There is so much happening in Sligo for Christmas. I put a call out on my social media channels and got a few messages, so I went looking and found so many more. If there’s anything that I’ve missed, send me an email valrobus@gmail.com and I’ll add it. Be sure to keep a look at John the Map’s website. He has music gigs and more listed, and it’s updated weekly. https://johnthemap.co.uk/sm-file/mobile.html
Sligo on Ice is back from November 18th – January 18th. It’s at Queen Maeve Square in Sligo town. More information and booking: https://www.sligoonice.ie/
Tubbercurry Christmas Lights switch on at 5pm on Friday 28th November.
Rosses Point Christmas Lights switch on at 6.30pm on Saturday 29th November.
Sligo town Christmas light switch on. Sunday, November 30, 2025
Event Highlights:
Santa Claus switches on the lights at 6:00 PM
Ocean FM broadcasts live from O’Connell St from 2:00 PM
Street Entertainment including walkabout characters and free face painting from 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Live Music with seasonal tunes 4:00-5:30PM.
Seasonal tunes with Scruffy Duffy from 5:30PM
Snow Queens adding a touch of winter wonder
Meet Santa’s Elves and have fun with their festive antics and take an Elfie with them.
Keep an eye on Sligo BID for updates, in case of weather changes etc: https://www.facebook.com/sligobid
St. Nathy’s Tractor Run takes place on Sunday 30th November. Details above.
Glitchmas at the Hawk’s Well Theatre. Two Elves. One Christmas. Zero Chill. A festive comedy by Niamh McGrath. Featuring live music with Sinéad Conway, Niamh Crowley, and her band The Sonic Snowcaps. Sun 30 Nov – Tues 2 Dec 2025, 1pm, 4pm, 7pm. Booking: https://www.hawkswell.com/whats-on/shows/glichtmas
Monday 1st December, 5pm at the Cranmore Regeneration Office for the annual Community Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony. Fr. Pat & Fr. Steve from St. Anne’s Church Sligo will join us for a blessing of the tree and our community. Our local youth club Youth City will sing carols and provide music on the evening, all community members welcome to join in on the evening. Light refreshments provided. For more information please contact: Lisa 086-4028461 / Lisa@cranmore.ie
2nd December at 7pm. Get Better Running is hosting a Santa fun run in aid of North West Cornerstone, raising much-needed funds for families in Sligo. There will be tea, coffee and refreshments on the night. A bucket for donations and they will be accepting non-perishable foods and items like toys etc. on the day.
Christmas Village in Grange. Donations welcome for North West Hospice and the RNLI. 6th – 21st December – Thursday, Saturday and Sunday.
Strandhill is linking up with the Ransboro Community for their Christmas Tractor Run – it will leave Ransboro and travel to and through Strandhill village shortly after 5pm. The Christmas tree switch on at the National Surf Centre will take place at 5pm sharp. It’s a celebration of community, connection, and coastal fun! https://www.facebook.com/CountySligoSurfClub
Santa arrives at The Canopy on Thursday 4 December! 
He’ll be here every Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 3.00pm to 6.00pm throughout December.
There’s no fee to visit. If you’d like to support North West Hospice, donations are appreciated 
Thanks to the community, this project has already raised over €40,000.
Every child will receive a POP OUT PLANET wooden model 
These little kits are sustainable, locally made and a lovely creative activity to enjoy at home
Santa at The Quayside Shopping Centre. 6th – 23rd December. Full details and booking: https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/santa-quayside-sligo-12pm-to-6pm-tickets-1647955612599
Santa at Five Star Fun in Grange, Sligo. Plus their opening hours for the Christmas Holidays. Full details above.
Tireragh CCE Christmas Concert. 6th December at 4pm. Dromore West Community Centre.
Santa Claus at Banada Abbey. 7th December 3pm. Including a mini disco, face painting, and more Booking: https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/santa-claus-tickets-1968313053328
Christmas Spectacular Sunday, 7th Dec @ Radisson Blu Sligo! Two magical shows: 3PM & 7PM. Beat It Dance students bring the Christmas magic to life!
3PM
http://eventbrite.ie/…/christmas-spectacular-tickets…
7PM
http://eventbrite.ie/…/christmas-spectacular-tickets…
Free kids workshops at The Model, Sligo, on Sunday 7th & 14th December. Free family screenings on Sunday 21st December. Christmas Market also taking place, details under the market section.
You’re Invited – Light Up a Life 2025
Join the North West Hospice Charity Annual Light Up a Life event on Sunday, 7th December at 5pm in the beautiful Hospice Garden of Memories, Cleveragh Park, Sligo. This special evening offers a gentle space to pause, reflect, and remember loved ones. Coolaney Gospel Choir, will add something truly special to the evening. Everyone is welcome — it’s a family-friendly event and open to all.
