County Laois offers a warm welcome and the promise of a unique experience that lingers long after your visit, with its rich heritage, stunning landscapes, and vibrant local charm.
County Laois serves up a delicious taste of Ireland, where local flavours, cosy cafés, and lively pubs offer memorable moments and warm hospitality in every bite and sip.
County Laois invites you to rest and recharge with a range of welcoming accommodation, from charming guesthouses to elegant hotels, all set against a backdrop of peaceful countryside and friendly local charm.
Planning your visit to County Laois is the first step towards a memorable escape, with helpful tips, local insights, and all you need to make the most of your time in this hidden gem of Ireland.
Laois Chamber Alliance brings together Laois Chamber and Laois Tourism under one umbrella—enhancing collaboration, events, and opportunities to build a thriving local economy and promote Laois as a premier destination to live, work, visit, invest, and do business.
County Laois offers a warm welcome and the promise of a unique experience that lingers long after your visit, with its rich heritage, stunning landscapes, and vibrant local charm.
County Laois serves up a delicious taste of Ireland, where local flavours, cosy cafés, and lively pubs offer memorable moments and warm hospitality in every bite and sip.
County Laois invites you to rest and recharge with a range of welcoming accommodation, from charming guesthouses to elegant hotels, all set against a backdrop of peaceful countryside and friendly local charm.
Planning your visit to County Laois is the first step towards a memorable escape, with helpful tips, local insights, and all you need to make the most of your time in this hidden gem of Ireland.
Laois Chamber Alliance brings together Laois Chamber and Laois Tourism under one umbrella—enhancing collaboration, events, and opportunities to build a thriving local economy and promote Laois as a premier destination to live, work, visit, invest, and do business.
Christmas in Laois – Your Guide to Festive Fun Across the County
Christmas is truly magical in Laois, and this year the county is bursting with festive cheer, seasonal markets, family days out, concerts, food, crafts and opportunities to support brilliant local producers and makers. Whether you’re planning a Santa visit, browsing markets, or soaking up the sparkle of Portlaoise’s Christmas lights, there’s something for every age and interest.
Meet Santa in Laois – A Magical Experience for All Ages
Every child – and every grown-up child – needs to meet the main man this Christmas! And what better place than the enchanting Stradbally Woodland Railway, where Santa’s workshop comes to life in the woods. Expect a warm welcome from Mrs Claus, who will greet you and transport you back in time for a festive experience filled with wonder.
If you want to feel festive while also dining out Supper With Santa in Talbot Hotel Carlow is the perfect family outing (22nd December) Families can enjoy soft play from 3:30pm in the Dome Congo Quest, with dinner served at 5:00pm in An Bhearú Bar & Bistro, complete with mulled wine for parents. Expect a festive visit from Santa’s elf and plenty of photo opportunities to capture the Christmas magic.
Support our local Hero’s Blue Lights & Christmas Lights Day
Mark on the calendar 7th December for Blue Lights & Christmas Lights Day at O’Moore Park, Portlaoise. From 1pm–3pm, families can explore Garda, Fire Service, Civil Defence and other emergency vehicles all lit up for the season. A sensory-friendly hour runs from 12pm–1pm, offering a quieter time to visit. It’s a bright, community-minded event that brings festive sparkle and the county’s frontline teams together in one place.
Festive Markets Across Laois – Shop Local, Support Local
Nothing captures the Christmas spirit quite like a local market! Laois is bursting with fantastic options this season, giving you the perfect chance to snag unique, handcrafted gifts and delicious festive treats while directly supporting our local producers, crafters, bakers, and artists. Forget the generic gifts—here, you’ll find treasures made with heart and bursting with creativity.
Throughout December, you can explore the festive atmosphere across the county:
Stradbally Christmas Market: On December 7th, enjoy the charming, small-town atmosphere of the Stradbally Christmas Market, which is packed with local crafts and festive cheer.
Fitz of Inch Christmas Craft Fair & Market: Head to Fitz of Inch from December 12th–14th for an immersive Christmas Festival experience that combines a bustling craft fair with concerts and festive dining.
Abbeyleix Lights & Market: Abbeyleix is lighting up for Christmas from 2pm-7pm on the 6th of December. The market square comes alive with market stalls, music and festive cheer. Make sure to get there in time to meet the main man himself Santa at 2.30pm. Guaranteed fun for all the family and a fantastic way to shop local .
The Falls, Glenbarrow Christmas Market: For a truly picturesque shopping experience, visit The Falls at Glenbarrow on December 7th and 14th, offering unique gifts in a stunning natural setting.
Timahoe Christmas Fair: Get ready for a magical evening of festive fun, food, musical entertainment, and local Christmas cheer at the Timahoe Christmas Fair on Friday, December 6th, from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm!
Solas Christmas Markets: Enjoy local crafts, delicious treats, and plenty of holiday cheer across four festive Sundays: Nov 30 | Dec 7 | Dec 14 | Dec 21
Killenard’s Christmas Market returns on Sunday, 7th December from 11am–2pm at the Killenard Community Centre, with free entry, festive stalls, and a chance for kids to visit Santa in his grotto.
