Seven things to do this week.
TODAY
There is no escaping the sparkly season, and when Dublin's Docklands Christmas market has transformed the concrete jungle of the IFSC into an unmissable winter wonderland, who would want to? Pick up all the season's essentials and lots of bits you didn't know you needed at the market today and tomorrow.
TOMORROW
Tús Craft Network, a voluntary organisation of artists and craftspeople committed to raising the profile of quality traditional and contemporary crafts in the west of Ireland, hosts a Christmas gift event at the Great Southern Hotel, Eyre Square, Galway today, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
MONDAY
The Central Remedial Clinic's 11th annual Santa Bear Appeal is running until December 11th. Santa Bear badges and cuddly mini-bears are on sale for €2.
TUESDAY
It's Open Jam tonight at J.J. Smyth's in Aungier Street, Dublin, so really, anything could happen. What you can predict is that quality music will be played by quality musicians, and you won't feel like you have been ripped off. Again. Doors open 8.45 p.m., gig 9.30-11.30 p.m. Admission €7. More information from www.irishblues.com or 01-4752565
WEDNESDAY
Traditionally, this is the day when people from outside Dublin descend on the capital to do the big shop. These days, they are probably all buying iPods and finishing off their excursion with a visit to Crawdaddy at the POD, Harcourt Street for the much anticipated Neosupershow. Tim O'Donovan, aka Mr Neosupervital, is a one-man electro pop phenomenon, who will be supported by Cork's finest, Stanley Super 800. Doors open 8 p.m. Admission €10.
THURSDAY
Munch mince pies and listen to heart-warming Christmas stories at a fundraising event for Dalkey School Project. A quartet of actors, including a couple of Abbey regulars, will read everything from Frank O'Connor to Benjamin Zephaniah, plus more traditional fare such as the classic Yes, Virginia, There Is A Santa Clause. Dalkey Castle, 8 p.m., tickets €12.50 from the castle foyer.
FRIDAY
According to a poll - yes, they make polls about these things - the place most Irish children want to meet Santa Claus is, amazingly, not in a crowded, stuffy department store, but in the Zoo. Luckily for them Santa's Magical Trail is back at Dublin Zoo and Fota Wildlife Park in Cork. Weekdays: 1 p.m. to 3.p.m.; weekends: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission is €13 at weekends and €10 on weekdays and includes free Santa's Magical Trail map, a visit to Santa and a gift. Santa visits Fota at weekends only. www.dublinzoo.ie or www.fotawildlife.ie.
