Up to 20,000 people are expected to visit the 3rd annual Christmas celebrations at Strandhill People’s Market (SPM) from December 2nd – 23rd. Artisan food and craft producers from all over the west will descend on the village for the festive markets in Hangar 1 at Sligo Airport. Following on from last year’s success, the SPM team have added new dates and new attractions making it one of the biggest markets along the Wild Atlantic Way this Christmas.
This year there will be 11 chances to visit SPM as the market is open for 11 dates! The hugely popular night markets are making a return and will be opening from 6pm – 10pm every Friday in December while the day markets will run every Saturday and Sunday from 11am – 4pm. Christmas week will see two night markets on Thursday 22nd and Friday 23rd of December. This will give people travelling home for the festive period a chance to soak up some Christmas magic and enjoy the company of loved ones in a unique setting.
Here are 11 reasons to visit SPM over the Christmas period
1. Good Food
The market has a range of quality food stalls to cater for every taste. There are several stalls offering fresh sushi, hot miso soup, paella, crepes, Indian curries, tacos, pizzas, hot dogs, burgers and more. Come hungry for lunch or even make a break after work on a Friday. What a way to start the weekend!
2. Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree
Christmas trees can be purchased from a stall located in front of Hangar 1. Where else can you listen to music and grab a coffee while deciding on your tree for this year…
3. Here comes Santa Claus
4. Hot Chocolate
Hot Chocolate from Driftwood Coffee Cart on a cold Winter’s day will warm your belly and give you the energy to browse the array of over 50 stalls on offer!
5. Handmade Christmas Decorations
SPM boasts some of the most talented crafters selling some of the most beautiful Christmas decorations.
6. Christmas Carols
Various choirs will fill the air with sounds of Christmas Carols. The Sligo Concert Band will perform on Sunday Dec 11th. Sing for Simon will take place on Sunday Dec 18th with more to be announced in the coming days.
7. Order your Christmas Cake
Why not order your Christmas cake from one of our onsite bakery stalls – The Cake Lady & Black Sheep Bakery will be ready and waiting to take your order with a smile.
8. Photobooth Fun
A family outing is the perfect opportunity for a family snap! Inject some silly season fun into this years group shot by using our onsite photobooth. Snap Magic Media will at SPM with their photobooth on Sunday Dec 3rd, Thursday Night Dec 22nd and Friday Night Dec 23rd.
9. Vegetables for Christmas Dinner
Buchanan Fruit Direct has one of the most impressive set ups and varied selection of vegetables. This stall will be present at SPM for every night market and every Sunday meaning you can buy your veg from Eddie throughout December and also on Dec 22nd and 23rd, right before you put the spuds in the oven for the big day.
10. Pamper your pooch!
We all love to spoil our furry friends at Christmas and K9-Fit has all the products you need to surprise the pet in your family. Woof!
11. Local Craft Beer
The White Hag crew will join us on Friday Night Dec 2nd and Friday Night Dec 23rd.