Santa Claus may have to span the world to spread Christmas cheer, but you don't have to leave Ireland to soak up the yuletide fun.
Europe is renowned for its iconic, and often centuries-old Christmas markets, but why go to the hassle of travelling overseas when we have a slew of delightful Christmas markets on our own soil?
Small businesses have truly come into their own in recent years, with more of us buying Irish and hunting down the most unusual and unique gifts for our loved ones. Markets are the best place to meet these creators and see their work up close, and grabbing a handmade piece of jewellery or mug will certainly earn you brownie points on Christmas morning.
Not only that, but Christmas markets are the perfect excuse to get dressed up in your most festive outfit, grab a hot chocolate and walk arm-in-arm through the rosy-cheeked crowd. From live music to alpacas and ferris wheels, Irish Christmas markets have enough to keep the entire family entertained through bouts of shopping.
Here, we've rounded up our top picks for Christmas markets around Ireland, from sprawling mini festivals to humble affairs filled with local producers and their creations.
Leinster
Dublin Castle Christmas Market, Dublin
A true Yuletide spectacular, the market at Dublin Castle in the city centre is now entering its sixth year and getting more dazzling every year. Running typically from late November into December (with exact dates still TBC) expect stall upon stall of foodie delights, steaming cups of hot chocolate and a wide assortment of artisanal producers, perfect for scoring the best stocking fillers in the house. The market is free and ticketless, just be sure to plan for some crowds!
TwinkleTown, Smithfield, Dublin
As one of the most central and storied market places in Dublin stretching back as far as the 17th century, it's only fitting that Smithfield Market should have its own Christmas fair. TwinkleTown is a new market coming to the square, and will feature everything from a 'Santa panto' and ferris wheel to an 'extra large' ice rink and a spiegel tent.
Running from 28 November to 4 January this bustling market will have plenty to entertain the whole family. The market is free to enter and tickets for the ice skating rink and Santa Panto are now on sale.
National Botanic Gardens Christmas Craft Market, Dublin
Experience the National Botanic Gardens as you never have at its annual traditional craft market. There will be a host of stalls both indoors and outdoors, set against the dramatic backdrop of the historic glasshouses. Browse through dozens of stalls featuring an array of sustainable gift ideas, decorative craft, and tasty seasonal treats, with festive choirs and plant walks also on the agenda.
No booking or tickets required. Runs on Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 December.
Digital Hub, Dublin
A favourite spot for flea market hunters, this Christmas the Digital Hub in the Liberties will transform into a Santa's workshop. Their Christmas Market takes place on Sunday 14 December. Expect vintage clothes, original artwork, unique homeware and more.
No booking or tickets required, free entry.
Gifted Christmas Craft Fair, Dublin
Running from 3-7 December, the bustling Christmas Craft Fair returns to Dublin's RDS. Perfect for those who don't want to spend a few hours out in the cold (cup after cup of hot chocolate will only keep you so warm!) this indoor market is filled to the brim with stalls, with a keen focus on craft, design and unique independent brands.
Tickets cost €13.58 and can be booked here.
Richmond Barracks Christmas Fair, Dublin
Running on Saturday 29 and Sunday 30 November, this craft-themed market will feature stalls from businesses, craftspeople, and artists, with many unique gifts and Christmas things to buy. You can also try and pick up a new skill while you're there by trying your hand at something new at the various family-friendly workshops for all ages, as you enjoy the festive music, hot drinks, and treats.
Naas Christmas Market, Kildare
Kids will get to see Santa Claus make his arrival to Ireland at the Naas Christmas Market, which kicks off on Saturday 29 November with a Garda escort for the Big Man himself! Santa will then make time to see his small visitors, before the Christmas lights are switched on at 5pm, with some help from none other than Irish soprano Celine Byrne. All of this excitement, and a bustling Christmas market to boot!
The market will run again on 6 December. No tickets required.
Irish Pop Up Collective, Maynooth, Kildare
Set up by Kate Fine and Debbie Millington, the Irish Pop Up Collective was founded to give a platform to Irish creators, and its pop up event have been a hit in recent years. They'll bring their Christmas offering to two events this season. Over 55 Irish brands and businesses will showcase their products at pop-ups on 7 and 14 December at the Royal Marine Hotel, Dun Laoghaire. Vendors include Anam Cosmetics, Callan Knitwear, Oxmantown skincare and more.
Yulefest, Kilkenny
This year, the ancient and historic city of Kilkenny will be lit up to greet Santa, too, as he visits the Medieval city on 29 November. His arrival kicks off Yulefest, a dazzling Christmas festival filled with festive treats, creative crafts, live music and family entertainment each weekend.
