The 9 Best Dublin Christmas Markets in 2023
I’m extremely biased when it comes to celebrating the Christmas holidays in Dublin. It’s my home, and no matter where I am living around the world, the month of December is solely reserved for a trip back to Dublin to celebrate the holidays with my family. There are many times of the year when Dublin excels at being spectacular. And the Dublin Christmas Markets is one of those times.
The Dublin Christmas Markets are relatively new to the city and really started to take off around 10 years ago. With the minor blip of Covid that derailed some of the festivities around the country over the past 2 years, it’s fairly certain that Christmas in Dublin 2023 is going to be out of this world.
Dublin Christmas Market Tips
- Book your accommodation in advance! December is one of the busiest times to visit Dublin. The prices soar around the week of Christmas (December 25th).
- Pretty much everything shuts down on December 25th. All pubs, restaurants & stores are shut for the day.
- The Dublin Christmas Markets are spread out across the city and the vast majority are free to attend. If you want a ‘proper’ Christmas market experience, you’ll need to head to Cologne or Vienna for a truly Christmassy experience.
The 9 Best Dublin Christmas Markets
1. Dublin Castle Christmas Market
One of the newest Christmas Markets in Dublin, it was a sold-out success last year, and the Dublin Castle Christmas Market is returning in 2023!
Christmas in the Castle is back from December 6th, 2023 to December 19th, 2023, and is a ticketless event! Which is great news after it sold out in record time last year.
Witness the grounds of Dublin Castle transform into an adorable Alpine village with a number of Christmas market chalets in the grounds of Dublin Castle. This is one of the best days out in the city for soaking up some Dublin Christmas Market festive cheer.
Spend an afternoon or evening exploring the Dublin Castle Christmas Market shopping for local artisanal goods (a great place to pick up a few Christmas presents) in the upper courtyard and listening to gospel choirs and Christmas music.
An Indoor Designer Market will also take place on the 9th, 10th, 16th & 17th of December 2023 and provides an opportunity to pick up Irish design and goods from artisans from around the country.
2. Christmas at the Guinness Storehouse
The Guinness Storehouse have managed to create a winter wonderland in Dublin. One of the most festive places to be and experience the Dublin Christmas Markets is enjoying Christmas at the Guinness Storehouse.
From November 22nd and over a 5-week period you can enjoy lots of delicious Guinness-themed treats, ogle at the enormous Christmas Tree and have your picture taken in front of the most famous doors in Dublin.
From November 22rd 2023 celebrate the winter season with Christmas at the Guinness Storehouse. Explore the 7 floors of the Guinness Storehouse with a mulled Guinness (I’m not sure how I feel about that), a superb digital Christmas Tree installation and the festive lights that make up this iconic Dublin brand and beer.
It’s a little different than previous years, but nice for visitors to Dublin and family from overseas to visit.
Related Reads: Christmas Markets in Europe
3. Irish Pop-Up Collective (Christmas Themed)
The Irish Pop-Up Collective is creating a one-off event in the Royal Marina Hotel in Dun Laoghaire. Featuring 58 Irish brands, this is a fantastic way to support Irish businesses and products from around the country.
Also included in the free event are a number of Christmas-themed workshops that include Festive Floral Wreath-making classes, as well as Macramé decorations and block printing Furoshiki Wrapping.
The Irish Pop-Up Collective Christmas Theme runs from 10 am till 7 pm on Sunday 10th of December in the Carlisle Suite in the Royal Marine Hotel in Dun Laoghaire.
For those traveling by car, you’ll find lots of free parking throughout Dun Laoghaire, or come by DART or Dublin Bus.
4. Dún Laoghaire Christmas Festival
Located 40 minutes on the DART from Dublin City Centre, the seaside town of Dún Laoghaire (pronounced Dun Leery) has hosted a Christmas Festival for well over a decade.
With beautiful market stalls that are especially popular in the evenings, the Dún Laoghaire Christmas Festival is a great place to sample delicious Glühwein, hot chocolate and german sausages.
Located beside the Dún Laoghaire Lexicon (Public Library), and opposite the East Pier, an evening spent taking a brisk evening stroll on the pier before strolling through this delightful Dublin Christmas Market is a lovely mid-week event.
5. Gifted – The Contemporary Craft & Design Fair
One of the most iconic Christmas markets in Ireland that celebrates Irish crafts and artisans is the Gifted – The Contemporary Craft & Design Fair in the RDS. Formerly known as the National Crafts & Design Fair, it was rebranded several years ago under the new name of Gifted – The Contemporary Craft & Design Fair.
