Celebrate the season with unforgettable experiences through Groupon's Holiday Moments collection, designed to make this festive time truly special. From indulgent Dining Specials to charming Christmas Market visits, we've gathered deals that capture the magic of the holidays. Spend quality time at afternoon tea, create memorable holiday moments with family, or enjoy seasonal family activities. This season, make every moment count and celebrate together with Groupon’s exclusive offers!
One of Ireland's most beloved Christmas markets is Galway Christmas Market, located in Eyre Square. Known for its festive ambiance, twinkling lights, and wide array of stalls, Galway's market offers everything from handcrafted gifts to seasonal treats like mulled wine and bratwurst. Other popular options include Belfast Christmas Market at City Hall, which draws visitors with its international food, unique crafts, and cozy holiday atmosphere. Both markets capture the spirit of the season and are must-visits for anyone looking to experience a traditional Irish Christmas celebration.
The UK has several cities known for fantastic Christmas markets. Manchester, Edinburgh, and Birmingham are among the most popular, each offering a unique mix of festive stalls, local crafts, delicious food, and seasonal entertainment. Manchester's Christmas Market is particularly well-regarded for its vast range of vendors and iconic holiday atmosphere.
The world’s largest Christmas market is held in Vienna, Austria, particularly the Vienna Christmas Dream and Christmas Market at Rathausplatz. This market features hundreds of stalls and attracts millions of visitors each year, offering traditional holiday treats, festive decorations, and live entertainment.
Christmas markets originated in Germany during the late Middle Ages, with some of the earliest markets appearing in Dresden and Munich. They began as December markets where locals could buy goods for the winter season and eventually evolved into festive gatherings celebrating the holiday spirit with food, music, and artisanal crafts.
The oldest Christmas market is believed to be the Dresden Striezelmarkt in Dresden, Germany, dating back to 1434. This market remains a beloved destination today, with traditional crafts, seasonal treats, and a rich history that embodies the origins of Christmas market festivities.