Expanded Athlone Christmas Market returns to Civic Square

The Athlone Christmas Market returns in December "bigger, brighter and more magical than ever".

Such is the growing popularity of the town's focal festive showcase, the market will take place over two December weekends, ensuring eight festive days of local creativity, delicious food, and Christmas atmosphere in the heart of Athlone.

The Civic Square will host the first Christmas Market weekend from Thursday, December 11 to Sunday, December 14, the second festive showcase taking place from Thursday, December 18 to Sunday, December 21.

The Christmas Market traders will display their festive wares from 10am-6pm from Thursday to Saturday and on Sunday, from 12pm to 6pm, over the course of the two weekends.

Christmas Market committee member Cllr Frankie Keena said this year's expanded Christmas Market is certain to prove popular for locals and visitors to the town over the festive period.

"This year’s market promises to be the most exciting yet with a greater food offering and festive treats to enjoy. The beautifully decorated civic square will be filled with twinkling lights and festive cheer with live music and local choirs performing over the course of the two weekends. It will be the perfect setting to create Christmas memories for all the family," Cllr Keena said.

The festive themed wooden huts and artisan stalls, each housing local businesses, will offer locals and visitors alike a vast range of handcrafted gifts, festive decorations, produce and unique treasures created by talented makers from across the Midlands.

“The support for the Athlone Christmas Market has been incredible. Each year it grows stronger, and this year we wanted to give people more time to enjoy it. It’s a wonderful way to celebrate the season and in doing so, support local businesses," Cllr Keena added.

Jane Walsh of the Button Studio, is looking forward to her return to the Christmas Market setting in the Civic Square.

“It’s one of my favourite events of the year. There’s a real sense of community where people come to shop, chat, and soak up the atmosphere. You can feel the Christmas spirit in every corner of the square," Janes said.

Cllr. Frankie Keena said that he is delighted to be involved with such a fantastic energetic committee who "work very hard behind the scenes to try and make each Christmas Market a memorable event".

"The beauty about the Christmas Market is that it is growing from year to year with an increasing number of traders looking to participate. I would like to thank our main sponsor Westmeath County Council and the West Midlands Credit Union for their kind financial support.

"So wrap up warm, bring the family, and experience the joy of Christmas in the heart of the Midlands," Cllr Keena said.