Christmas magic at Santatown, Riverstown. On December 6th, 7th, 13th and 14th
Santa and Mrs. Claus will be here along with some elves and maybe even a reindeer or two. Each child will meet Santa and receive a special present, there will be story time with Mrs. Claus, and a chance to write a reminder letter to Santa and post it in our special North Pole post box. There will be festive games and lots of photo opportunities and most of all wonderful memories for all to treasure. Booking: https://sligofolkpark.com/contact-2/
Rescheduled for January. Celebrate Christmas with Sligo Women in Business. Join us on Tuesday, December 9th, 2025, at The Driftwood, Rosses Point, for a festive evening of connection, celebration, and entertainment. Full details and booking: https://swibn.ie/event/swibn-christmas-party-2025/
Santa’s Moviglo at The Art Deco Ballymote. Wed 10 – Sun 21 Dec 2025 Multiple Times EARLY BOOKING ADVISED. Details and booking: https://www.hawkswell.com/whats-on/shows/santas-movigloo
Sligo Traveller support group invite you to join them on the 13th of December for refreshments, hot food and Santa visit with present for each child ( no appointment needed).
Sensory Santa will be there, in the designated sensory room( appointments only), warm up with complimentary chicken curry and rice, chicken stew or jacket potato with a mixed of fillings, hot chocolate and cookies.
Santa’s Grotto at the MCR Centre, Sligo town. December 13th 1pm – 4pm. Booking: https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/visit-santa-tickets-1917972921639
Sligo Orpheus Choir’s annual Christmas concert is taking place on 13th December 7.30pm, in St John’s Cathedral in conjunction with Sligo Concert Band. We are really looking forward to performing in this venue and looking forward to meeting you all.
We are fundraising in order to be able to commission a choral piece that will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the choir and its place in Sligo, so please consider a donation when you book your place.
Christmas Elf Lunch & Grotto at the Ocean Sands Hotel, Enniscrone, Sunday 14th December 1pm-5pm. Children can enjoy Arts and Crafts with the Elves, and there will be music, crafts, arts, fun and games all afternoon. The two-course festive lunch costs €30 (adult) and €25 (child) which includes a visit to Santa and an age-appropriate gift for each child. Full details and booking to 096 26700
St Anne’s Church Easkey are having their Christmas Carol Service on Sunday 14th December at 4 PM.
A cup of tea after for anyone who wants to stay for a chat.
Sligo Academy of Music Christmas Spectacular. Sunday 14th December, 7:30pm. Summerhill College
Tickets €18 Available from Hawk’s Well Theatre at 071 9161518
Christmas Singalong at the Hawk’s Well Theatre.
With Sandy Kelly, Seamie O’Dowd and Gavan Muldoon
Rekindle your love of singing, learn new songs, and expand your song repertoire by joining us for a special Singalong Social, led by one of Sligo’s, and indeed Ireland’s most celebrated singers.
Wed 17 Dec, 1pm
Free (Pay What You Can)
Booking required https://f.mtr.cool/noiffftsjb
Join the Diamond Coast Hotel in Enniscrone, from the 18th–20th December for a magical festive family adventure! Meet Santa, ride the Christmas Train, enjoy games, food & gifts. Booking: https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/santa-by-the-sea-tickets-1668781874509
The Urquhart Family Band invite you to their Christmas carol performance at COLEMAN MUSIC CENTRE ON Friday 19th December from 1pm to 2pm. It’s a free lunch time concert and all ages welcome!
It’s a Wonderful Life at The Model, Sligo. Full details on the poster above.
Free arts and crafts for children at Sligo Abbey. Full details above.
The Sligo Charity Christmas Tractor Run takes place in Grange, Sligo, Sunday 21st F91K300 registration at gate starting 3:30pm and departing at 5:00pm sharp. Donations in aid of North West Stop, and Sligo Cancer Support Centre. To make a donation use the link: https://www.idonate.ie/fundraiser/northsligotractorrun11
Lough Arrow Christmas Day Swim. Full details above.
Christmas Markets
There are markets taking place across the county, including:
SLIGO CHRISTMAS MARKET at The Quayside.
November 28th to December 23rd. Mezzanine Level, Quayside Shopping Centre, Sligo
Reclaim Christmas at the Community Christmas Market is on Friday 28th November, 4.30pm – 8.30pm, at the Community Workshop, Cranmore Rd., Sligo. F91XCW0 You can purchase some handmade crafts and bakes for Christmas.
Beltra Country Market is on every Saturday in Skreen Dromard Community Centre and open from 10.00am -12.00 noon (or 1pm on certain dates). See the flyer above for full details of their Christmas Fairs and events.
Christmas Market at The Old Schoolhouse Community Café in Ballinafad. 29th November 10.30 am – 1.30pm.
