Christmas Festival to open in Dún Laoghaire this weekend

THE iconic Ferris wheel will take centre stage as the annual Dún Laoghaire Christmas Festival gets underway this weekend.

The 55ft retro Ferris wheel was built in 1958 and is reported to have featured in the original ‘Grease’ movie.

In keeping with the Hollywood theme, the festival will also feature vintage chair-o-planes that were used by AMC in the making of TV series ‘Into the Badlands’.

Both of these attractions will provide spectacular views over Dún Laoghaire Harbour as Christmas kicks off in the seaside town.

The vintage carnival will be placed at Moran Park beside dlr Lexicon to complement the traditional Dún Laoghaire Christmas market, which runs from Saturday, November 30 to Sunday, December 23.

It will include classic family attractions full of nostalgic charm such as colourful retro hobby horses, candyfloss, a rollercoaster, Santa’s post box and a festive Christmas market with a traditional and nostalgic theme bringing seasonal cheer to the town.

Santa will arrive to open the festival and switch on the Christmas lights in Dún Laoghaire this Saturday, November 30.

The Dún Laoghaire Christmas market is a feast for the seasonal senses as carefully selected vendors sell authentic hand-made gifts and delicious treats every weekend in the run up to the big day.

The tempting aromas of gourmet sausages, Hungarian Lángos, German glühwein, fresh falafel, gingerbread and steaming hot chocolate will fill the air as you wander through the market.

Dún Laoghaire town has over 280 retail outlets and businesses so why not swap city centre crowds and out-of-town shopping centres to soak up the festive spirit of this magical town?