The Yulefest market takes place every weekend from November 29 to 23 December. In between, there'll be everything from a Christmas movie night and the arrival of the Santa Truck, to the centrepiece of the festival: "Starlight" by Luxmuralis, a sound and light journey into the heart of Christmas enveloping the hallowed walls of St. Canice's Cathedral. Make sure to book your tickets for this one, they're going fast!
Tickets available here.
Mountain View, Kilkenny
Away from the busy crowds of Kilkenny city, Ballyhale's Mountain View markets is promising to be a destination in itself. Located on the rolling hilltop estate of a former golf course, Mountain View is making the most of its covered barn and event spaces to hold a festive market.
Their expansive markets launch on Saturday 22 November from 3pm to 9pm with a dazzling night market, filled with over 150 traders, live music and more. Markets will then take place every Sunday in December from 10am to 3pm, with a Saturday market on 20 December. Entrance to the market is free.
Oldbridge Christmas Fair, Louth
Held in the Battle of the Boyne Visitor Centre, the Oldbridge Christmas Fair returns with even more to keep your family entertained. Set in the beautiful Walled Garden on 29-30 November, from 10am-4pm, there will be a spacious marquee, food and craft stalls, seasonal music and more. The market is open to the public, no tickets required.
Athlone Christmas Market, Westmeath
Due to be held in John Count McCormack Civic Square from 11–14 and 18–21 December, this year's Athlone Christmas Market will be an especially merry one featuring local producers and dedicated to boosting the area's festive spirit!
Munster
Ballymaloe Craft Fair, Cork
Running on the grounds of Ballymaloe House from 14–16 November, and 21–23 November 2025, with over 200 exhibitors each weekend, this promises to be a truly expansive market. With a focus on local craft producers, you'll be sure to find plenty of unique gifts for your loved ones, and when hunger pangs hit, you'll have more than enough food and drink vendors to keep you satiated.
Entry is €9.84 and each weekend will feature different stalls.
Cork Christmas Markets, Cork
The Cork Christmas Market is due to return this year, with new attractions as well as the beloved iconic Ferris Wheel and Carousel on the Grande Parade, running from 21 November to Monday 22 December. After the opening weekend, the market will operate each week from Thursday to Sunday. Booking is recommended for the Ferris Wheel, but spaces are available on the night.
Christmas Fine Arts and Crafts Fair in Kerry Writers Museum, Kerry
If you have any literature lovers in your life, this is the Christmas market for them. This year's market sees the Kerry Writers' Museum in Listowel team up with St John's Theatre & Arts Centre and Listowel Boys School Food & Craft Market to create a market across two venues. Taking place on Sunday 7 December, shop from local creators and stalls.
Christmas at the Milk Market, Limerick
Limerick's historic Milk Market has a bumper crop of Christmas events planned this year, with something truly for everyone. Starting on Sunday 5 December and running until 24 December, the market promises plenty of festive experiences, as well as a visit from the Big Man himself. Check their Instagram for more updates closer to the time.
Winterval, Waterford
Running from 21 November until 23 December, the magical Winterval Festival returns for another year of spellbinding events.
This year will feature activities and events like The Winterval Circus, a drone show, an ice rink, numerous panto shows, the Winterval mini Express train, a Christmas market and many more stunning events.
See the full programme and book tickets here.
Connacht
Galway Christmas Market, Galway
Now in its 15th year, this charming Continental style market takes place in the iconic Eyre Square and saw 450,000 thousand visitors last year. Running from Friday 7 November to 31 December, you'll find trails of stalls, vintage amusements and The View Wheel.
This year, little ones can meet Santa himself at the market! Tickets to see Santa cost €22.50 and entry to the market is free. For more information, visit here.
Sligo Christmas Market, Sligo
Visit Yeats Country by dropping by the stunning Sligo Christmas Market, taking place from 28 November until 23 December, with stalls and more running throughout, so you could make every day a merry one! Entrance is free.
Ulster
Belfast Christmas Continental Market, Belfast
Held in the dramatic setting of Belfast City Hall, this bustling market is worth a weekend trip up North alone. Now in its 21st year, the Belfast Christmas Market is back with more stunning activities for you and all the family.
Entrance is free. For more information, visit here.
Enchanted Winter Garden and Festive Fayre, Antrim
This year, Antrim Castle Gardens comes alive with lights and magic for the perfect Christmas experience suitable for everyone, taking place 28 November - 30 December. For more, visit here.
