Most people drive through Wicklow on the way to the mountains or Glendalough without stopping, which is a shame. The Wicklow Christmas Market gives this quiet east coast town a weekend energy it doesn’t usually have, running Friday to Sunday through the season.
Wicklow Christmas Market 2026
Dates
Status: Expected, based on previous years
Dates: Weekends: 21st November to 22nd December 2026
Last checked: July 2026
Update: Last year’s dates were announced in October. Sign up for our newsletter to be notified of changes.
Source: Verified by Ultimate Christmas Markets via Visit Wicklow.
Plan Your Visit
Location and Times
Location: The Murrough and Leitrim Place.
Opening times: Saturday and Sunday: 10am to 7:30pm.
Christmas Day: Closed.
Travel and Accommodation
Public transport: Buses are available.
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 a popular small hotel near Leitrim Place.
Amenities and Attractions
Admission: Free. Santa Express and ice skating require tickets.
Payment: Cash is preferred at some stalls.
Santa Express: Take the 30-minute train journey through the Tunnel of Lights towards the North Pole. Santa Express is both indoors and outdoors.
Photos with Santa: Not this year.
Wicklow on Ice: Beyond the Trees in Rathdrum. 14th November to 11th January 2026 (confirmed). Book here.
Reason to visit: Santa Express, artisanal stalls, live music, craft workshops, historic Abbey backdrop.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian: Yes, plenty of options.
Vegan: Yes, plenty of 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: Yes, including accessible toilets.
Pet-friendly: Yes, but not on the Santa Express.
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.
Event Location
Captured a moment that embodies the holiday season? Tag your photos with #UltimateChristmasMarkets — we can’t wait to see your festive finds!
Christmas in Wicklow
Just a short 45-minute drive from Dublin, Wicklow is perfect for a day trip or a more extended stay to enjoy the region.
Unique to Wicklow, you can find handcrafted items from local artisans, including traditional Irish wool products and pottery.
Enjoy specialty foods like Wicklow Blue and Wicklow Bán cheeses, smoked salmon, and craft beers from Wicklow Wolf and Wicklow Brewery.
Attractions include the Santa Express train ride and a 300-metre eco-friendly ice skating trail. Tickets are required for each. Links are listed above.
Entry is free, with over 50 stalls for crafts and local food. A new covered entertainment space promises puppet shows, stilt walkers and live music.
At the Food Stalls
- Hot Buttered Oysters: Locally sourced oysters are shucked on-site and quickly pan-fried in hot butter with a hint of garlic.
- Irish Whiskey Fudge: Fudge is a traditional Irish treat.
- Mulled Wine and Cider: While not unique to Ireland, these festive drinks are always popular at winter markets.
- Barmbrack: A dense Irish fruitcake filled with sultanas and raisins.
- Bratwurst Sausages: German-style sausages served in a bun.
- Cheese Toasties: One stall serves up delicious cheese toasties.
- Hot Chocolate: A classic treat, with Irish cream liqueur as an optional addition.
What to Buy
- Woollens: Wicklow, known as the ‘Garden of Ireland’, has a tradition of sheep farming and wool products.
- Irish Whiskeys and Craft Beers: Available as gift boxes.
- Artisan Cheese: From regional producers.
- Musical Instruments: Look for a stall selling traditional Irish musical instruments such as the bodhrán (an Irish frame drum) or the tin whistle.
Responsible Travel
- Stay in an Eco Hotel: If you’re visiting and staying overnight in Wicklow, book a hotel powered by renewable energy.
- Reduce Food Waste: Purchase only what you can eat to minimise food wastage. Additionally, consider packing any leftovers for later to prevent food waste.
- Ethical Consumption: Support local artisans and producers who use sustainable manufacturing and packaging practices.
- Sustainable Food: Try some of the vegetarian or plant-based options available at the market.
- Transport: Wicklow is a compact city, making it easy to get around on foot or by bike. Bike rentals are available.
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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