We know; it’s not even December yet.

But Christmas is a busy time of year and sometimes, to get everything done, you need to start a little early – especially if you’d rather be sipping mulled wine during the countdown instead of shopping and wrapping gifts.

If you’re ready to get into the Christmas spirit immediately, start marking your festive calendars now. Cork towns and villages all over the city and county have been planning their annual events for weeks.

Here are 10 Christmas markets to see this year: 

1. Christmas Craft and Vintage Fair, Midleton

When: November 23rd, 2019

If you appreciate beautifully made things, this is the market for you. A variety of crafts, including knitting, crochet, art, jewellery and Christmas ornaments will be on display from 10am until 4.30pm at My Place on the Mill Road in Midleton, together with a special selection of vintage items. Admission is free, with raffle prizes to be won on the day.

2. The Handmade Christmas Fair, Blarney

When: Sunday, November 24th, 2019

This growing annual fair takes place in the Blarney Hotel & Golf Resort from 10am to 5pm. Expect handmade cosmetics from Bend in the Barrow, artists such as Jean Phillipe of Ceramifique contemporary ceramics and artisans such as Betty Smith, whose Irish poitín marmalade is always a hit. Dogs for the Disabled will benefit from donations at this year’s fair.

3. Bweeng Christmas Market 

When: Sunday, November 24th, 2019

Held as a fundraiser for Cork University Hospital Children’s Club, an organisation that takes 240 ill and deserving children to see Santa at Fota House and 80 to Disneyland Paris on a trip of a lifetime each year, this market will run from 12pm until 5pm in the village of Bweeng Community Centre. Expect local crafts and the best of local baking in the Bake Sale.

4. Durrus Christmas Craft Market

When: Sunday, December 1st, 2019

In the mood for a spin down west? The Durrus Community Hall (across the road from Phillips Green) will be heaving on December 1st from 11am until 5pm as locals gather for the annual Christmas Craft Market. Sellers include West Cork locals as well as artisans from further afield, with a huge selection of lovely handmade items looking for homes.

5. The Night Before Christmas Market, Youghal

When: Saturday, December 7th, 2019

Taking place in the Glass Annex at the Mall Arts Centre in Youghal, your €10 ticket buys you a drink on arrival (alcoholic or non-alcoholic), canapés and sweet treats to enjoy as you browse the stalls set up by sellers of vintage clothing, foodies and crafters from the East Cork area. Doors open at 6pm – 9pm.

6. Charleville Christmas Market

When: Sunday, December 8th, 2019

Charleville Heritage Society will be holding a Christmas Market at the Charleville Park Hotel on Sunday, December 8th from 12.30pm to 5.30pm. Sponsored by AIB Charleville, more than 60 stands will be selling local produce and Christmas crafts, with Santa Claus set to make an appearance in the afternoon.

7. The Celtic Ross Christmas Market

When: Sunday, December 8th, 2019

Running from 2pm until 5pm at the Celtic Ross in Rosscarbery, this Christmas market celebrates everything that’s special and unique about West Cork’s many food producers, makers and crafters. Sip a mulled wine while soaking up the Christmas atmosphere as you browse the stalls.

8. Christmas Market at The Blue Haven Kinsale

When: Sunday, December 8th, 2019

Hosted by The Blue Haven from 2pm until 5pm, this Christmas Market is the ideal choice if you’re bringing the kids. There’ll be plenty of stalls to browse, with a visit from Santa, face painting, music and a Kids Puppet Show from 12.30pm (€5 per child).

9. Greywood Arts Christmas Market

When: Sunday, December 8th, 2019

Down in Killeagh, visitors will have a chance to either buy or make a handmade Christmas gift on December 8th from 12pm until 5pm. Greywood Arts has assembled a group of brilliant local vendors who will help you be the most creative gift-giver around this holiday season. There’ll be a wreath making workshop and plenty of artisan crafts, jewellery and gifts to browse before a mulled wine or something sweet. €5 donation on entry.

10. Baltimore Christmas Fair

When: Sunday, December 15th, 2019

If you like to wait until December is in full swing before you start your Christmas preparations, a day trip to beautiful Baltimore could be just the thing this year. Casey’s Hotel will be hosting a market from 11am until 4pm, with mulled wine and mince pies to enjoy as you shop.