Christmas Markets 2024-2025 in Ireland

Christmas markets have only started to appear in Ireland in the 21st century. But this recent tradition is getting increasingly popular, attracting locals and visitors with live entertainment, festive treats, and gift shopping.

Galway Continental Christmas Market (November 8, 2024–January 5, 2025)

The Galway Continental Christmas Market on Eyre Square is the oldest and the most picturesque holiday fair in Ireland. Over 50 small wooden chalets are nicely decorated and smell of pine and spices. A huge Christmas tree and stage for carolers complete the picture. The Galway Christmas Market holds workshops for kids and Santa Claus visits. German sausages, pretzels, and waffles are offered as snacks.

Admission & Hours

Admission to the market is completely free. However, Santa visits are subject to a fee. Since its opening on November 8th and up until January 5th, the grounds are open from noon until 8 pm from Monday through Wednesday, from 10 am until 10 pm from Thursday through Saturday, and from 10 am until 8 pm on Sunday. The bar is open until 10 pm daily. On December 25th, the market is closed to visitors.

Winterval Waterford (November 15–December 23, 2024)

Ireland's biggest Christmas festival Winterval takes place in Waterford. It's impossible to imagine Christmas in Waterford without the Waterford Eye! Take a spin on this 105-foot (32-m) high Wheel and get to see Waterford City and the Suir River from above. Various events take place all throughout the Waterford City. One of the favorite attractions of children is hosted at the Waterford Medieval Museum and features Santa's visits. Tickets to Santa cost €25 for children, while adults can accompany them for free.

Another place to meet Santa is a specially designed Magic Snow Globe in Arundel Square. For access to the Globe and to take a group photo with Santa, pre-booking is required. And if you prefer an outdoor stroll, the festive atmosphere is guaranteed. Magical holiday lights will illuminate the streets of Waterford. Besides, the WindowsOfWinterval contest usually runs throughout the festival: local shops will do their best to decorate their windows, and guests will post and tag photos of their favorite windows.

Fly with Santa Helicopter Rides

Embrace your inner child and get excited about Christmas when going on a flight with Santa in his helicopter. The helicopter tours are run by Adventure 001, and the ticket includes a 10- or 20-kilometer flight, a cup of hot chocolate or a glass of bubbly, a safety briefing, and insurance. The aircraft depart from Waterford Airport. Tickets cost €70 for one person, with the minimum age being four years old.

Belfast Continental Christmas Market (November 16–December 22, 2024)

Belfast in Northern Ireland, hosts their annual Continental Christmas Market, transforming its city hall grounds into a European village. Food choices include French tarts, Italian nougat, and Belgian chocolate. The market operates on the grounds of Belfast City Hall, near the Grand Opera House. The venue is open from 10 am until 8 pm from Monday through Wednesday, from 10 am until 10 pm from Thursday through Saturday, and from noon until 6 pm on Sunday.

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

If you don't mind taking a one-hour trip away from Dublin, you can visit the Wicklow Christmas Market, held at the Abbey Grounds in the town of Wicklow. Grab a steaming mug of mulled wine and get ready to immerse yourself in the festive spirit! Besides the Fun Fair, Jingle Bell Express with a magical trip through the Tunnel of Lights, artisan craft offerings, and a vast variety of food stalls, Wicklow Christmas Market also offers an opportunity to embrace the magic of Christmas by gliding on the Eco-Ice Rink.

Tickets & Schedule

The market is set to be open on the weekend on the following dates: November 23-24th, November 30th, December 1st, December 7-8th, December 14-15th, and December 21-22nd. The grounds welcome visitors from 10 am until 7:30 pm on both Saturday and Sunday. Entry into the Wicklow Christmas Market is free, but if you'd like to experience a Jingle Bell Express ride, consider booking tickets in advance since they are limited. Tickets vary around €10-€19.95.

Dublin Castle Christmas Market (December 6–19, 2024)

Dublin Castle Christmas Market is the main holiday destination in the capital of Ireland. During the Christmas season, Dublin Castle is adorned with holiday lights, and the entrance to the castle is lined with about 100 Christmas trees. Christmas at the Castle features over 20 craft stalls at the Upper Castle Yard, food and drink concessions, and stalls with traditional Christmas goods and decor. In the evening, music performances take place in the Spiegel-style tent. Carol singing and a vintage carousel add more magic to the market! Market doors are open from 12 pm to 9 pm.

Corkmas Christmas Celebration (November 15–December 30, 2024)

This event is truly a trip down memory lane. The annual Christmas celebration in the city of Cork, aptly named Corkmas, features enchanting festive light installations from late November through early January. The Cork Opera House Panto is an essential part of Christmas celebrations in Cork; thus, window installations will bring some of the most famous Panto titles to life and absorb attendees into a creative and interactive theater.

Besides the lights, come to witness a lively Christmas parade at 6:30 pm on the opening day and enjoy the cheer of Santa experience. The streets of Cork will be transformed into a holiday wonderland with over 4 miles (7 km) of lights shining across the city for the Christmas season.

Cork Opera House Panto Christmas Show (November 27, 2024–January 19, 2025)

As part of the holiday festivities in the vibrant city of Cork, its iconic opera house hosts a magnificent Cinderella performance. The play is filled with numerous light effects, breathtaking songs, comedic elements, and fluid dances, all meant to capture the attention of the audience. Tickets to the Christmas show vary from €25 to €39, with performances taking place either at 1-2 pm or at 6-7 pm.