Christmas Festivities underway

Christmas Day may still be four weeks away, but Fingal has already begun to roll out lots for people to do across the County for the 2024 festive season.

The Enchanted Garden, a mystical light show at Shackleton Garden in Clonsilla, is welcoming visitors each night this week, with the stunning light displays and immersive projections running through until Sunday 1st December. This is a free event to attend and no bookings are required.

With Christmas lists being written and sent off to Santa, why not get ahead of holiday shopping this year and join us at the Swords Christmas Markets starting this weekend. Our iconic Swords Castle will be hosting the markets from Friday, 29 November from 3-8pm and Saturday & Sunday, 30 November, 1, 7 & 8 December from 11am- 6pm.

Wander through over 50 charming stalls showcasing a range of unique gifts, stunning handmade crafts to mouthwatering festive treats and a chance for kids to have their photo taken with Santa in the stunning chapel of the castle over the next two weekends, it's the perfect way to kickstart your Christmas celebrations by supporting talented local traders and enjoying the festive atmosphere!

To help shoppers, the Council will be providing free parking in the following towns across Fingal for three consecutive Saturdays in December (7, 14 & 21st December 2024) in pay and display locations in Balbriggan, Rush, Skerries, Swords and Malahide (Bridgefield Park only). See more information https://www.fingal.ie/news/free-saturday-parking-christmas-shopping

This is part of the “In It Together initiative”, as Fingal County Council continue to offer annual free parking scheme in the run up for Christmas, to supports local businesses by encouraging citizens to “shop local” during the busiest shopping time of the year.

To bring festive joy, various towns across the County will be illuminated. Tree lighting ceremonies will be happening in three locations:

Blanchardstown Tree Lighting, Thursday 28 November at 6pm on Main Street with the Blanchardstown Brass Band in partnership with SuperValu Blanchardstown
Swords Tree Lighting, Friday 29th November at 6pm Outside Swords Castle.
Balbriggan Lighting up, Thursday 5 December, 6pm at Georges Square, joined by Balbriggan Gospel Choir, Panto Stars from The Lark.

Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Brian McDonagh said: “Christmas is the most magical time of the year, a season to celebrate with loved ones and share the festive spirit with others. We hope everyone enjoys what’s on offer and can take part in community events to help spread the holiday joy. As always, we want everyone to support local businesses whose hard work makes this season so special. Together let’s make this Christmas even more memorable for all the people of Fingal.”

https://eventsinfingal.ie/christmas

Fingal County Council Offices along with Libraries will close to the public for the Christmas period at 4.30pm on Tuesday, December 24, 2024 and will reopen at 9am on Thursday, January 2, 2025. The Payments Offices will close as normal at 3.30pm. Check out our Library Resources Online at eServices and eResources

All Fingal Regional Parks will operate normal winter opening times over the Christmas period, including Christmas Day.

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

For any emergencies, please ring 01 8905000. Our [email protected] email address will not be monitored during the Christmas closing period.