GUIDE: Five things to do in Mayo during the lead up to Christmas

There is something for everyone in Mayo this December as Christmas events are planned in every corner of the county. From  live Christmas carol performances to Christmas tractor runs, Mayo has an abundance of events ahead for the festive season.

The Michael Davitt Museum in Straide is set to host a special Christmas Concert on Wednesday, December 10, at 7:00 p.m.The concert will feature the Louisburgh Voices choir and students from the Louisburgh Music School, performing a mix of carols and Christmas favourites. Admission is free; however, donations can be made at the door, with funds going directly to supporting the Michael Davitt Museum. 

Santa will take time out of his busy work schedule to visit the children of Claremorris this coming December 14, at 1 pm. He will not come empty-handed either, with each child receiving a gift from the man himself. Admission is €5 with all proceeds going to Barretstown Charity, which helps support children and families in need. Tickets can be purchased on www.keanscm.ie.

The Ballintubber Christmas Tractor Run is scheduled to take place on Saturday, December 13, at 4:30 pm. Registration for the event will take place at 2 pm at Abbey Car Park, and entry is €20. The tractor will feature both tractors and vintage cars, with prizes for the best-decorated tractor.   The event will feature a selection of food trucks and refreshments, Christmas carols by the Ballintubber Abbey Choir, as well as an appearance from Santa Claus at his grotto.

North Mayo Heritage Centre, Crossmolina, will host an ornament-making workshop for children this December 20 and December 21. Using soft air-dry clay, the children will cut out festive shapes and paint them for them to be hung on their Christmas tree. The workshop will be 50 minutes long, with slots both days at 11 am, 12 pm, 1 pm and 2 pm. The workshop is suitable for children aged 6 to 12 years old. The workshop costs €5 and can be booked through the North Mayo Heritage Centre website. Refreshments will be available from The Bright Sky Cafe, which will open for the weekend.

On Sunday, December 21, two of the region’s leading choirs will perform at the National Museum of Ireland, Turlough Park. Mayo Male Voice Choir and the Cill Aodain Choral Society will perform a repertoire of traditional and contemporary Christmas Carols and choral pieces. The Mayo Male Voice Choir will perform at 2 pm under the direction of Deirdre Lee. Following this, at 3 pm, the Cill Aoidain Choral Society will perform under the direction of Finola Higgins-Cosgrove. No booking for this event is required.