Festive Fun: From creative Christmas-card making to a rare sighting of the big man in the red suit

As the countdown to Christmas speeds up, The Dundalk Democrat has been out and about soaking up some festive cheer (and a few mince pies too).  

And from what we can see, there's plenty of Christmas cheer about Dundalk. From the winter wonderland out at Strandfield where children have been traveling to visit Santa in his grotto on a special miniature Thomas the Tank Engine, to the many Christmas musical productions by local groups such as Sparkles and Funky Feet, to the 1920's New Year's Eve gala ball taking place at Bellurgan Park - you'll be spoiled for choice with local events this Christmas. 

Over the weekend we popped over to Creative Spark to get crafty at the Christmas Open Day. The Marshes Upper venue was packed out with children and adults alike to try their hands out at free activities such as Christmas paper crafts, Christmas garland making, Christmas day creations, and felt-making. 

There were also raffle prizes, mince pies and hot drinks on hand to help keep the cold at bay. 

Amy and Marie Rogers learning how to make Christmas garlands with Fionnuala Clarke at the Creative Spark open day

Thomas Daly Russell and Thomas Bishop with artist Fiona Quigley of Bridge St Studios learning how to make felt decorations at the Creative Spark open day

Over at the Rugby Club many children waited for a very special guest to arrive - Mr Claus himself! Santa arrived at the Club on the Hill on Saturday via reindeer - avoiding the traffic delays caused by the icy roads over the weekend. Local children were delighted to meet the man in the red suit who was in a jubilant mood despite the heavy workload on his plate over the coming weeks. 

Santa Claus with Ronan Norton at the Rugby Club

Niamh Norton and Aoibhean Reilly with Santa in The Rugby Club

If you are organising  a Christmas-themed event we'd love to hear about it. Email: editor@DundalkDemocrat.ie