Buncrana’s Swan Park will be a hub of festive cheer when it hosts a community Christmas market in two week’s time.
The park will be transformed into a picture-perfect wonderland of stalls and festive activities, with Santa paying an early pre-Christmas visit to the children.
Organisers last held the markets at Ardaravan Square and the Plaza, but this year will be even bigger and better.
They said: “The Christmas Market experience will be a must for not only local families but those from nearby counties to come and revel in all the joy of Christmas and even better visiting is FREE and no booking required ((Excluding visit to Santa’s Grotto)!”
The Christmas Market will run from Wednesday 29th November to Sunday 3rd December, from 12 noon – 9pm in Swan Park, one of the most beautiful and much-loved spots not only in Buncrana but Donegal.
As part of the market a host of festive activities will be held in Santas Village which will have bespoke wooden cabins, just like Santa has back in Lapland and a lovely festive bandstand. FREE festivities for all to enjoy will include local children carol singing, face painting, making toys with elves, local musicians, and much more.
Swan Park Buncrana, photo by Rosemary Doherty
Local craftspeople will also have the best of trinkets and gifts on offer to help solve that problem of what to buy your loved ones and friends for Christmas, all while supporting your local traders. Refreshments will be available on site so you can come along and enjoy a hot chocolate or two, which is sure to get everyone in the festive mood.
Of course, no Christmas celebration could take place without the big man himself, Santa! Santa will be holding an early Christmas visit to Buncrana as part of the Christmas Market, coming to hear directly from the boys and girls what their Christmas wishes are this year, and of course Santa will give them a little surprise gift when they meet. Parents can pre-book a visit in Santa’s Grotto here and are free to record their child’s visit to meet Santa and his elves.
Mrs Claus will also be busy throughout the day giving free daily storytelling of our favourite festive tales in the beautiful bandstand in Santa’s Village. The Elves will be making mischief across the wonderland experience too. According to Rudolf, one of the reindeers is coming along to make a surprise appearance. Music and entertainment will also be on offer from the bandstand throughout the event.
Organisers said: “We are also delighted to announce that we still have some opportunities for businesses to come along to sell or promote your wares at the Christmas Market in our beautiful cabins, contact Event Organiser Barry Doherty to book your cabin, email: buncranaChristmasmarket@gmail.com or ring 0868628757
“Make sure to follow the Buncrana Christmas Market – Swan Park Facebook page and Instagram page for all the latest details and updates.
“Entrance at Castle Ave and Parking will be available via the public parking adjacent to Swan Park as well as the availability of the numerous walking paths to make your way to the park.
“We look forward to Buncrana Christmas Market kicking off Buncrana’s festive season with visitors near and far enjoying a truly memorable and unique Nollaig experience!”