Ringing in the festive cheer with the launch of Fingal’s Christmas programme

This year Christmas is back in full force and Fingal County Council say they are very happy to announce that the Grinch won’t be stealing Christmas this year.

To spread the festive cheer, Christmas markets and Illuminate Fingal will be taking place across the County this December. The “In It Together” campaign will also help support local businesses and residents who will be able to make use of free parking locations at key spots in the run up to Christmas.

The following locations and dates for Christmas Markets are:

• Blanchardstown Village – weekend of 4–5 December from 11am – 5pm
• Bremore Castle – each weekend from the 28^th of November from 10am – 4pm
• Swords Castle – the weekends of 27-28 November and 4 – 5 December from 11am – 6pm
• Ardgillan Castle – 4^th of December from 4pm – 8pm
• Baldoyle Village – Sunday 5^th of December from 10am – 5pm
• Seamus Ennis Art Centre – 12^th of December from 10:30am – 4:30pm

Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Seána Ó Rodaigh said: “It is wonderful to see the Christmas Markets return this festive season, and I’m sure many residents will be thrilled to hear that we will be expanding the number of markets to visit in key local hubs in the County. These markets give us an opportunity to not only support our local businesses but reduce our carbon footprint in doing so, something which benefits us all.”

To help small businesses promote their Christmas offerings, the local authority has relaunched their “In It Together” campaign.

Businesses who want to advertise their Christmas offerings free of charge need to sign up to the Council’s virtual Christmas Shop which will be promoted through a digital and print media advertising campaign.

For those interested in having a presence on the dedicated page, email christmas@fingal.ie or for more information go to https://www.fingal.ie/christmas.

AnnMarie Farrelly, Chief Executive of Fingal County Council, said: “It has been a tough year for many businesses, so I encourage everyone to shop local during the Christmas period.

“This can be a magical time of year for people of all ages, and we will be doing our part by setting up festive lighting and decorations in towns and villages across the County.

“Many locations in Malahide, Blanchardstown, Swords and Balbriggan will also be showcasing digital display projections onto their iconic buildings.”

To help attract residents to visit local businesses across Fingal, the Council will be providing free Saturday parking throughout December (4th, 11th & 18th) in pay and display locations in Balbriggan, Rush, Skerries, Swords and Malahide (Bridgefield Park only).

Pay and display areas in Clonsilla have free parking on Saturdays all-year round. For more information on free parking please visit: https://www.fingal.ie/news/free-saturday-parking-christmas-shopping

For further details on what Christmas events are taking place, please see https://www.fingal.ie/events or follow Fingal CC on Facebook or Twitter – @fingalcoco.