The train from Dublin runs along the coast for much of the way, which is half the fun of a December trip to the Wicklow Christmas Market. It’s a small event with a Victorian Santa at weekends, so it suits an afternoon rather than a whole day. Stay on for dinner by the harbour, or make a night of it and head into the mountains in the morning.
Wicklow Christmas Market 2026
Dates
Status: Confirmed
Dates:
21st to 22nd, 28th to 29th November
4th to 6th, 11th to 13th, 18th to 20th December 2026
Last checked: October 2026
Update: Dates were announced in October. Sign up for our newsletter to be notified of changes.
Source: Verified by Ultimate Christmas Markets via Wicklow Christmas.
Plan Your Visit
Location and Times
Location: Wicklow Historic Gaol
Opening times:
Friday: 2pm to 7pm
Saturday and Sunday: 10am to 7pm
Christmas Day: Closed
Travel and Accommodation
Recommended Tour: Wicklow, Glendalough and Kilkenny day tour
Public transport: Trains from Dublin Connolly and Bus Éireann route 133 both serve Wicklow town.
Parking: Please take public transport to help limit congestion.
Travel tips: While it’s possible to visit on a day trip from Dublin, it’s worth staying overnight to explore the area.
Where to stay: The Bridge Tavern is near Leitrim Place.
Amenities and Attractions
Admission: Free
Santa: Meet Victorian Santa from the 28th November
Activities: Dickens and Scrooge storytelling, festive workshops, movie nights.
Wicklow on Ice: Beyond the Trees in Rathdrum. 14th November to 10th January 2027. Book here.
Reason to visit: Victorian Santa, artisanal stalls, festive food, crafts and gifts, live music and The Governor’s Table Cafe.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian: Some options.
Vegan: Some options.
Gluten-free: Limited. Ask individual vendors, but beware of cross-contamination.
Specialities: Homemade fudge, traditional Irish soda bread, local cheese, smoked salmon, craft ales.
Accessibility
Accessible: The Gaol is a historic building, so ask the organiser about step-free access before you visit.
Pet-friendly: Check with the organiser before bringing a dog.
Convenient Hotels
Only a couple of hotel options are available near the market. I suggest staying at the Bridge Tavern for its ideal location and affordable price.
Read our complete guide to the Christmas markets in Ireland.
Visit Ireland’s most popular winter event, Dublin Christmas Market.
Recommended Tours
Nine hours by coach through the Wicklow Mountains, the monastic settlement at Glendalough and on to Kilkenny, guided the whole way. It runs year-round, and it’s warm and dry, which counts for a lot in an Irish December. The Wicklow and Glendalough day tour leaves from Dublin, so it suits you if you’re based in the city.
Christmas in Wicklow
A 45-minute drive from Dublin, Wicklow works as a day trip, but it’s nicer with a night in town. This year the market moves inside Wicklow’s Historic Gaol, built in 1702, which held rebels from the 1798 Rising and convicts awaiting transportation to Australia. It’s reopening under new management with guided tours and a courtyard cafe, so you can tour the cells while you’re there.
Afterwards, walk down through the town to the harbour, or follow the coast out to the Black Castle, the ruins of a 12th-century Norman fortress on the rocks above the sea. It’s a short, bracing walk, and the best way to finish a winter afternoon here.
At the Food Stalls
- Barmbrack: A dense Irish fruit loaf packed with sultanas and raisins, best sliced and buttered.
- Irish Whiskey Fudge: Fudge is a traditional Irish treat, and a whiskey version makes an easy gift too.
- Mulled Wine and Cider: Hot spiced drinks to hold while you browse on a cold coastal evening.
- Hot Chocolate: Ask for a splash of Irish cream liqueur if you’re not driving.
What to Buy
- Woollens: Wicklow, known as the Garden of Ireland, has a long tradition of sheep farming and wool.
- Local Spirits and Beer: The county has its own producers, including Glendalough Distillery and Wicklow Wolf Brewery, so look for nearby bottles and gift packs.
- Wicklow Cheese: Wicklow Blue and Wicklow Bán, a soft white cheese, are made on a family farm in the county.
- Traditional Instruments: A bodhrán (an Irish frame drum) or a tin whistle makes a gift with a story.
Responsible Travel
- Take the train from Dublin: Wicklow station is on the Dublin to Rosslare line, with Irish Rail services from Dublin Connolly via Bray, so there’s no need to drive.
- Or the 133 bus: Bus Éireann route 133 links Dublin and Wicklow town, handy if you’re staying in Dublin city centre.
- Explore on foot: Wicklow is a compact town, and the Gaol, Market Square, the harbour and the Black Castle are all within walking distance of each other.
- Walk the River Vartry: A path along the River Vartry near the harbour makes a quiet walk between the stalls and dinner, with no car needed.
Comment below if you want to leave a Xmas review, have any questions or would like to report any inaccuracies.
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Recommendations are independently chosen based on personal travel experiences and extensive research. While we make every effort to provide accurate information, the dates and details listed here should not be relied upon as definitive. Please consult the official website before booking your trip or planning a visit.
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