Oh, the weather outside might be very frightful, but don't let the rain dampen your festive spirits. Here are some of the best Christmas markets in Ireland to get you in the mood.
Cork
Glow festival brings some yuletide magic to Cork City, courtesy of a 30m-high ferris wheel, a vintage carousel, crafts, and food stalls along Grand Parade - and there's the English Market too.
There's also Santa’s Workshop - an interactive experience at Bishop Lucy Park - where children can play with various moving woodcuts, post letters to Santa, let loose giant festive jack-in-the-boxes, and get their picture taken on the Glow train or on Santa’s special rocket. Entry is free for all.
Dublin
Eat your heart out Rockefeller, Dublin's got its own 50 ft tree now on display at the I BELIEVE Christmas Market at the Custom House Quarter (IFSC) - alongside authentic food stalls and a pop-up apres ski bar - what's not to like!
The "Dublin Designer" Christmas market smack bang in the middle of the city on College Green gives over 30 Irish designers the chance to showcase their produce over two days on the 11-12 December - perfect for picking up more unique gifts for your nearest and dearest.
Galway
Christmas in Galway (formerly Galway Continental Christmas Market) has been given a major transformation for 2015 - with 50 food stalls descending upon the city's Eyre Square.
The Spanish Arch will be home to vintage carousels and amusements, while Christmas on ice will reside at the Galway Harbour. Christmas pantomimes are to be performed at the Town Hall Theatre, and with it being Galway, there's also a literary trails at the city's library - so there's plenty to help everyone get their jingle on.
Kerry
The Christmas Spraoi in Tralee offers plenty of fun happenings - some stranger than others! There's a daily market in the town Square, a 5k Santa fun run and Christmas office chair racing (no, really!) to get you in the mood.
The organisers have created a handy advent calendar that you can save on your phone - available on the website.
Limerick
The city's Milk Market transforms into a winter wonderland this Christmas - featuring 60 stalls and shops offering a mixture of food and craft goods from local traders.
From vintage fare and jewellery to fancy cakes and bric-a-brac there are plenty of stocking-fillers on display.
On Friday December 11th, there'll be special Santa Letter Posting service at Harper's Cafe and on December 17th the Irish Chamber Orchestra will perform a special Sing Out with Strings.
Waterford
Waterford's WinterVal Festival boasts one of the best Santas in the country - this year he arrived flanked by Star Wars storm-troopers - and his medieval grotto is worth a trip alone.
There's also a Christmas market, a vintage ferris wheel, a live animal crib and a special screening of Elf the movie (hot chocolate included!). Some events are free while others are ticketed.
