While it might not have the same high profile as some other European destinations, the Emerald Isle is a dark horse when it comes to charming Christmas markets. Whether you're staying in Cork or Dublin, in this blog we'll unpack the best Christmas markets in Ireland so that you can experience Christmas magic and get in the spirit for the season.
What You Should Know About Irish Christmas Markets
Are There Christmas Markets in Ireland?
Yes, Ireland does have Christmas markets! Throughout the country, you'll find a variety of Christmas markets offering everything from handmade crafts to classic Christmas treats. Irish Christmas markets are scattered across towns and cities, each with its own unique charm and selection of Christmas goodies.
Where Is the Most Christmassy Place in Ireland?
While Ireland boasts many beautiful destinations for Christmas, Galway is often regarded as one of the most Christmassy places thanks to its festive lights, local crafts, and delicious food. That said, other Irish cities like Dublin, Cork and Belfast also offer fantastic Christmas activities, each with its own special touch.
What Are the Christmas Traditions in Ireland?
If you're spending Christmas in Ireland be sure to do it as the Irish do and join in on their timeless Christmas traditions. Christmas in Ireland typically kicks off with the lighting of Christmas lights in towns and cities, and many places have a special Christmas Eve mass, known as the "Midnight Mass".
Additionally, on St. Stephen's Day (otherwise known as boxing day in the UK), it's common for people to watch the horse races in Leopardstown either in person or on TV. On St. Stephen’s Day, you can also see groups of "Wren Boys" performing traditional music and dance in a lively, community-focused celebration.
What Do You Eat on Christmas in Ireland?
For breakfast on Christmas day, people in Ireland like to eat a hearty cooked Irish breakfast including white pudding, bacon, eggs and bread. While a traditional Irish Christmas dinner includes roasted meats, Brussels sprouts, and, of course, the beloved Christmas pudding or Irish Christmas cake.
The 7 Best Christmas Markets in Ireland in 2025
Now that we've unpacked what to expect when spending Christmas in Ireland, here are some of the Christmas markets in Ireland to help you soak up and spread the Christmas cheer.
- Dublin Castle Christmas Market
- Galway Christmas Market
- Belfast Christmas Market
- Cork Christmas Market
- Kilkenny Christmas Market
- Hillsborough Christmas Market
- Derry Christmas Market
1. Dublin Castle Christmas Market 2025
- Location: Dublin Castle, Dame Street, Dublin
- Dates: 28th November - 18th December 2025
- Opening Times: 11am - 7pm (all week)
- Price: Free
A true Bavarian style Christmas market, this Irish Christmas market is small but very beautifully decorated with over 100 Christmas trees lining the path to the castle. Visitors can enjoy mulled wine, and mince pies, and explore a variety of local crafts.
Did you know that there are actually several Dublin Christmas markets? That's right, there are hundreds of Christmas fairs that pop up around the city, but in our opinion, the best one has to be the Christmas at the Castle.
Where to stay near the Dublin Christmas market
The Chancery Hotel | 21 Ship Street Great, Dublin Castle, Dublin, D08 AFY9, Ireland | ★★★★
If you want to stay close to Dublin's Castle Christmas market, we recommend staying at The Chancery Hotel. This luxurious spa hotel is centrally located and is only a 10-minute walk away from Dublin Castle.
2. Galway Christmas Market 2025
- Location: Eyre Square, Galway
- Dates: mid-November 2025 - early January 2026 (official dates to be confirmed)
- Opening Times:
Monday - Wednesday: 12pm - 8pm, bar until 10pm
Thursday - Saturday: 10am - 10pm
Sunday: 10am - 8pm - Price: Free
Galway’s Christmas market is widely acclaimed to be the best Christmas market in Ireland and is the oldest, running for fourteen going on fifteen years.
Conveniently located in Galway's city centre, the Galway Christmas Market has over 50 wooden chalets selling handmade crafts, Christmas decorations, and delicious food. From Irish woollen goods to German sausages and sweet treats, there’s something for everyone. After you've danced along to Galway’s lively street performers and traditional music, take a spin on the 32-metre-high big wheel, ride on the Santa Express or visit Santa's Grotto.
While you're at Santa's Grotto, don't miss the chance to post your letter to Santa in his postbox.
Where to stay near the Galway Christmas Market
Menlo Park Hotel | Headford Rd, Galway, H91 E98N, Ireland | ★★★★
If you're looking for a hotel near the Galway Christmas market, consider the Menlo Park Hotel. Previous guests have appreciated the beautiful rooms and general cleanliness.
3. Belfast Christmas Market 2025
- Location: City Hall, Belfast
- Dates: 15th November - 22nd December 2025
- Opening Times:
Monday - Wednesday: 10am - 8pm
Thursday - Saturday: 10am - 10pm
Sunday: 12pm - 6pm - Price: Free
The Belfast Christmas Market, held at City Hall, has been running for over 20 years. A visit to the Belfast Christmas Market is themed around Charles Dickens' famous novel "A Christmas Carol", so you'll find plenty of references to his beloved stories and characters if you do decide to pay a visit.
