With less than a month until Christmas, come join the Fingal celebrations!

As the crisp chill of winter settles in, Fingal is ready to welcome the festive season—making this the perfect moment to unveil our Christmas Programme for 2025.

Step into the magic at Swords Castle Christmas Markets, beginning with our Tree Lighting Ceremony on Friday, 28 November at 6pm. The iconic Christmas at the Castle event will host the markets on:

• Friday, 28 November | 3–8pm
• Saturday, 29 & Sunday, 30 November | 12–7pm
• Saturday, 6 & Sunday, 7 December | 12–7pm

Enjoy mulled wine and seasonal treats as you browse a charming selection of stalls featuring handcrafted gifts, local art, jewellery, and delicious offerings from local producers—from sweet treats to hearty hot food. Live music and entertainment will fill the air, creating a truly festive atmosphere.

And for the little ones, Santa and Mrs. Claus will be making special appearances in the castle’s stunning chapel over the next two weekends (photo opportunities available, subject to fee). It’s the perfect way to kick off your Christmas celebrations—supporting talented local traders while soaking up the seasonal magic!

 As part of the “In It Together Initiative”, which encourages everyone to shop local during the busiest shopping time of the year, Fingal County Council is once again making it easier for residents and visitors to enjoy the festive season. 

To help support local businesses and to make your Christmas shopping even merrier, the Council will provide free parking in pay-and-display in a number of towns across Fingal for three consecutive Saturdays in December in the run up to Christmas (6th, 13th, and 20th December 2025). The locations for this are Balbriggan, Rush, Skerries, Swords and Malahide (Bridgefield car park only). See more information https://www.fingal.ie/news/free-saturday-parking-christmas-shopping

Across the county there are 44 Christmas trees being erected, with 34 lit directly by the Council and the remainder illuminated by local community organisations. The Council is working closely with community partners to improve Christmas lighting and decorations in towns and villages, ensuring that each area reflects the joy and spirit of the season.

Tree lighting ceremonies will be happening in these three locations:

• Blanchardstown Tree Lighting, Thursday 27 November at 6pm on Main Street in partnership with SuperValu Blanchardstown
• Swords Tree Lighting, Friday 28 November at 6pm, outside Swords Castle.
• Balbriggan Lighting by Mayor of Fingal, Cllr. Tom O’Leary on Thursday, 4 December, 6pm with The Lark Panto Stars at Georges Square, join us by 5:15pm to enjoy music from Balbriggan Gospel Choir.

Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Tom O’ Leary said: “Christmas is such a special time of year, especially here in Fingal. It’s a time when family and friends come together to enjoy the festive atmosphere across the county. Whether it’s visiting the Christmas markets, watching the lights being switched on or simply strolling through our towns, there is something for everyone to enjoy. I hope everyone has a wonderful Christmas, and I wish you all the very best as we come to the end of 2025.”