Dublin Christmas Markets 2025: 8 Likely To Return

There is no standalone Dublin Christmas Market – instead, the city’s festive spirit comes from a collection of markets dotted across castle courtyards, city squares, and neighbourhood venues.

It’s worth noting from the beginning that the capital is still severely lacking when it comes to decent festive markets, even though a few recent additions have given the city a Christmassy boost.

And, while the last few years have been a bit all over the place, we can expect several Christmas Markets in Dublin in 2025!

What to know about the Dublin Christmas markets 2025

UPDATE: Christmas at the Castle has been cancelled

If you’re looking to visit Christmas Markets in Dublin in 2025, take 10 seconds to read the points below, first:

1. Don’t believe what 90% of websites are saying

So, if you Google ‘Dublin Christmas Market 2025’ you’ll find a load of websites listing markets that no longer take place, e.g. the Dublin Flea Christmas Market or the market at the IFSC – they’re using very outdated information.

2. There’s very few Bavarian-style markets

There’s hundreds of Christmas fairs taking place across Dublin in halls and car parks. Unfortunately, there’s only one (maybe two) Christmas markets in Dublin in 2025 that are even remotely Bavarian-style.

3. The reality

In recent years there has only been one ‘main’ Dublin Christmas market and that’s the one in Dublin Castle, which has now been cancelled. The likes of Mistletown (not running), the old Dun Laoghaire Christmas Market (hasn’t run in several years) and the Guinness Storehouse Christmas Market (it wasn’t a market last year) are all unlikely to go ahead.

9 Christmas markets in Dublin returning in 2025

Photos via Shutterstock

Although the dates for the Dublin Christmas markets are still TBC, I’ll tell you what we know based on previous years (there are plenty of Christmas markets in Ireland, too!).

Below, you’ll find the markets that are definitely going ahead along with ones that are very likely to go ahead!

1. The Dublin Castle Christmas Market (update: now cancelled)

Photos by The Irish Road Trip

A couple of years back, the Dublin Castle Christmas market arrived out of nowhere and it went down reasonably well.

It is one of the only Christmas markets in Dublin that has run consistently for over 4 years and it’s set in the impressive grounds of Dublin Castle.

In previous years, the castle was finely decked out in fairy lights and the entrance to the castle grounds was lined with 100+ Christmas trees.

The main market is held within the courtyard where there is all of the usual stalls selling festive bits and bobs, a carousel and an open-air bar (more info here).

As per this statement, the Dublin Castle Christmas Market won’t be taking place this year.

2. The new Smithfield Christmas Market

Dublin’s newest Christmas market, the Smithfield Christmas Market, was launched last year, but the reviews were mixed.

In 2025 TwinkleTown Dublin, is replacing last year’s market with a major revamp planned.

This year’s highlights include a super-size ice rink, a Ferris wheel, vintage fairground rides, a family panto, and the cosy Twinkle Tavern serving winter warmers.

Visitors can browse twinkling market stalls for festive food, drinks, and gifts, while live shows and performances in the Spiegeltent add a new cultural twist.

TwinkleTown will run from November 28th to January 4th at Smithfield Square.

3. The Swords Castle Christmas Market

Photo right licensed from Irene Fox

If there’s one Dublin Christmas market that’s stood strong in recent years it’s the one in Swords Castle.

It’s home to over 50 stalls buckling with gifts, art, crafts, and food all sold by local traders. There’s also a Santa’s Grotto.

Santa’s Grotto will be open on Saturdays and Sundays from 11am to 5pm, priced at €5 per child, including a small gift and emailed photo (no booking required).

• November 28th: 3pm to 8pm
• November 29th and 30th: 12pm to 7pm
• December 6th and 7th: 12pm to 7pm

4. Dublin Loves Christmas

Dublin Loves Christmas is the biggest new addition to the city’s festive line-up, taking over the RDS in Ballsbridge from November 15th to December 23rd, 2025.

Entry is free, with a full-size ice rink, Observation Wheel, ‘thrill rides’ (you pay for the attractions), and a market area featuring local traders, food stalls, and Bavarian-style market stalls.

It’s hard to know what this will turn out like, but based on what’s been announced so far, it sounds like it’s going to be a festive version of Funderland with some Bavarian market stalls.

With that said, I remain optimistic – anything that can give the Dublin Christmas market offering the kick up the backside it needs is welcome!

5. Botanic Gardens Eco Christmas Craft Market

Photos via Shutterstock

The Botanic Gardens will bring back what will be one of several eco-style Christmas markets in Dublin in 2025.

The ever-popular Sustainable Market returns from Saturday, December 13th to Sunday, December 14th, 2025 (10 a.m. – 4 p.m.).

You’ll find over 50 stalls offering a range of sustainable gifts, as well as seasonal treats and decorative crafts.

It’s an indoor and outdoor market, set in and around the historic glasshouses at the Botanic Gardens in Glasnevin.

6. The Fumbally Market

Photos via Aisling from The Fumbally

The Fumbally Market is held over several days in December, (the 5th, 6th and 7th from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m), with rotating stalls featuring goods from independent artists, crafters, and traders.

Expect around 30 rotating stalls showcasing independent food producers, crafters, artists, and creatives – all indoors inside the 18th-century Fumbally Stables.

It’s one of only a handful of indoor Dublin Christmas markets, which is handy if the weather isn’t playing ball!

The café and shop will also be open throughout, making it one of the cosiest indoor Christmas markets in Dublin.

7. Wonderlights

Photos via Wonderlights on FB

Now, this doesn’t really fit alongside the other Christmas markets Dublin has to offer, but it’s well worth a mention.

Wonderlights, taking place in Marley Park, this is Ireland’s largest light show and it’ll light up South Dublin with glowing wildlife, a starlit hydro screen, and a 35m observation wheel.

It will likely from from mid-November to early-January and it is set to be one of several festive things to do in Dublin at Christmas in 2025.

8. Rathfarnham Castle Christmas Market

Photos via Shutterstock

Rathfarnham Castle Christmas Market (likely to take place on December 7th) is an outdoor market held in, unsurprisingly enough, the grounds of Rathfarnham Castle, an impressive 16th-century fortified house.

Throughout the day, the magical market has a range of stalls selling artisan goods, local art and crafts, plus opportunities for food and festive warm drinks. 

Kids will have the opportunity to post their letters to Santa and there’s also all-day entertainment taking place.

9. Mini Christmas Markets

There are plenty of smaller Christmas markets in Dublin scheduled for 2025. Here are the highlights:

• We Love Markets: Running in the Digital Depot on Thomas St.
• Doggy Christmas Market: BrewDog Outpost festivities
• Stillgarden Christmas Fair: Handmade gifts, mulled drinks, and festive shopping at Stillgarden Distillery, Inchicore

10. Christmas Markets near Dublin

If none of the Dublin Christmas markets above tickle your fancy, don’t fret – there’s a handful of markets nearby and plenty more a 2-hour drive away, depending on how dedicated you are to getting to one.

Here’s a mix of Christmas Markets near Dublin to choose from:

• Wicklow Christmas Market (1-hour drive)
• Kilkenny Christmas Market (1.5-hour drive)
• Winterval Waterford (2-hour drive)
• Glow Cork (3-hour drive)

Christmas events in Dublin in 2025

Photos via Shutterstock

OK, there are only a few markets above, so I’ve whacked in some other festive things to do at Christmas in Dublin this year.

I’ll add more to the list below when pantos, carols, and other events are announced closer to December (find loads more things to do in the city in our guide on what to do in Dublin).

1. Pantos

Photo By TanitaKo on Shutterstock

If the Christmas Markets in Dublin aren’t you’re cup of tea, you can kick-back with some live entertainment at one of the many pantos taking place.

• The Gaiety Panto: Beauty and the Beast
• The Helix Panto: The Snow Queen
• The National Stadium Panto: Cinderella
• The Civic Theatre Panto: Beauty and the Beast
• The Liberty Panto: Jack and the Beanstalk

2. Christmas drive-in movies

Fancy watching the Santa Clause, ELF, Home Alone or Love Actually on a big aul screen from the comfort of your car?

Retro Drive-In is an outdoor cinema that takes place at Leopardstown each year and it usually runs from the start of December.

If it’s lashing rain and you don’t fancy getting drenched while sauntering around a Dublin Christmas market, take refuge in your car and catch a festive flick.

3. Christmas carols

Photos via Shutterstock

There’s an absolute tonne of different Christmas carol events you can visit in Dublin at Christmas, with a mix of free and ticketed events on offer.

The National Concert Hall has endless festive events scheduled over the coming weeks.

Christ Church also has several events running. You’ll also find hundreds of other musical events listed on EventBrite.

4. The Christmas lights

Photos via Shutterstock

Like many of Ireland’s towns and cities, Dublin is completely lit up during the festive period. However, the Christmas light switch on in Dublin has gone a*se ways over the years.

For a number of years, there was a big switch on that people travelled in to see. However, those running the event couldn’t control the crowds, and it was cancelled.

Grab a cup of coffee and take a little stroll around O’Connell Street, Henry Street, Grafton Street and just follow the lights. Finish the festive ramble off with a bite to eat in one of the best restaurants in Dublin.

5. Christmassy pubs

Dublin’s home to many a pub, but some go all out during November and December with Christmas decorations.

The Hole in the Wall pub is one of those places that you need to visit at Christmas if you haven’t nipped by already.

The folks here go all out decorating from November, and the result is incredibly special! Find loads more bars to visit in our guide to the best pubs in Dublin.

Christmas markets Dublin 2025: What have we missed?

Although I’ve spent (literally) 7 hours researching what Christmas markets Dublin may have returning to it in 2025, it’s been a pain.

Most websites are outdated and many leave providing further information until the last minute, which doesn’t help visiting tourists. Have a market to recommend? Shout below!

FAQs about Dublin at Christmas

We’ve had a lot of questions over the years asking about everything from ‘What’s the most German-like Christmas market in Dublin?’ to ‘Which are free?’.

In the section below, we’ve popped in the most FAQs that we’ve received. If you have a question that we haven’t tackled, ask away in the comments section below.

Keith O'Hara

Keith O’Hara has lived in Ireland for 35 years and has spent much of the last 13 creating what is now The Irish Road Trip guide. Over the years, the website has published thousands of meticulously researched Ireland travel guides, welcoming 40 million+ visitors along the way. In 2022, the Irish Road Trip team published the world’s largest collection of Irish Road Trip itineraries. Keith lives in Dublin with his dog Toby and finds writing in the 3rd person minus craic altogether.