The rain failed to dampen the spirits in Portlaoise today at the biggest one-day Christmas Market in Ireland.
Santa was there, the lights were turned on and there was over 70 stands on the Main Street as the festive feeling kicked up a gear.
This year’s event was ran once again by the Downtown Portlaoise business group and supported by Laois County Council and Laois Hire.
It featured a number of festive stalls with Christmas carols from local singers all adding to the sense of occasion.
The event began at 11.30am with Santa turning on the lights at about 4.30pm, with the help of one lucky child who was selected from the crowd.
Before the lights were turned on there was also a Santa Fun Run, organised by Portlaoise Athletic Club, at 3pm.
Other attractions on the day included face-painting, balloon modelling and the chance for children to meet some friendly animals like lizards and rabbits.
The Hynds Square traders also got in on the act as they turned on their lights in ‘The Tree of Hope’.
This tree will raise awareness and funds for Laois Hospice and PATH.
On the tree will be ‘Gifts of Hope’ which will contain a particular item that they would ask members of the public to donate.
And our photographer Julie Anne Miller was on hand to capture the best of the action on the day which you can see below:
Our photographer also took a trip to the Storeyard where they also had a Christmas market:
