Christmas countdown begins this weekend in Fingal

The first of the Christmas markets will be taking place this weekend as Fingal kicks of the festive season across the County.

While Swords Castle will host over 50 stalls and a chance for kids to have their photo taken with Santa over the next two weekends, this Sunday (27th November at 4pm) will also see Malahide kicking off the festive season in earnest with a Santa Parade that will make its way down New Street.

Mayor of Fingal, Howard Mahony said: “We have over 600 participants signed up to take part in the Santa Parade this Sunday in Malahide. It will be the perfect way for everyone to begin their countdown to Christmas Day and for people of all ages to start making their present wish list.

“Across all of our Christmas markets, local traders are set to showcase a range of gifts, crafts and plenty of delicious food to be enjoyed as people roam through from stall to stall.”

This year, markets will once again be taking place across the County with the “In It Together” campaign as a focus which is aimed at supporting local businesses. Residents and visitors will also be able to make use of free parking locations at key spots in the run up to Christmas.

John Quinlivan Director of Economic, Enterprise, Tourism, & Cultural Development said: “As part of the In It Together initiative, we continue our annual free parking scheme in the run up for Christmas, Fingal County Council continuously supports local businesses by encouraging citizens to “shop local” in these towns at the busiest shopping time of the year.”

The following locations and dates for the Christmas Markets are:

• Swords Castle – 26 – 27 November & 3 – 4 December from 11am – 6pm
• Bremore Castle, Balbriggan – Sunday 4th, 11th & 18th December from 10am – 4pm
• Scoil Bhride Cailini, Blanchardstown – 10th & 11th December from 11am – 6pm

To help shoppers, the Council will be providing free parking in the following towns across Fingal for three consecutive Saturdays in December (10th, 17^th & 24th December) 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/christmas-arrangements-2022-opening-times-free-parking-deadlines-etc

Download the Fingal Connect app to win prizes that includes tickets to the magical Wonderlights Experience at Malahide Castle, family passes to heritage properties, visit to Santa in Swords Castle, this includes meeting Santa, emailed photo and a small gift and more.

For further details on what Christmas events are taking place including opening times for Libraries, Recycling Centres and Christmas Tree Collection Points will be updated soon, please see https://www.fingal.ie/events or follow then on Facebook or Twitter – @fingalcoco.