A thousand pubs and a Viking history that still shapes the streetscape, Dublin has never lacked atmosphere. The Dublin Christmas Market scene adds another layer, with multiple markets spread across a city centre compact enough to wander between them with a coffee in hand.
Dublin Christmas Market 2026
Dates
Status: Expected, based on previous years
Christmas at the Castle: 27th November to 17th December 2026
Christmas Spectacular: 21st November to 2nd January 2027
Winter Wonderland: 21st November to 5th January 2027
Gifted Craft & Design Fair: 3rd to 7th December 2026
Stillgarden: 7th December 2027
Christmas Flea Market: 7th December 2026
Sustainable Craft Market: 13th and 14th December 2026
Wicklow: Weekends: 21st November to 22nd December 2026
Update: Last year’s dates were finalised in September. Sign up for our newsletter to be notified of changes.
Source: Verified by Ultimate Christmas Markets via Visit Dublin.
Plan Your Visit
Click on any of the links below to find detailed information for each event:
- Christmas at the Castle – The winter market at Dublin Castle.
- Christmas Spectacular – European-style market and ice rink.
- Winter Wonderland – At the Guinness Storehouse courtyard.
- Gifted Craft & Design Fair – For contemporary gifts.
- Stillgarden – A one-day market at Liberties.
- Christmas Flea Market – The Digital Hub one-day event.
- Sustainable Craft Market – At the National Botanic Gardens.
- Wicklow – 45 minutes from Dublin.
1. Christmas at the Castle
Christmas at the Castle showcases the season’s best at Dublin Castle, featuring over 30 alpine-style stalls offering a range of handcrafted decorations and gourmet treats.
Location and Times
Status: Expected, based on previous years
Dates: 27th November to 17th December 2026
Location: Dublin Castle courtyard.
Opening times:
Monday to Friday: 12pm to 9pm.
Friday and Saturday: 10am to 9pm.
Christmas Day: Closed.
Travel and Accommodation
Recommended tour: The Highlights and Hidden Gems walking tour is a great introduction to the city.
Public transport: Widely available and accessible.
Parking: Please take public transport to help limit congestion.
Travel tips: Kids will love the carousel and vintage helter skelter, while adults might enjoy a hot toddy.
Where to stay: Zanzibar Locke for its location near O’Connell Street.
Amenities and Attractions
Admission: Free.
Tickets: No.
Lights: No switch on ceremony.
Santa: Yes.
Ice skating: Dublin city centre.
Reason to visit: Family friendly, themed woolly hats, fun Christmas jumpers.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian: Yes, plenty of options.
Vegan: Yes, plenty of options.
Gluten free: Yes, some options.
Food specialities: Mince pies, potato cakes, hot toddy, craft beer.
Accessibility
Accessible: Yes.
Pet-friendly: No.
Convenient Hotels
When in Dublin, I recommend staying at Zanzibar Locke. It’s on the riverfront, near O’Connell Street in the city centre. In this area, you’re near cafes, bars, shopping and sights while having easy access to festive events.
For additional options, read my guide to hotels in Dublin.
Interesting Tours
I recommend taking the Highlights and Hidden Gems walking tour in Dublin. You’ll discover interesting highlights about Dublin’s history as you stroll past significant sites like Dublin Castle, Christchurch Cathedral, and Trinity College.
Alternatively, you might like the Walking Street Food Tour. It’s a fantastic way to get acquainted with Dublin’s food scene. You’ll visit five local spots renowned for their traditional food, finishing with a stop at a favourite dessert spot.
Read our complete guide to the Irish Christmas Markets.
2. Christmas Spectacular
European-style market stalls and an ice rink.
Status: Expected, based on previous years
Dates: 21st November to 2nd January 2027
Location: Smithfield Square
3. Winter Wonderland
Festive decorations, an art installation, a food fair and music in the brewery’s courtyard.
Status: Expected, based on previous years
Dates: 21st November to 5th January 2027
Location: Guinness Storehouse
4. Gifted Craft & Design Fair
Hundreds of designers, artisans, makers and gourmet food producers.
Status: Expected, based on previous years
Dates: 3rd to 7th December 2026
Location: RDS in Ballsbridge
Tickets: €12 online or at the door.
5. Stillgarden
Find natural skincare, homewares and arts and crafts.
Status: Expected, based on previous years
Date: 7th December 2026
Location: Liberties.
Opening times: 11am to 5pm.
6. Christmas Flea Market
A one-day event in Dublin 8.
Status: Expected, based on previous years
Date: 7th December 2026
Location: The Digital Hub
7. Sustainable Craft Market
Hosted by the National Botanic Gardens, the event will have 85 stalls operating both indoors and outdoors.
