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.
Check out my guide on how to get from Dublin Airport to Dublin City Centre here.
Christmas Activities
- Join Santa on the Vintage Tea Vintage Bus Tour of Dublin. With select dates on the lead-up to Christmas, meet Santa Claus whilst enjoying Afternoon Tea!
- The Bus That Stole Christmas! A Pantomime that takes place entirely onboard a stationary double-decker bus! Limited weekend availability, but fun for young children (and big ones too :)). Nutgrove Shopping Centre.
1. Dublin Castle Christmas Market
One of the newest Christmas Markets in Dublin, it was a sold-out success in 2022, and the Dublin Castle Christmas Market is hopefully returning in 2023!
With a huge number of Christmas market stalls in the grounds of Dublin Castle, this is one of the best days out in the city. 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) and listening to gospel choirs and Christmas music.
With over 30 Christmas market stalls to choose from, the kids will be entertained by a large carousel and may also want to try all the delicious food available throughout the Dublin Castle Christmas market.
Dates for the Dublin Castle Christmas Market are from the 8th of December to the 21st of December. Tickets are free and there are 4 daily slots in an effort to avoid overcrowding. The time slots available are from 2 pm to 3:30 pm, 4 pm to 5:30 pm, 6 pm to 7:30 pm, and 8 pm to 9:30 pm. Book your free tickets on eventbrite.ie from November 11th.
2. Guinness Storehouse Winterfest
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 the Winterfest at the Guinness Storehouse.
Over 5 weeks where 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 23rd 2022 to January 6th 2023 the Guinness brewery celebrates a special ‘Welcome Home’ at the Guinness Storehouse with Irish visual artist GRIF. 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.
3. 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 30th November – 4th December 2022 (dates for 2023 are yet to be released) 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.
4. Mistletown Christmas Festival
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.
5. 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 October 28th 2022 and ending on January 9th 2023, 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 €23 and a child ticket is priced at €19. There is a small discount for Zoo Annual Holders.
6. 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.
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.
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.
