Christmas markets: Our top picks of the markets around Ireland

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

Christmas at the Castle, 2019. Photo: Getty

Dublin Castle Christmas Market, Dublin

A true Yuletide spectacular, the market at Dublin Castle in the city centre is now entering its fifth year and getting more dazzling every year. While tickets haven't been officially announced yet, they usually go on sale at the end of November and the market runs through the festive season. Based on previous years, 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. Check the site in the coming days for dates.

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 over 70 stalls featuring an array of sustainable gift ideas, decorative craft, and tasty seasonal treats.

No booking or tickets required. Runs from December 9 at 10.00am to December 10 at 4.00pm.

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 December 3 from 10am to 4pm. Expect vintage clothes, original artwork, unique homeware and more.

No booking or tickets required, free entry.

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Gifted Christmas Craft Fair, Dublin

Running from December 6-10, 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 €12 for adults and €10 for OAPs (available only from the box office on the day).

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 November 25 with a Garda escort for the Big Man himself! Santa will then make time to see his small visitors from 12pm-4pm, before the Christmas lights are switched on at 4:30pm. All of this excitement, and a bustling Christmas market to boot!

The market will run again on December 2. No tickets required.

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 November 25. 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 25 to December 23. In between, there'll be everything from a Christmas movie night and a festival of decorated Christmas trees, to themed runs and jaw-dropping fire shows.

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.

Kicking off with a night market on November 24, their Sunday market will run on November 26 and December 3 and 23, with Santa due to make an appearance on December 10 and 17. And that's not all, as the team will be ringing in the New Year with a lively celebration and market on December 31.

Tickets to see Santa cost €10. Entrance to the market is free.

Jolly Christmas Market, Ballymahon, Longford

Now in its third year, the Jolly Christmas Market is the brainchild of Joy Boys Pizza and Grill, a beloved foodie spot in Ballymahon. This year will see the team transform their backyard into a merry Winter Wonderland. Expect delicious festive food, as well as performances by Ballymahon School of Music and Sizzle School of Dance, carol Singing and more. Tickets are free, and the market runs on December 2-3 and 8-9.

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 November 25 and 26, there will be a spacious marquee, food and craft stalls, seasonal music and more. The market opens to the public from 10am to 4pm, no tickets required.

Athlone Christmas Market, Westmeath

Held in the Civic Square on December 17, this year's Athlone Christmas Market will feature a special performance by the Midlands Polish Community CLG. The musicians will perform six hours of cheery music while guests can shop around the market.

Kilruddery House and Gardens, Wicklow

If you ever needed a reason to visit the stunning Kilruddery House and Gardens, make it this one. The fabulous Christmas market returns from November 18, running every Saturday and Sunday in the lead up to Christmas, and features a night market on Friday December 22, stalls, food trucks and more.

Wicklow Christmas Markets, Wicklow

What says Christmas more than alpacas?

Okay, so they're not quite reindeer, but at the Wicklow Christmas Market they're just one of the many dazzling attractions at this stand out event. With over 40 stalls at this year's market, as well as food trucks and a sheltered entertainment area with performances and puppet shows, there's something for everyone. Kids can ride the Santa Express train for a magical journey to the North Pole and a delightful visit with Santa.

What's more, the team have added a brand-new Eco-Alpine Skate Trail, 300-metre open-air trail is set to be the highlight of the festive season. The market runs from November 18 to December 17. Tickets for the Skate Trail start at €12 for children and €14 for adults, while entrance to the market is free.

Munster

Ballymaloe Craft Fair, Cork

Running on the grounds of Ballymaloe House from November 17 to 19 and 24 to 26, with over 180 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. Entry is €8 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 from November 24 to January 7, open daily from 12 noon to 9pm. 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. takes place in Kerry Writers' Museum in Listowel on Saturday December 9 from 11am to 5pm. Among the local creators and stalls will be the artworks of the Listowel Visual Artists' Collective, afternoon tea and even a guided tour from Mr and Mrs Claus themselves!

Christmas at the Milk Market, Limerick

Have you an art lover in the family? Spoil them with a trip to the Christmas Art Fair at Limerick Milk Market, a historic insititution in the heart of the city. Taking place on December 3 from 11am to 4pm, this market features over 30 artist stalls and gives you a chance to meet each producer personally, while also sipping on a hot chocolate and splitting a mince pie.

Entrace is free.

Winterval, Waterford

Running from November 17 at 5pm to December 23, the magical Winterval Festival will feature a gigantic Christmas Parade rolling through Waterford city on a 1km route from its Quayside to the top of John Robert's Square. Santa Claus will make his entrance in a special and spectacular way where he will travel to the festival’s main stage for the switching on the City’s Christmas lights, marking the beginning of festivities in Ireland’s oldest City.

Among the delights will be an ice rink, a vintage Ferris wheel at Arundel Square, a vintage carousel in John Robert’s Square, the Port of Waterford Eye and the Winterval mini Express train, the Elf workshops, Polish Christmas, a Gerbola Christmas Circus, Santa’s VR sleigh ride, helter-skelter and more.

See the full programme and book tickets here.

Connacht

Galway Christmas Market, Galway

This charming and cosy market takes place in the iconic Eyre Square and runs from November 10 to December 22. Alongside trails of stalls, you'll find vintage amusements and The View Wheel, which will continue to operate until Christmas Eve.

If you missed your chance to visit the market before Christmas, don't worry: on December 26, a scaled back version of the Christmas Market will re-open on both Eyre Sq North and on the Plaza in Kennedy Park until January 7.

For more information, visit here.

Sligo Christmas Market, Sligo

Visit Yeats Country by dropping by the stunning Sligo Christmas Market, taking place from December 1 until December 24, 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. Festivities kick off on November 18 at 12pm, and run until December 22. Among the culinary delights waiting for you are mouth-watering hog roast, soothing hot drinks, and delicious Italian chocolates or speciality cheeses from across the world, among others.

Entrance is free. For more information, visit here.

Vintage & Handmade Christmas Fair, Tyrone

If you're in the market for something sustainable and one-of-a-kind for your Christmas presents this year, stop by the Vintage & Handmade Christmas Fair in Omagh, Tyrone. Taking place on Sunday, November 26 from 12pm-5pm at the Silverbirch Hotel Omagh, this is a wonderful opportunity to meet local creators.

Christmas markets: Our top picks of the markets around Ireland

Leinster

Munster

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Ulster

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