Another highlight of the Belfast Christmas Market 2025 is the 100+ chalets selling Christmas fayre like handmade Christmas gifts and woodwork. Naturally, you'll be pleased with the delicious festive food on offer to warm you up during your visit. Take your pack from:
- German bratwursts
- Dutch pancakes
- French pastries
The Belfast Christmas market features a great selection of local crafts and gifts, Christmas lights and incredible live music. But there's also plenty for the little ones to enjoy like a Santa Train, ferris wheel and an Olaf ride. Once you've finished browsing the stalls, why not watch a festive show like a pantomime or orchestra performance at nearby venues to take your trip to the next level?
Where to stay near the Belfast Christmas Market
Peartree Hill | 60 Peartree Hill, Dundonald, Belfast, BT16 1XE | ★★★★★
For a luxury hotel near the Belfast Christmas Market, book a night (or redeem your hotel gift card) at Peartree Hill. Previous guests have loved the friendly hosts and attention to detail.
4. Cork Christmas Market 2025
- Location: Emmet Place, Cork
- Dates: TBC
- Opening Times: TBC
- Price: Free
Next on our list of the best Christmas markets in Ireland is the Cork Christmas market which offers:
- Live entertainment
- Winter lights experiences
- A scenic Ferris wheel
You can check the website for up-to-date listings for what's on each weekend or evening and be on the look-out for surprise characters browsing the stalls too!
Where to stay near the Cork Christmas Market
Imperial Hotel | 76 South Mall Street, Cork, T12 A2YT, Ireland | ★★★★
Right in the centre of Cork, this spa hotel will just make you feel right at home. Enjoy modern rooms with a historical touch and glamour, and get pampered in the spa.
5. The Kilkenny Christmas Market 2025 (Yulefest Christmas Market)
- Location: The Parade, Kilkenny City
- Dates: Every weekend from Saturday 29th November 2025
- Opening Times:
Saturday: 11am - 8pm
Sunday: 11am - 6pm - Price: Free
Another of the best Christmas markets in Ireland is the Kilkenny Christmas Market, otherwise known as Yulefest Kilkenny. At the Christmas market, you can enjoy classic festive treats, Christmas crafts, live music, art workshops and Santa experiences each weekend, plus Christmas light trails and special festive events each week.
Where to stay near the Kilkenny Christmas Market
Kilkenny Hibernian Hotel | 1 Ormonde St, Gardens, Kilkenny, R95 WTK3, Ireland | ★★★★★
3 minutes from Kilkenny Castle, you'll find the Kilkenny Hibernian Hotel. Centrally located with comfy beds and a great breakfast, it's perfect for exploring the nearby Christmas market in Ireland.
6. Royal Hillsborough Christmas Market 2025
- Location: Dark Walk at Hillsborough Fort, Hillsborough
- Dates: TBC
- Opening Times: TBC
- Price: Free
For a Christmas market in Ireland with a magical vibe, head to Hillsborough’s Dark Walk. With over 50 stalls selling everything from pottery to candles and jewellery, it’s ideal for nabbing unique gifts.
The choir performances along The Dark Walk? Pure Christmas magic. Plus, there’s plenty to eat and drink, from artisan hot chocolates to mouth-watering pastries and local dishes.
Where to stay near the Hillsborough Christmas Market
Lisnacurran Country House B&B | 6 Listullycurran Rd, Dromore, BT25 1RB, Northern Ireland | ★★★
A charming countryside B&B just a short drive from Hillsborough, offering homey rooms and a warm, festive welcome.
7. Derry Christmas Market 2025 (Guildhall Craft Fair)
- Location: Guildhall, Derry
- Dates: 14th - 16th November 2025
- Opening Times: 10am - 6pm
- Price:
The Derry Christmas Market 2025 is set against the backdrop of the city’s historic Guildhall. The Christmas market’s wooden chalets offer a variety of handmade gifts, Irish knitwear, and seasonal treats like mince pies and roasted chestnuts. One of the must-sees is the giant snow globe, where families can take cute festive photos, while the live performances on Guildhall Square stage only add to the Christmas vibes. For foodies, this Irish Christmas market is a treat, with stalls serving everything from Irish stew to international street food.
Where to stay near the Derry Christmas Market
Bishop’s Gate Hotel | 24 Bishop St, Derry, BT48 6PP, Northern Ireland | ★★★★
A luxury hotel minutes from Guildhall Square giving you easy access to the Christmas market.
Will You Visit Ireland's Christmas Markets 2024?
With our blog, we hope we've shown that you don't need to jet to the likes of France or Germany to experience the magic of a classic Christmas market. Ireland’s very own Christmas markets provide tons of festive excitement to please.
Showcasing local crafts, hearty Irish food, and a warm Christmas spirit. If you’re looking for a unique and charming Christmas day out in Ireland, these Christmas markets are just the trick.
Gift a Hotel in Ireland with our Hotelgifts
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The various formats of the hotel vouchers mean you can gift a hotel stay to your loved ones no matter where they are in the world. Plus, they can choose to redeem their gift card for hotels then and there, or save it for later since our hotel gifts are valid for 2 years since the date of purchase. Whenever they do decide to book a hotel, they'll be able to choose from over 750,000 hotels spread across the globe.