Status: Expected, based on previous years
Dates: 13th and 14th December 2026
Location: National Botanic Gardens
Opening times: 10am to 4:30pm.
8. Wicklow – Near Dublin
Just a 45-minute drive from Dublin, Wicklow offers a beautiful setting that blends coastal charm with the stunning backdrop of the Wicklow Mountains.
Status: Expected, based on previous years
Dates: Weekends: 21st November to 22nd December 2026
Location: The Murrough and Leitrim Place.
Opening times: Saturday and Sunday: 10am to 7:30pm.
Christmas Day: Closed.
Where to stay: The Bridge Tavern is a popular small hotel near Leitrim Place.
Read our complete guide to the Wicklow Christmas Market.
From twinkling lights to festive foods, we love seeing your holiday adventures. Use #UltimateChristmasMarkets to share your moments with us!
What to Expect
Expect bustling streets like Grafton Street and Henry Street, as well as beautifully decorated shop windows at Brown Thomas and Arnott’s.
Local pubs like The Brazen Head and The Temple Bar invite you to enjoy seasonal treats, such as mince pies and mulled wine, along with traditional hospitality marked by warm welcomes, lively conversations, and cosy atmospheres.
Local Specialties
- Mince Pies: A festive staple with a spiced filling of fruits and nuts encased in a buttery pastry.
- Irish Stew: Savour a bowl of tender Irish lamb and vegetables in a rich Irish stew.
- Soda Bread: Stalls bake fresh Irish soda bread to take home.
- Hot Whiskey: A hot toddy combines whiskey, lemon, cloves, and hot water, sweetened with a bit of honey.
- Seafood Chowder: Rich and creamy, filled with fish and shellfish.
- Boxty: Irish griddled potato pancakes served with a savoury filling or apple sauce.
Gifts and Stocking Fillers
- Aran Sweaters: Classic Irish knits, renowned for their intricate patterns and durability.
- Celtic Jewellery: Choose from pieces that hold historical significance and beauty, like the Trinity knot and Claddagh, which represent love, loyalty and friendship.
- Irish Whiskey: Local distilleries have stalls at the market.
- Irish Linen: Everything from delicate handkerchiefs to embroidered tablecloths.
- Book of Kells Reproductions: Copies of the ancient manuscript, known for its decorated gospels.
- Personalised Baubles: Inscribe your decorations with names or messages.
- Connemara Marble: Gifts made of Connemara marble, a unique green stone found only in Ireland.
Things to Do in Winter
- Take a walk through St Stephen’s Green – The beautiful St Stephen’s Green Park is a peaceful escape from the busy city.
- Enjoy a traditional Irish music session in a cosy pub – Dublin is known for its lively pub culture, and there’s nothing quite like cosying up in a traditional pub with a pint of Guinness and live music.
- Ice-skating – An ice-skating rink is set up in Dublin’s city centre during winter.
- National Gallery of Ireland – This gallery houses a vast collection of European and Irish art from the Middle Ages to the present day.
- Dublin City Gallery The Hugh Lane – Features a contemporary and modern art collection, including works by Francis Bacon and Jack B Yeats.
- EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum – This museum offers an in-depth look into the history of Irish emigration and the stories of the Irish diaspora.
- The Little Museum of Dublin – This museum offers a quirky glimpse into Dublin’s history, with a particular focus on the 20th century.
Sustainability Tips
- Shop mindfully – Consider purchasing locally made or sustainably sourced gifts in Dublin.
- Use public transport – The extensive public transport system includes buses, trams and trains.
- Stay in a sustainable hotel – Several hotels in the city centre use renewable energy sources and have implemented energy-saving measures.
- Support local housing – Book a hotel instead of staying in short-stay apartments. This helps free up housing for residents and reduces pressure on affordability.
- Avoid plastic – Try to avoid purchasing items made or packaged with plastic. For example, purchase gifts wrapped in recyclable paper or reusable fabric.
- Eat locally sourced food – Dublin has a fantastic food scene, with many restaurants preparing locally sourced, organic food.
- Support the arts – Attend events and concerts to support local artists and performers.
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.
When will the tickets be available to book for the market in Dublin Castle
It hasn’t been announced yet. They should become available in the next few weeks.
Is the Docklands Christmas Market still on and if so what are the dates? Are tickets required?
Many thanks
Hi , how would I go about getting a stall in the Christmas markets
I would suggest contacting the organiser or Dublin City Council.
Is the market going ahead?
Yes, it’s going ahead. The dates are confirmed.
What are the dates?
Nothing has been announced for this year.
Sorry, Mistletown is cancelled.