| As the song says, "it's the most magical time of | | | | performers to look forward to including: Liam |
| the year" and Galway has its fair share going on | | | | Lawton and his band, Marion and Enrique (Tango |
| over the festive season. Here are a few ideas to | | | | dancers), Celine Hession school of Irish dancing, |
| whet your appetite. | | | | the Guinness Jazz Band and much more and all in |
| Christmas Lights... | | | | aid of a very good cause. |
| Switching on the Christmas lights is an exciting | | | | Demand for tickets is quite high, so it is advisable |
| event in any town or city. The magic of even | | | | to book early. |
| just a few fairy lights seems to turn any spot | | | | Christmas productions and pantomimes |
| into a wonderful winter wonderland. | | | | The Christmas schedule isn't complete without a |
| It will be no different in Galway city this year. The | | | | trip to the theatre for a panto or an appropriately |
| Christmas lights are due to be switched on | | | | themed Christmas concert. |
| November 18th (10 days earlier than usual). The | | | | This year, Galway has a good variety on offer, |
| motive behind the early switch on is to boost | | | | which is sure to please young and old. The |
| trade due to the economic downturn. | | | | Performing Arts School Galway presents the |
| Hopefully the switch on will have a positive effect | | | | classic tale of Snow White from the 28th of |
| on the city as it will bring a bit of festive cheer. | | | | December 2008 to the 4th of January, 2009. |
| Galway Bay on Ice... | | | | Renmore Pantomime presents Beauty and the |
| 700 square metres of ice will certainly change the | | | | Beast from the 30th of December 2008 to the |
| appearance of the Spanish Arch. And no need to | | | | 18th of January 2009. So all you have to do is |
| worry about the weather...Ireland's biggest ice rink | | | | get practising: "oh no you won't, oh yes I will"! |
| will be completely covered. | | | | If you have children in the 3 to 11 age group, |
| This year Galway Bay on Ice will be bigger and | | | | Santa and the Magical Christmas Tree (15th to |
| better than ever. It runs from the 1st of | | | | the 19th December 2008) may be just the ticket. |
| December 2008 to the 11th of January 2009. | | | | This is an entertaining and educational story |
| Your time on the ice is 45 minutes, which can | | | | written by Shay Healy and Michael Scott. |
| seem forever, especially for a beginner. But fear | | | | Another festive favourite is the Charles Dickens |
| not, as there are plenty of Ice Marshals on hand | | | | tale of Ebenezer Scrooge in a Christmas Carol |
| and you'll also have the comfort blanket of a first | | | | (15th to the 17th December 2008). However this |
| aid station on site. | | | | may not be suitable for some kids as it features |
| Now all that exercise is bound to have worked up | | | | 3 ghosts! |
| an appetite - so you can re-fuel with all the usual | | | | For adults: Christmas Crooners (9th December |
| ingredients, hot-dogs, hot chocolate and even | | | | 2008) takes you back to an era when Bing |
| mulled wine at the rink-side café. | | | | Crosby, Nat King Cole and Frank Sinatra were top |
| There are various ticketing options available: | | | | of the hit parade! This is a night of your favourite |
| Over 18 is an adult ticket | | | | Christmas hits performed by West-end singers. |
| Under 1 is free | | | | So maybe "ol blue eyes" and the boys are not |
| Student discount available | | | | your bag, then a night of Christmas and Viennese |
| Family tickets available (but must be booked in | | | | songs may be more to your liking. Seán |
| advance) | | | | Costello (Tenor), Celine Byrne (Soprano) and |
| No matter what ticket applies to you - the | | | | Vladimir Jablokov are accompanied by the Slovak |
| organisers advise pre-booking as only a limited | | | | Festival Ensemble, to entertain you for a |
| number of tickets are available on the day. | | | | "Viennese Christmas" (21st December 2008). |
| Want it all to yourself - then private hire is also an | | | | Christmas Day Swim - Take the plunge! |
| option. | | | | The spirit of giving is what Christmas is all about |
| Croí Caberet (charity event) | | | | and what better way to start your Christmas |
| Croí Caberet will be held in the Inis | | | | Day than an early morning swim in the chilly |
| Mór Ballroom, Radisson SAS hotel on 3rd | | | | Atlantic waters. The charities Cope and Enable |
| December, 2008. | | | | Ireland, both benefiting from your very generous |
| Get the season of giving off to a good start with | | | | effort, will be more than grateful. |
| The West of Ireland Cardiology Foundation | | | | You'll also have the edge on the rest of us, who |
| Christmas Cabaret Night. | | | | see Christmas Day as a well deserved day off. |
| Enjoy a highly entertaining evening of music and | | | | You will have worked up a fine healthy appetite |
| dance and if you're one of those people who like | | | | for that sumptuous calorie laden Christmas Lunch! |
| to get to an event early, this special evening has | | | | So there you have it, a snapshot and will hopefully |
| an extra bonus. Entertainment starts in the Foyer | | | | encourage you to come to Galway during the |
| @ 7.00p.m., where you can listen to much loved | | | | festive season. There's lots more going on in |
| Christmas carols by the Galway Chamber Choir. | | | | Galway city over the next few weeks and it's |
| Once show time arrives you have a host of | | | | also a great spot to do your Christmas shopping. |