light show Wonderlights. Since its first iteration on the grounds of Malahide Castle, the spectacle has taken on two more locations, Marlay Park in Dublin and Cork's Fota House Arboretum & Gardens. Although each event has their own kick-off date, all shows will conclude on January 5, so get in while you can and explore the illuminated creatures, projections and light installations on display in some of the country's most well-kept gardens.