The markets we have already enjoyed and look forward visiting again next year
Dunamaise Arts & Crafts Fair: Mark November 28th & 29th for the Dunamaise Arts & Crafts Fair, which showcases a curated selection of Irish-made art, crafts, and features special visits from Santa Claus.
Ballylinan Christmas Craft Fair: Find the perfect handcrafted gifts, jewelry, and Christmas cake at the Ballylinan Christmas Craft Fair in St. Anne’s Hall on Sunday, November 30th, from 11 am to 3 pm.
Abbeyleix House and Farm Christmas Market: The return of this much-loved market at Abbeyleix House and Farm on November 30th promises a scenic day out with handmade goods, delicious food vendors, and family fun like the Reindeer Trail.
These markets are packed with genuine festive flavours and are where you’ll discover gifts that truly feel special.
Abbeyleix House and Farm Christmas Market 2025
The much-loved Annual Abbeyleix House and Farm Christmas market took place on Sunday, 30th November 2025. It was set in the heart of the historic estate, and was a really memorable and festive day out for all ages, showcasing the best of local talent and seasonal cheer, as well as supporting local charities .
If you missed out on Abbeyleix House and Farm , don’t fret Abbeyleix has another gem waiting to wrap you in its wintry charm. On December 6th, from 2pm to 7pm, the town centre will come alive for Abbeyleix Lights & Market, a cosy celebration that is bound to get you feeling Christmassy.
The festivities begin with the arrival of Santa at 2.30pm and the big switch-on at 5pm, when the Christmas lights light up Abbeyleix
Visitors can wander through the bustling stalls, discovering handmade crafts, thoughtful gifts, and artisan treats from local producers.
If you’re looking for a day out that captures the heart of Christmas in Abbeyleix, this is the one. Wrap up warm, bring your curiosity, and let the lights lead the way.
Festive Events Across the County
Laois is transforming into a truly magical Christmas destination this year, bursting with festive cheer and unique experiences for everyone. Kick off the season with a bang by witnessing the spectacular Portlaoise Christmas Lights Switch-On or the glowing Mountmellick Tractor Run. For families, meeting Santa is a must—explore the fantastic Dunamaise Arts & Crafts Fair where you can see Santa and shop for local crafts! Beyond these events, the county comes alive with fantastic Christmas markets, like the one in Stradbally, perfect for finding unique handcrafted gifts and supporting local makers.
Whether you’re planning a lively staff party at the Midlands Park Hotel, catching great music at Kavanagh’s Bar, or settling in for a cozy winter getaway at Roundwood House, Laois offers the perfect blend of community spirit, shopping, and celebration. This Christmas, make memories and discover the sparkle waiting for you right here.
Planning Your Christmas Party? Laois Hotels Have You Covered
If you haven’t already booked your Christmas party, now is definitely the time! Laois is home to some fantastic hotels offering superb party packages, festive dining, and guaranteed unforgettable nights out.
Whether it’s a staff bash or just a much-needed get-together with friends, venues like The Killeshin Hotel and Maldron Hotel Portlaoise are ready to welcome you. They offer great food, lively entertainment, and a festive atmosphere from the moment you arrive.
For a Brilliant Night, No Party Required
If the full party experience isn’t quite what you’re looking for, we still have your evening sorted:
Lively Music:Kavanagh’s Bar Portlaoise has a packed Christmas music lineup to keep the entertainment flowing all season long.
Signature Drinks: For something special and seasonal, pop into Make & Mark for one of their signature festive drinks and delicious seasonal menus.
Sparkle Around Laois – Festive Nights Out & Getaways
The towns of Laois are truly magical at Christmas, beautifully lit and full of festive spirit. Why not explore a town you haven’t visited in a while and soak up the atmosphere?
Meet friends for a catch-up in the iconic Bob’s Bar, there intimate concerts are eagerly anticipated.
For the ultimate exclusive family get away you need to look at Millbank House, with an indoor heated pool , a kitchen a chef would love and rolling gardens this would be an amazing get away for the new year or for any special occasion in 2026.
Christmas Shopping in Laois – Find the Perfect Gift
Even after exploring the vibrant markets, you might still be hunting for that ideal gift—and Laois has plenty of brilliant local options for meaningful presents. For ultimate flexibility, grab a Laois Me2You Gift Card; it’s the easiest way to support amazing independent shops throughout the county.
If you’re looking for curated items, Nook & Cranny is the spot for something special, or check out Market Square Studio for beautiful, Irish-made gifts packed with heart and craftsmanship. And for the foodies in your life, you can’t go wrong with Laois Taste hampers—they’re delicious, local, and available for all budgets, making them the perfect treat!
Celebrate Christmas the Laois Way
Whether you’re meeting Santa, supporting local makers, booking a festive night out, or enjoying the sparkle of our towns, Laois is full of Christmas magic waiting to be discovered.
