Dublin Christmas Markets 2024: 8 Returning

There isn’t one main Dublin Christmas Market – there are several!

The capital has been severely lacking when it comes to festive markets, but 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 2024!

What to know about the Dublin Christmas markets 2024

Photos via Shutterstock

If you’re looking to visit Christmas Markets in Dublin in 2024, 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 2024’ 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 dated info.

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 2024 that are even remotely Bavarian-style (e.g. the one in Dublin Castle).

3. The reality

There’s only one ‘main’ Dublin Christmas market and that’s the one in Dublin Castle. 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.

8 Christmas markets in Dublin returning in 2024

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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

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 was one of the only Christmas markets in Dublin that went ahead over the last two years and, although small, 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).

UPDATE: The Dublin Castle Market has been confirmed. It’s running from November 28th – December 18th.

2. The Smithfield Christmas Market

Dublin’s newest Christmas market, the Smithfield Christmas Market, has just been announced—and if it’s as good as it sounds, we’re in for a treat!

Running from November 25th to January 2nd at Smithfield Square, the market will be open daily from 11 am to 9 pm.

Highlights include Ireland’s first Ice Museum, an ice rink, and a Big Wheel offering stunning city views.

Visitors can unwind at the cosy Nutcracker Snug or savour artisan food and drinks from Fidelity’s market bar.

Red-roofed chalets showcase unique gifts under twinkling lights, creating a charming Bavarian market atmosphere.

3. The Swords Castle Christmas Market

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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.

The dates for this year have been announced – the market will run:

• Nov 29th: 3 – 8pm
• Nov 30th + Dec 1st: 11am – 6pm
• Dec 7th + 8th: 11am – 6pm

4. 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 2024.

On December 14th and 15th, you’ll find over 70 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.

The venue will have a light sprinkling of festive cheer with performances from a local choir.

5. The Fumbally Market

Photos via Aisling from The Fumbally

The Fumbally Market is held over several days in December, (the 6th, 7th and 8th this year), with rotating stalls featuring goods from independent artists, crafters, and traders.

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

You’ll find many a unique gift with everything from notebooks and local honey to hand-made knitwear on offer.

6. 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 in Malahide Castle is an interactive attraction with a little alpine food village (see photos above) at the end where you can grab sweet treats and ‘winter warmers’.

This years ‘show’ is the ‘Magic of Winter’ and, as you ramble around the castle grounds, you’ll be treated to Ireland’s largest light show with everything from talking trees to flying fairies.

It runs from from November – January and it is one of several festive things to do in Dublin at Christmas in 2024.

7. Rathfarnham Castle Christmas Market

Photos via Shutterstock

Rathfarnham Castle Christmas Market (December 8th) 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.

8. Mini Christmas Markets

There are plenty of smaller Christmas markets in Dublin scheduled for 2024. Here are the highlights:

• Terenure Christmas Festival: Festive shopping and entertainment in Terenure Village carpark on Saturday, November 30th, from 11am-6pm
• Tallaght Winter Market: Craft market, tree-lighting ceremony, and all-day entertainment at SDCC HQ on Friday, December 6th, 12pm-8pm
• The MART Christmas Market: Unique local crafts, fashion, and art at the MART Gallery, Rathmines, from November 13th to December 22nd, 1pm-7pm daily
• Doggy Christmas Market: BrewDog Outpost on Sunday, December 15th, 12pm-5pm (pre-booking required).
• Stillgarden Christmas Market: Handmade gifts, mulled drinks, and festive shopping at Stillgarden Distillery, Inchicore, on Sunday, December 8th, from 11am

9. 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 2024

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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: Peter Pan
• The Helix Panto: Rapunzel
• The National Stadium Panto: Beauty and the Beast
• The Civic Theatre Panto: Tickles and the Beanstalk
• The Liberty Panto: Cinderella

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

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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

Photos via The Hole in The Wall on FB

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 2024: What have we missed?

Although I’ve spent (literally) 7 hours researching what Christmas markets Dublin may have returning to it in 2024, 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.