Christmas Markets in Dublin 2024

Beginning in mid-November, holiday lights and Christmas trees make Dublin city center a perfect place for a holiday stroll and shopping. Dublin hosts a few vibrant Christmas Markets to enjoy.

Dublin Castle Christmas Market (November 28–December 18, 2024)

The Dublin Castle Christmas Market, also known as "Christmas at the Castle," is a highlight of the holiday season in Ireland's capital. The castle is beautifully decorated with holiday lights and around 100 Christmas trees. The market, held at the Upper Castle Yard, features over 20 craft stalls, food and drink concessions, and traditional Christmas goods and decorations. In the evenings, visitors can enjoy music performances in a Spiegel-style tent, carol singing, and a vintage carousel, adding to the festive atmosphere.

Open Hours & Tickets

Admission to the Dublin Castle Christmas Market, "Christmas at the Castle," is free this year—no tickets are required. The market is open daily from 12 pm to 9 pm. Please note that the indoor craft market is running from December 6 to 8 and December 13 to 15.

Wicklow Christmas Market (November 23–December 22, 2024)

The Wicklow Christmas Market, set in the historic Abbey grounds in Wicklow Town, about an hour from Dublin, is a festive delight. Visitors can enjoy local artisan foods, gifts, decorations, and a range of workshops. The market features family-friendly activities like Santa's Express to Santa's Wonderland, an Alpaca experience, carnival rides, and games. This year, a new covered entertainment area offers live music, puppet performances, stilt walkers, and delightful surprises to enhance the festive experience.

Open Hours & Tickets

The Wicklow Christmas Market will be open on November 23rd, 24th, and 30th, and December 1st, 7th, 8th, 14th, 15th, 21st, and 22nd, from 10 am to 7:30 pm on Saturdays and Sundays. It is easily accessible from Dublin city center via Bus Eireann's 133, train, or by car, with parking available next to the Abbey Grounds. The event is free of charge, inviting everyone to explore the festive stalls. The Jingle Bell Express offers rides with prices ranging from €10 to €19.95 for adults, €10 to €25.95 for children (ages 1-12), and €10 for infants under 12 months.

The Dún Laoghaire Christmas Market (November 24–December 31, 2024)

For a coastal holiday experience, visit the Dún Laoghaire Christmas Market, located about 45 minutes from Dublin. This festive attraction runs from late November to New Year’s Eve and features the largest Christmas lights display in the area. Highlights include a spectacular Ferris Wheel, a traditional German-style market, and dozens of vendors selling handmade crafts such as metal art, photography, jewelry, and decorations. The air is filled with the aroma of global holiday foods like sausages, crepes, goulash, and gluhwein.

Open Thursday to Sunday, the market is part of the larger Dún Laoghaire Christmas Festival, which includes events like Santa's arrival, ice skating, a Santa experience at the National Maritime Museum, a Christmas in the Park event, and a dazzling New Year’s Eve fireworks display.