With hundreds of market stalls selling a wide range of Irish-produced crafts such as ceramics, food, and handcrafted woollen clothing this is one of the best places in Ireland to pick up a truly unique gift.
Be warned though, the Gifted – Contemporary Craft & Design Fair needs an entire day to explore each and every Christmas market stall. There are so many fantastic products that showcase the talent of Irish artisans from all over the country.
The Gifted – Contemporary Craft & Design Fair runs from 6th December – 10th December 2023 and tickets can be purchased directly from the site. Children under 16 and accompanied by an adult gain free entry. Make sure to purchase your tickets in advance as it does sell out early.
6. Dublin Zoo Wild Lights
The Dublin Zoo Wild Lights are one of the most incredible ways to spend a cold winter’s evening in Dublin. Wrap up warm and explore Dublin Zoo by an incredible display of lit-up sculptures. Each year hosts a different theme that celebrates the end of the year with an outstanding light display that takes you through the zoo.
Starting on November 16th 2023 and ending sometime in January 2024, the Dublin Zoo Wild Lights are perfect for the entire family. Although not part of the actual Dublin Christmas Markets, you should soak up the atmosphere and marvel at one of the unmissable events.
Adult Tickets are €24.50 and a child ticket is priced at €20. There is a small discount for Zoo Annual Holders.
7. Farmleigh House Christmas Markets
If you’re visiting Dublin Zoo and the Wild Lights in Phoenix Park during the weekends in December, Farmleigh House & Estate will have Christmas Markets on instead of their usual farmers market. Enjoy beautiful crafts, and handmade goodies as well as exploring the grounds of this beautiful estate house.
The dates for the Farmleigh House Christmas Markets 2023 are:
- 2nd & 3rd December 10 am – 5 pm
- 9th & 10th December 10 am – 5 pm
- 16th & 17th December 10 am – 5 pm
Farmleigh House & Estate is an Edwardian estate that belonged to the Guinness family and now receives visiting dignitaries and royalty during State visits to Ireland. Located in the heart of Phoenix Park, you can visit the house, gallery and working farm.
8. Sustainable Christmas Craftmarket at the National Botanic Gardens of Ireland
Head over to the National Botanic Gardens of Ireland on the weekend of the 9th & 10th of December for a sustainable Christmas market. With over 70 stalls that will feature sustainable gift ideas, food and hand-made crafts and set against the stunning backdrop of the Botanic Gardens, this is going to be one of the best Dublin Christmas Markets in 2023 for sustainability and setting.
Address: National Botanic Gardens of Ireland | Glasnevin, Dublin 9, D09 VY63, Ireland
9. Mistletown Christmas Festival
*Not operational in 2023*
The Mistletown Market is the only indoor Dublin Christmas markets in the heart of the city. Located in the Dublin City Fruit & Veg Market over the Christmas period, the landmark building is transformed into a Christmas extravaganza.
With market stalls, delicious food, and a great atmosphere, the Mistletown Christmas Festival is one of the newer highlights in the Dublin Christmas Markets calendar.
Looking for Christmas Markets in mainland Europe? Check out my post on the Antwerp Christmas Markets in Belgium and the Cologne Christmas Markets in Germany.
Where to Stay in Dublin
Accommodation prices in Dublin at the best of times are expensive. During the months of November and December, the prices for hotels soars through the roof. So be prepared when planning your visit to Dublin, that you may have to pay an outrageous price for a hotel room.
The Marker Hotel // One of the most opulent hotels in Dublin is The Marker Hotel, known for its rooftop terrace and its world-class service. You’ll feel like royalty with a stay here.
Moxy Dublin City // Moxy Dublin City is located just off O’Connell Street and a short stroll from Trinity College Dublin.
Talbot Hotel Stillorgan // A 20-minute bus ride from Dublin City Centre, the Talbot Hotel Stillorgan is a good choice for anyone looking to save a little bit of money being a bit further out from the city. But with buses every 7 minutes, you never have to wait very long.
Some of these may be affiliate links, which means when you buy something I may receive a small commission. There is no additional charge to you, and it really helps to support me – so thank you!
Meet Missy…
Missy spent the first 2 decades of her life living in her native Dublin, Ireland. Before a life living overseas called to her, and she spent the next decade living in China, Laos & Belgium. She now splits her time in Antwerp, Belgium, and wherever the sun is currently shining. You can follow Missy’s real-time travels on her Instagram.
