[ad_1]
SANTA and her elves will work through the Covid-19 pandemic with the scheduled lifting of Level 5 restrictions in early December, sparking a series of special ‘reimagined’ holiday experiences across the country for children and families.
Open-air Christmas markets, pre-booking systems for top attractions, special family “capsules,” and social distancing guards will allow young people to enjoy everything from Santa’s grottoes to Lapland trains.
Across Ireland, business groups are determined to make the Christmas season more special this year with improved holiday lighting, outdoor Christmas markets and Santa Claus attractions.
Festive illuminations have already been installed around many Irish cities, towns and villages, with Cork set to formally turn on its Christmas lights starting Thursday.
However, the Licensed Vintners Association (LVA) and the Vintners Federation of Ireland (VFI) have warned that the country will face a ‘two-tier Christmas’ if the hospitality sector remains closed when Ireland comes out of the current lockdown.
Waterford’s Winterval, Ireland’s largest open-air Christmas festival, will continue despite the pandemic and Winterval said it has carefully redesigned its program.
“It’s official, Christmas is not canceled. Santa sent Scrooge packing and assured the people of Ireland that the magic of Christmas will be alive on the streets of Waterford when Winterval returns for the ninth year, “said a spokesman for the festival.
However, Winterval will be substantially different from previous festivals without massive gatherings, strict social distancing, and an emphasis on outdoor events.
“So some of the old favorites, like the big festival market, ice skating and Winterval Illuminates, will be taking a break this year.”
Dublin will also see several major Christmas events happen, albeit in formats specially adapted to social distancing.
Sadly, Mistletown’s popular indoor Christmas market has been canceled.
But Dublin City Council confirmed that the popular Winter Lights campaign will return for its third Christmas in an expanded format.
During the month of December, 17 locations around the city will be transformed with color projections and lighting displays to cheer everyone up.
“Dublin is always a special place at Christmas. There is no doubt that Christmas 2020 will be different from previous years, but that does not mean it will be less magical, ”said Mayor Hazel Chu.
This year four new locations have been added to the list: Mater Hospital, Capital Dock, The Jeanie Johnston Ship, and CHQ Triumphal Arch.
At Rathwood in Carlow, Santa’s Train will again advance with the participation of Fossett’s Circus.
Major outdoor Christmas events are also planned in Cork and Galway.
The Cork Glow Christmas Festival will continue in a reinvented format. This will include a creative festive window trail for families and youth to ensure a safe downtown experience.
Online editors
[ad_2]