Santa will be there, the lights will be turned on and there will be over 70 stands on the Main Street in Portlaoise this Sunday, November 26, for what is the biggest one-day Christmas Market in Ireland.
This year’s event – run once again by the Downtown Portlaoise business group and supported by Laois County Council and Laois Hire – will feature a number of festive stalls with Christmas carols from local singers all adding to the sense of occasion.
The event runs from 12noon to 7pm – with Santa set to turn on the lights at about 4.30pm, with the help of one lucky child who will be selected from the crowd.
Before the lights are turned on there will also be a Santa Fun Run, organised by Portlaoise Athletic Club, at 3pm. Registration for that is at 2.30pm in O’Loughlin’s Hotel.
Other attractions on the day include face-painting, balloon modelling and the chance for children to meet some friendly animals like lizards and rabbits.
People are reminded not to park their cars in the Market Square or on the Main Street overnight as they will be removed early on Sunday morning.
On the flip side the first 45 minutes parking is now free in Portlaoise. This is an increase of 15 minutes and has come into operation in time for the Christmas season.
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