75th anniversary of Christmas tree in Limerick village
Adare Christmas Festival will have celebratory events throughout December
ADARE Christmas Festival will mark the 75th anniversary of its ‘iconic’ Christmas tree as it returns for the festive season.
The first Christmas tree was gifted to the people of Adare by Lady Nancy Dunraven in 1949, and has “stood proudly” in front of the Village Hall ever since.
Considered a “beacon of light and hope” by the local community, the tree welcomes those travelling through the village or returning home for Christmas.
This year’s festival has a “wide variety” of events, including coffee mornings, cake sales, Thanksgiving dinner, and more.
The annual Christmas market will take place on Saturday, November 30 and Sunday, December 1 from 12-5pm.The Christmas tree lights will turn on at 4:30pm on Sunday, just in time for a visit from Santa at 5pm outside the Village Hall. There will be carol singing, mulled wine, and hot chocolate with marshmallows for children. Visitors are asked to bring their own mugs in the interest of sustainability.
Continuing with tradition, Christmas Memory Bulbs will be on sale for €5. Visitors are encouraged to sponsor a light on the tree in memory of a loved one, and will receive a “lovely keepsake card” as a memento. These cards are delivered locally by the committee but are posted out all over the world.
Locals and visitors alike will be able to shop until 8pm on Thursday, December 5, as businesses in the village will stay open late for a night of Christmas shopping.
St Nicholas Church has invited the community to create recycled Christmas trees for a winter display on December 7, 8, 14 and 15. The Christmas Tree Festival will close on Sunday, December 15 with carols amongst the trees at 6pm.
Also on Sunday, December 15 is a Christmas market in the Woodlands House Hotel from 11am-3pm, a live crib in the village hall from 2-5pm, and a live jazz session at Bill Chawke’s from 4-7pm.
Pets are invited to take part in the festivities at the Santa Paws event in the Woodlands Hotel on Sunday, December 22 from 11am-3pm. A €10 donation includes a photo and a treat, with all proceeds supporting the Star Rescue Animal Charity.
The Adare GAA Club Annual Christmas Road Hurling event will wrap up the Christmas season on Thursday, December 26.
The Village Hall Committee said they are “very grateful to all who have supported us over the years, this year in particular we wish to sincerely thank our main sponsor, Samco Agricultural Manufacturing. We really appreciate their support in allowing us to continue the tradition of our spectacular Christmas Tree in its 75th year”.