Christmas in Galway: A Guide for Our International Students

Christmas in Galway is more than a winter holiday, it’s a chance to see the city sparkle, meet people, enjoy local culture, and practise your English in a fun, relaxed way. If you are studying here for a few weeks or months, or are a professional on a short course, the holidays are a great time to explore Galway beyond the classroom. Here’s how you can enjoy the season fully, even if you don’t know many people yet.

What’s Happening Around Town?

Markets

Galway Christmas Market (Eyre Square & City Centre)

From 7 November to 31 December 2025, Eyre Square transforms into a festive winter market with over 50 wooden chalets selling handmade crafts, gifts, festive food and drinks. The market has a Ferris wheel, a vintage carousel, Santa’s Grotto, and a lively winter‑festival atmosphere.

• Opening hours: Mon–Wed: 12:00–20:00, Thu–Sat: 10:00–22:00, Sun: 10:00–20:00.
• It’s free to enter — good if you’re on a budget. Some rides/attractions may cost extra.
• Great place to soak up the festive atmosphere, buy a small gift, try seasonal treats (crêpes, hot chocolate, maybe mulled wine), and take photos under the lights.

Galway in Lights – City Christmas Lights & Light Displays

Throughout the holiday season, many of Galway’s streets, squares, and landmarks are decorated with festive lights. It’s a beautiful time for an evening walk — a good excuse to practise English with GBS friends and classmates while exploring the city.  

Festive Singing

The Cathedral’s annual Christmas Carol Service is a highlight. For the coming season, it’s scheduled for Thursday 18 December 2025 at 7:30 pm. Good to know: the Carol Service lasts about an hour.

The Service is led by the Cathedral Choir, with seasonal readings and carols. Everyone is welcome.

At Christmas–time there are also special Masses with carols: on Christmas Eve the carols begin around 9:40 pm before the late evening Mass. On Christmas Day, the Cathedral Choir sings at the usual morning Mass (10:30 am). 

Also, even if you don’t attend Cathedral events, the city has other similar Christmas‑music concerts around the holidays (see below).

What to Know Before You Go (for Students / Visitors)

• Doors can fill up — especially at the Cathedral Carol Service — so it’s a good idea to come early.
• Many concerts accept visitors of all backgrounds (not just church‑goers) — music is the invitation.
• Take some coins or small change if you want to make a donation or buy a program (common in church concerts).

If the Cathedral is full or you want a different atmosphere, you can try Claddagh Chamber Choir: at St Nicholas' Collegiate Church there is an event called A Claddagh Christmas, a series of short, friendly concerts (about 40 mins each) with festive carols and a relaxed vibe. Great for first‑time concert‑goers. For concerts outside the Cathedral (like at St Nicholas’), check ticket availability in advance, some events are ticketed.

Live Sport

Connacht Rugby have a home match against Ulster Rugby on 27 December 2025 at 17:30 — at Dexcom Stadium (also called the Sportsground).  So if you’re in Galway in mid‑ or late‑December, you’ll have a chance to watch live top‑level rugby.

Going to a Match: What to Know

• Dexcom Stadium is not huge — capacity around ~8,000 — so it’s smart to get tickets early if you want to go.
• Tickets are often e‑tickets, which you can buy online via official ticket platforms or club websites.
• Wear warm clothes if you go — winter in Galway can be cold and windy, especially coming out from the stadium into evening.

Watching Rugby in a Pub / With Friends

If you don’t manage to get match tickets — or prefer a more relaxed vibe — you can still enjoy rugby in Galway via pubs or bars showing live games. If you watch in a pub with friends: it’s a great way to practise English, meet locals or fellow internationals, and enjoy the holiday spirit together.

Festive Challenges for English Language Learners

Here are some extra small ideas to make the season more fun, social, and useful for English practice — especially good if you’re studying or living abroad and want to combine fun with learning.

Social Media Challenge in English

• Post short stories, photos, or captions about your Galway Christmas experience.
• Practice writing in English and sharing ideas with an international audience.

Winter Walk and Describe Challenge

• Take a walk along the Claddagh, Salthill Prom, or city centre.
• Practice describing the weather, lights, sounds, and smells in English.
• Optional: record a short audio or video to review pronunciation

Holiday Recipe Swap

• Share a favourite recipe from your home country with classmates.
• Cook it together (or online via Zoom if remote).
• Practise reading, following instructions, and using food-related vocabulary.

Christmas Karaoke Night

• Pick a few classic or modern English Christmas songs.
• Sing with friends, practise pronunciation, and enjoy a relaxed, festive atmosphere.

Festive Movie Club with English Subtitles

• Watch a Christmas movie together (international or English).
• Pause to discuss phrases, vocabulary, or cultural differences.
• Check out our Christmas Movie Ideas Blog

Practical Info: Transport, Opening Hours & Safety in Galway

Tips for Safe, Easy Travel and Evenings Out

If you return home late (after buses stop), plan ahead: have a taxi number ready or a ride‑share name. Galway is compact, a taxi ride within city centre or from nightlife spots to accommodation is usually affordable and convenient.

On chilly or rainy evenings (common in Irish winter), wear warm clothes and waterproof outerwear. If walking home at night, try to stay in well‑lit and busy streets, or travel in groups.

Keep your belongings secure: when out at markets or pubs, use a cross‑body bag or zipped backpack. Remain aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded festive areas.

Public Transport & Getting Around

Many of Galway’s attractions are a walkable distance from each other. Walking is often the easiest and most pleasant way to get around if you are together with friends.

The main public buses in Galway are run by Bus Éireann. Buses connect the centre (Eyre Square) with suburbs, coastal areas (like Salthill)— useful if you stay outside the city centre. Read more about the service here. 

A single adult fare is about €2.40–€2.80 (cash). If you plan to travel more often, a reusable card (Leap Card) reduces the fare per ride. For short stays or frequent bus use, the Leap Card is more convenient: you can top up easily at newsagents or stations.

Special Holiday Service: Christmas Park & Ride

During the Christmas shopping and festive period, Galway operates a special Park & Ride shuttle between the racecourse (parking) and city centre. This service helps avoid traffic and parking issues if you have a car. The shuttle runs every 15 minutes Monday–Saturday from 09:30 to 21:15, and on Sundays every 15 minutes from 11:00–19:00, then every 30 minutes until 21:15. 

Fare is only €1 each way and parking at the racecourse is included. This makes it a cheap and easy option if you come from outside town to enjoy the festive events. 

Final Thoughts

If you come to Galway this winter, don’t just stay inside. The holiday season gives you a unique chance to see the city at its most magical: lights twinkling, market stalls full of festive treats, and a vibrant, warm atmosphere sweeping through cobblestone streets. Whether you’re shy or outgoing, alone or with friends, you’ll find something for you.

Use this time not only to relax but to practise English, meet new people, and make memories. Because learning a language is not only about grammar and classrooms, it’s about living, exploring, and speaking it where life happens.

From all of us at Galway Business & English School, Nollaig shona daoibh!