Sparkle Through December with These Glittering Events

Food & Drink

Wines from around the world

Not only is Woodberry Winter Wine Fair fun to say, the December 1st event at Harbour Hotel is an enjoyable opportunity for visitors to sample over 80 wines from around the world. Whether you're a connoisseur or a casual sipper, you'll discover new varietals and receive expert advice, helping you find the perfect bottles to complement celebrations in these colder months.

Fundraising food tour

Join Galway Food Tours, above, on Monday December 2nd, from 9:30am - 12:30pm for a special food tour for the United Women in Direct Provision. Explore and rediscover some of the city's best venues, and local artisan producers, cheesemakers, and chocolatiers. The tour begins at McCambridge's on Shop Street.

Flowers, gin, and fun

Sip on gin cocktails, and enjoy nibbles on Sunday, December 8th at The Ultimate Christmas Experience with Tanqueray No. Ten & Flowerpop at Hyde Bar. From 3pm to 5pm, you’ll learn how to make the perfect party punch and master the art of a champagne cocktail, all while creating your own unique arrangement, guided by Heather Condren, founder of the award-winning floral studio Flowerpop. Tickets are €45, and guests also take home a bottle of the iconic gin.

Candlemaking

As part of its winter series, the Burren Perfumery is running a four-hour candlemaking workshop this December 14th, where you’ll craft candles using soya wax, linen wicks, and essential oils. Starting with coffee and freshly-baked scones, you’ll have a tour of the perfumery, and learn about different waxes and wicks guided by its candlemaker, before making two candles to take home, and having lunch in the organic tea rooms.

If you’re seeking a shorter commitment, the Winter Glow Workshop: Candle Crafting & Sweet Treats with Blackthorn Candles takes place on December 12th, from 7pm - 9pm at The Connaught Hotel. Under the guidance of expert makers, you’ll learn to create your own candle using premium wax, festive scents and decorative items like glitter, flowers and jewels. Mini desserts with tea and coffee will also be served. 

Festive

The Mick Lally Theatre plays host to Voices of Tribes, a Gocom radio-run multicultural celebration this December 7th from noon, with music, dance, drama and storytelling, alongside craft and food stalls. If you’re keen to support local makers and talent, connect with diverse communities, and celebrate the season, you’ve found the right event. 

Taste a Latino Christmas in Galway at Sazón this December 8th, from 2pm - 8pm. Expect festive fun with Gaitas music, dancing, family entertainment, and a traditional Venezuelan Christmas dinner. 

Give hope this Christmas by taking part in a COPE Galway fundraiser. From its Christmas Jumper Day on Thursday December 12th, making a donation, buying a Christmas Gift or taking part in its Christmas Day Swim in Salthill, there’s plenty of ways you can support the charity. COPE Galway provides invaluable services and comfort to the homeless, victims of domestic abuse, and the elderly. 

Family

Among the muddle of seeing Santa, school concerts, and visiting family, December can be a month of routine upheaval for many children. Every Monday at Ballinfoyle Castlegar Neighbourhood Centre is just the tonic. Here you’ll find kids yoga and mindfulness, from 5pm to 6pm, for ages 5-12, and costing €10. Expect yoga, journaling, meditation and breathwork, helping your little ones find their calm amid the Christmas chaos.

Santa Claus returns to Baile Beag for the fourth year of Wildlands Winter Wonderland. Until December 23rd, you can meet Santa, Mrs Claus. and their team of elves, while enjoying seasonal activities and capturing the memories with a keepsake photo and special gift. Hot chocolates and mulled wine will keep festive spirits warm for kids and adults. wildlands.ie

Join the Ivernia String Quartet on Sunday, December 22nd, at The Mall Theatre in Tuam, for Strings at Christmas: Christmas Movie Magic. Featuring live music performances  of beloved songs from films like The Snowman, Home Alone, and James Bond, there’ll also be special puppet performance of The Snowman. Suitable for ages 7 and up, tickets for under 16s and OAPs are €10, while standard adult tickets are €15.

Book ahead

Druid Theatre’s production of Three Short Comedies by Seán O’Casey comes to Town Hall Theatre this coming March 25 - 29. A Pound on Demand, Bedtime Story, and The End of the Beginning, three hilarious tales of misadventure, will be performed by a stellar cast including Marie Mullen, Rory Nolan, Marty Rea, Venetia Bowe, Caitríona Ennis, and Liam Heslin. druid.ie