The countdown to the Galway Christmas Market 2022 has begun!
Arguably one of the most popular Christmas markets in Ireland, the Christmas markets in Galway give the already buzzy city of tribes an added layer of atmosphere.
Below, you’ll find everything you need to know about the Galway Christmas Markets 2022, from the dates and what’s on to where to stay and more.
Some quick need-to-knows about the Galway Christmas Market 2022

Photos via Shutterstock
Although a visit to the Christmas markets in Galway in 2022 will be fairly straightforward, take 20 seconds to read the below points:
1. Location
So, over the last couple of years the market has been scattered across Galway City. However, it sounds like this years event will be contained to Eyre Square.
2. Dates
It has been confirmed that the Galway Christmas Market 2022 will kick-start on Friday November 11th and will run up until December 22nd.
3. Opening hours
The markets are open for a good chunk of the day. Here’s the most up-to-date opening times:
- Monday to Wednesday: 12 noon – 8pm
- Thursday to Saturday: 10am to 10pm
- Sunday: 10am to 8pm
4. Make a weekend of it
Personally, I wouldn’t visit Galway just for the markets, as you get through them in under an hour. However, there’s plenty of things to do in Galway that make it a great spot for a festive weekend away. See our Galway hotels and our Galway bed and breakfast guides for places to stay close by.
About the Galway Christmas Markets

Photo left: Rihardzz. Right: mark_gusev (Shutterstock)
The Galway Christmas Markets are now in their 12th year and they attract visitors from far and wide.
If you’ve visited in previous years you’ll know that there’s the usual mix of festive stalls along with live entertainment, a 32m ferris wheel, beer tents and more.
Last years market attracted 350,000 visitors and, given that things are now relatively back to normal, we can expect this years event to be business-as-usual.
What to expect if you plan on visiting the Galway Christmas Markets in 2022

Photo by Paddy Finn/shutterstock.com
If you fancy visiting Galway at Christmas in 2022, here’s a bit of what you can expect, aside from the many great pubs in Galway and the endless number of great restaurants in Galway, that is!
1. Over 50 chalets
Visitors to this years markets can expect to find over 50 wooden chalets dotted around Eyre Square.
You can expect all of the usual festive bits and bobs here, from arts and crafts to hand-made gifts, food and plenty more.
2. Activities for families
Families visiting the Christmas markets in Galway in 2022 have plenty to look forward to. Here’s a taste of what awaits:
- Santa’s Express Train
- The traditional Carousel
- A 32m ferris wheel
- Santa’s postbox
3. Beer tents and the Après Ski Bar
One of the more popular features of the Christmas markets in Galway was the Eyre Square beer tent. However, in recent years (basing this on experience) it had gone to the dogs and felt more like a kids disco.
The beer tents are back in 2022. There’s been talk of an Après Ski Bar. If you visited the market 5 or 6 years ago you’ll remember there was a class Après Ski Bar down near the Spanish Arch, but then it disappeared.
Let’s hope this really is returning in 2022!
Are the Galway Christmas Markets worth visiting?

Photo by the Irish Road Trip
So, if you live in/near Galway then yes, absolutely. If you’re going to have to travel and stay in the city and you only plan on visiting the markets, then no.
Again, this is only my opinion, but you’ll walk around the Christmas markets in Galway in well under an hour, unlike some of the larger European markets.
However, if you pair a visit to the markets with some of Galway’s other attractions, e.g. Connemara, then they are well worth a visit!
FAQs about the Christmas markets in Galway
We’ve had a lot of questions over the years asking about everything from the dates of the Galway Christmas Markets 2022 to where to stay.
In the section below, we’ve popped in the most FAQs that we’ve received. If you have a question that we haven’t tackled, ask away in the comments section below.
What date is the Galway Christmas Market 2022?
It has been confirmed that the Galway Christmas Market 2022 will kick-start on November 11th and will run up until December 22nd.
Are the Christmas markets in Galway worth visiting?
If you pair a visit to the markets with some of Galway’s other attractions then yes, they’re definitely worth visiting. Keep in mind you’ll walk around them in under 1 hour.
Chalk and Cheese Travels
Thursday 2nd of December 2021
We love the Galway markets always been are favourite and we will be heading there next week weather pending thanks for the great review
[email protected]
Friday 22nd of October 2021
Hi, just wondering are the Christmas markets on everyday from November 12 or are they just on at the weekends? I would love to visit on Thursday 25th November 2021.
Regards, Teresa Farrell-Duffy
Martin
Saturday 21st of December 2019
Having come to Galway this year specifcally to go to the marlet, my family and I were bitterly dissappointed. There appeared to be fewer stalls than previous years, food items were overpriced and when I got a mulled wine it appeaered to be just warm wine with no hint of spices or sweetness. A lot of the vendors appeared to be disinterested and were either talking among themselves or had their heads buried in their phones. I am afraid this will be my last visit to the Galway Christmas market.
Mags
Saturday 5th of September 2020
Do you have to buy tickets in advance for Galway Christmas market
Irene Martin
Wednesday 20th of November 2019
Mary - agree on all points. I've been to Berlin, Cologne and Basel, all different but brilliant. The deposit on the mugs there is only €2, great as a keepsake. The markets here, when they're established, should do similar. Also better for the environment. You've put an idea in my head and this year, I'll bring my reusable mug to Galway with me and hopefully there won't be an issue.
Mary Stuart
Sunday 22nd of September 2019
I love Christmas Markets, be they home or abroad. My first Christmas Market abroad was Prague. Beautiful beyond words. Second Christmas Market was Austria and third was Berlin! Each of these markets were unique, but very enjoyable. They weren't all about food, there were plenty of stalls and unique seating (wooden barrels made into seating) and best of all, Mugs of mulled wine, with the name of the City as a keep sake, obviously to be bought, but worth it. I collected mugs from Prague and Austria and beautiful glasses from Berlin. Nice to look at these and remember how enjoyable the markets abroad are. In Galway, you get either a plastic cup with your mulled wine, or an ordinary glass, nothing to remember I'm afraid.