CHRISTMAS MARKETS in Ireland are kind of a big thing.
While the annual Galway Christmas Market is renowned as being one of the best in the country, one town is giving Galway a run for its money this year as they announce the addition of an alpaca experience to their roster of entertainment!
(I don't know about you, but every time I visit a Christmas market, in among all the mulled wine, beer, Christmas music and festive food I always think 'Man, the one thing missing from this place is a couple of alpacas'.)
This year, the Wicklow Christmas Market in the town's Abbey Grounds will host a number of alpacas to help spread the festive cheer-- and we really hope that means the animals will be in Santa hats.
Some of K2's alpacas getting into the Christmas spirit (Photo: K2 Alpacas / Facebook)The alpacas belong to company K2, who organise different alpaca-themed events in the county, such as trekking along the mountains with the friendly animals-- you can find out more on their Facebook page or website.
But even without the alpacas, Wicklow's Christmas Market looks set to be a big one this year, with artisan foods, unique handmade gifts and live entertainment such as fire shows, puppet shows, a funfair and a brand new Santa Express train, driven by one of Santa's favourite elves Oribel!
The experience will be full of lights, music and excitement-- but there is also a special sensory Santa Train on December 8th from 11am-12pm where the lights and music will be dimmed, allowing everyone to share in the magical experience.
The Wicklow Christmas Market will be open on November 23rd, 24th and 30th.
The December dates will be the 1st, 7th, 14th and 15th, from 12pm - 6pm.
For more information on the market you can visit the website here.
