‘Christmas Central’ this weekend
The town of Cootehill will rival any other in the world this coming weekend for the sense of fun and festive cheer when Santa arrives on Saturday, November 19, and the inaugural Christmas Market takes place on Sunday, November 20. The most magical time of year will kick-start with the arrival of good ‘ol Kris Kringle to his St Michael’s Hall (12 noon to 5pm), which has been turned into a Winter Wonderland by the hugely talented Lidija of Fairy Princess Parties fame.
Along with Santa’s Grotto there will be face painting, a children's disco, and all kids will receive a toy and a goody bag packed with items donated by generous local businesses. The sponsors include: Abbott Nutrition, Abcon Industrial Products Ltd, Carleton Cake Co Ltd, Cootehill Credit Union, Hanley Energy Ltd, Kazoo Kids Clothing and Nursery Store, Mastek Ltd, and Foy’s Supervalu.
St Michael’s Choir and Friends will then entertain the masses with a very special Carol Service outside the former bank (from 5.15pm), before Santa arrives to switch on the town lights on Market Street (6pm).
Cootehill Chamber has spent in the region of €10,000 again maintaining and upgrading the Christmas lights, and has continued their energy efficient investment in ensuring the town looks fantastic, with several new additions to the overall design this year.
Already there are more 270 good little boys and girls have booked in to sit on the legendary Father Christmas’ lap, with a waiting list for more looking to attend. Pre-booking was available, at €5 per child, via the town’s award-winning website, Cootehill.ie The website has proven to be a revelation, says Cootehill Chamber member Connie Whelan, who says the online system employed has “streamlined” the process of organising Santa’s traditional visit to local children compared to other years. The community website run by Cootehill Chamber won the Digital Rising Star award in the 2022 Digital Town Awards run by .IE Ireland Online, and was also nominated in the ‘Digital Community’ category.
Christmas Market
The outlet was also used by vendors looking to book stalls at Cootehill’s first ever Christmas Market, to be held in the carpark behind Foy’s Super Valu.
Supported by Cootehill Arts Festival, Cavan County Council and Cavan Arts Office, the event will have over 40 stalls, and traditional Wooden Huts showcasing hand-made Christmas decorations, novelty gifts, authentic crafts, luxury and artisan food items, mulled wine, Kombucha, coffee and baked Goods, and a dedicated dining area.
There will be a Gig-Rig too, featuring Jazz, Blues and traditional musical entertainment by local artists from Cootehill Comhaltas, carol singing by Tullyvin Musical Society, and lots of children’s entertainment such as storytelling with Sinead (12 noon-1.45pm), colouring area (2-5pm) and Natural Christmas Decoration Workshops with Nourished by Nature Forest School (book at Cootehill.ie), as well as interactive bushcraft demos.
“We also have a few sizzling surprises to look forward to. So Cootehill will be the place to be, and we promise you won’t be disappointed,” says a spokesperson for Cootehill Chamber.
Draw
On top of everything else going on, Cootehill Chamber will host their annual Christmas draw with €1000’s worth of prizes to be won.
Simply enter your name into the draw at any of the participating shops in town. Winners will be announced in stores and on social media.