Dublin Christmas Market: The Complete Guide

Dublin does Christmas right with its dazzling displays and festive Christmas markets. From centuries-old traditions to newer customs, everyone will have a wonderful time celebrating the Christmas season. Spend time on the weekend at a Dublin Christmas market looking for the right gift for that someone special or hanging out with family and friends.

When you visit a Christmas market in Dublin you are sure to make new friends and find interesting entertainment and gift ideas. Hot mulled cider will warm you straight to your soul as you wander through the streets of Dublin during the winter festivities. Dublin Castle is especially nice to visit during this time of year.

Stow your things in a Dublin luggage locker before you make your way through the merry streets in search of Dublin Christmas markets. As you meander along, you will learn about the traditions and folklore surrounding the Christmas season. This fun and exciting city come alive in December. This handy guide is a great tool. Check official websites for dates too.

Dublin Christmas Market

The Dublin City Centre comes alive from December 3rd to December 23rd when the Dublin Christmas Market is up and running. It is one of the most popular events during the Christmas season. Vendors of every shape and size can be found as you stroll through the streets in search of interesting and unique gift ideas. Be sure to visit the artisan food village while here.

Food vendors are also set up so you can sip mulled wine as you munch on seasonal treats. The Dublin Christmas Market used to have to compete with both the Dublin Castle market and the Mistletown Christmas Festival, but this year the Mistletown Christmas Festival has been canceled.

What to do near Dublin Christmas Market

Being in the Dublin city center, there are a plethora of activities and interesting sights to see. Trinity College is not far from the Christmas market and this historic and prestigious college is interesting to see, especially the Old Library. Take a walk-through Phoenix Park and you may see some of the local wildlife.

Dublin Castle Christmas Market

Also called Christmas at the Castle, this dynamic market offers programs for people of all ages. Horse-drawn carriage rides are very popular with couples and the live entertainment including carolers lends a festive air. Visitors to the Dublin Castle Christmas Market have free entry to the state apartments in Dublin Castle.

There are around 30 vendors that set up stalls and offer crafts and other goods. It is one of the best places to check off everyone on your list in one productive morning. Bring along a few extra empty shopping bags to tote home all the wonderful things you find. It is one of the best Christmas markets in Dublin and is filled with festive fun.

The holiday lights that adorn Dublin Castle are breathtaking and the entrance is lined with around 100 fully decorated Christmas trees. The vintage carousel adds just a touch of nostalgia to the market and will make you want to visit as often as possible. The food vendors with festive food are also on hand offering Christmas goodies and traditional street fare.

What to do near Dublin Castle Christmas Market

A visit to the Garda Siochana Memorial Garden is a must when you are near Dublin Castle. City Hall is also within walking distance and the 3Olympia Theatre in Temple Bar really should be on your list of places to see when in Dublin near the castle.

Swords Castle Christmas Market

The best family-friendly Christmas market in the city, you and your kids will want to spend the entire day exploring the nooks and crannies of Swords Castle Christmas Market. The wide variety of artists and traders offer unique, fun, and interesting items that are sure to delight anyone on your gift list.

Kids need to bring their Christmas lists because Santa makes several appearances throughout the market. The Kids’ Christmas Cinema Club and magic shows are a delight for children of all ages. Live music will help get everyone into the holiday spirit and Christmas carols always make you joyful.

Located in the historic courtyard of Swords Castle near Dublin City Centre, this smaller market usually opens for the second and third weekends in December. Thankfully, the crowds are smaller than the larger markets but with the Mistletown market not being held this year, the crowds could be bigger at the Swords Castle Christmas Market.

What to do near Swords Castle Christmas Market

Swords Round Tower is an interesting place to see, but St. Columba’s Church’s architecture will be worth the walk from the castle. Dine at the Old Boro Public House if you did not fill up on goodies at the Christmas market. Malahide Castle is also not far from Swords Castle.

Dún Laoghaire Christmas Market

While not in the city of Dublin, the 40-minute drive from the city is well worth it. The famous Dun Laoghaire Christmas Festival is located along the coast and here is where you will find vendors offering fabulous gifts including Irish crafts. Food stalls here have gone international with cuisine choices from around the world.

One of the draws of the Dún Laoghaire Christmas Festival is the Ferris wheel that was featured in the movie Grease, which is part of the vintage funfair. Santa Claus officially opens the festival in Harbour Plaza on November 30th when he switches on the Christmas lights. A vintage carnival will take you back in time to when you were younger.

What to do near Dun Laoghaire Christmas Market

Since you made the drive or took public transport to the Dun Laoghaire Christmas Market, you will want to explore a bit. The James Joyce Tower & Museum is interesting and offers a glimpse into the history of the town. The Dún Laoghaire Harbour is a wonderful place to watch boats coming and going, and cafes nearby offer fantastic views of the harbor. People’s Park is another picturesque place to visit.

Find joy at Dublin Christmas Markets

There are many more Christmas markets in Dublin that you will want to visit including the Sustainable Christmas Market, Terenure Christmas Festival, and the Wicklow Christmas Market where you will find festive treats and beautiful Christmas decorations. As you make your way through Dublin's Christmas markets you will definitely be able to finish your Christmas shopping!

Stop by Guinness Storehouse for a tasting and be sure to visit during Guinness Storehouse Winterfest where market stalls are overflowing with a variety of items. Central Dublin comes alive with activities for the whole family.

You will get in the Christmas spirit this festive season as you search for handmade gifts to give as Christmas presents as you celebrate Dublin Christmas Market 2022! See the other cheery and joyful markets too, while enjoying a winter wonderland and traditional alpine market stalls. Live performances, a wide array of items at the craft market, and carol singing bring people together and make Christmas markets in Dublin worth visiting.

Now you are ready to enjoy the Christmas markets in Dublin. For more things to do in Dublin, check out these other guides.

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