Sligo Indoor Market is on at The Canopy Shopping Centre, Sligo town. From the 29th November to 24th December. Days and times will vary, so keep a look at their Facebook page. It will be on every Sunday until and including December 21st. 11am – 4pm.
Community Christmas Market in St. Brigid’s Hall, Tubbercurry, on 30th November, 11am – 5pm.
Rathcormack Market is on every Saturday from 10am – 3pm. They may add additional days, so keep an eye on their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/rathcormaccraft
Ballisodare Christmas Market is back on Sunday, December 1st 12 – 5pm in Ballisodare Community! Come shop for unique gifts, enjoy delicious treats, and soak up the festive atmosphere.
The Sligo Leader Partnership WorkAbility Christmas Market is at Northside Community Centre (F91 N778) on Thursday, 4th December 2025 from 11am – 3pm. The market is delivered under the WorkAbility Programme – Inclusive Pathways to Employment, Sligo LEADER. In alignment with the programme’s objectives, priority for vendor opportunities is to persons with disabilities. We are also pleased to note that the RC Diversity Choir, representing RehabCare, will be performing as part of the event.
Friday 5th December. Christmas Market at St. Joseph’s School Hall 2pm – 4pm. All welcome.
Enniscrone Christmas Market takes place on Saturday 6th, 12th and 20th of December. 11am – 3pm at the Old Church in Enniscrone, Co. Sligo
Christmas Fair Sunday 7th December 10.30am – 4pm, Kilglass House, near Enniscrone. There’s also a free visit to Santa, but spaces are almost all gone, so text the number above to book.
The Avalon centre is holding a Christmas craft fair on Sunday 7th December 1-4 pm. Free admission, and Santa will be there (no charge to see him). There’s also a monster raffle, music and dance performances. All in aid of the Avalon centre programmes.
Christmas Markets at The Model this December
Sunday 7, 14 & 21 December, 2025 12pm – 4pm. Free kids workshops on Sunday 7th & 14th December. Free family screenings on Sunday 21st December
Collooney invite you to their Big Christmas Light Up. December 7th. Full details above.
Ballisodare Christmas Market is on from 12 noon – 5pm, at Ballisodare Community Centre, there’s live music, lots of stalls, Santa and more. Full details on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ballisodarecommunitycouncil
Achonry Farmers Market is back for Christmas.
Saturday 13th & 20th December, 4-8pm, at Knocknashee Community Hub & Café. Santa will be paying a visit too. Book for Santa here
Easkey Christmas Market is on Sunday 14th December, from 11am – 4pm in Easkey Community Centre.
Pantomime
Is it even Christmas without going to a pantomime? Oh yes it is, oh no it isn’t! (I’ll get my coat). Here are the Sligo pantomimes:
Postponed. Calry Drama bring you Charlie’s Bucket List Panto from the November 27, 28 and two shows on the 29th November in Marian Hall Calry, Sligo. Tickets available from the Regional Stores, and online at the Hawk’s Well Theatre.
The Corran Players and the award-winning Infinity Stage School are back in action in Ballymote for their annual Pantomime. This year they are headed down the rabbit hole to the amazing but chaotic Wonderland as Alice takes us all on her journey in the exciting and colourful tale of Alice in Wonderland. Thurs 4 Dec, 8pm, Fri 5 Dec, 6pm, Sat 6 & Sun 7 Dec, 2.30pm & 8pm. Art Deco, Ballymote. Booking: https://www.hawkswell.com/whats-on/shows/alice-in-wonderland
Coolera Dramatic Society is delighted to stage this year’s Sligo Christmas pantomime. Mother Goose, one of the best known and most traditional of pantos, is this year’s show. Sun 7 – Sat 20 Dec, 8pm
Sun 7, 14 Dec, 3pm at The Hawk’s Well Theatre. Mon 15 Dec – Relaxed performance. Booking for regular shows: https://www.hawkswell.com/whats-on/shows/mother-goose
If you didn’t get to a panto over Christmas, don’t fret, The Sligo Hospital Musical Society perform The Hunchback of Notre Dame from the 20th – 24th January at the Hawk’s Well Theatre. The pantomime has been running for over 28 years, raising more than €200,000 for local charities. Each year, proceeds from the production go to causes close to the hearts of hospital staff and the wider community. Book your tickets: https://www.hawkswell.com/whats-on/shows/sligo-hospital-musical-society-panto-2026
Phew! This took me days to compile! There’s probably lots that I’ve missed too. Drop me an email to add your event: valrobus@gmail.com
I’m not connected to any of the events or organisations listed, and I can’t take responsibility for any cancellations or changes, please check with the organisers before you attend any of the events. If this blog post has been of help, you might consider leaving me a tip. https://ko-fi.com/magnumlady
Magnumlady Blog 
Interesting and tempting…
Incredible amount of work you must have put into that. Wishing i could be there.
So many wonderful things