Christmas Markets In Ireland 2026: 13 Worth Checking Out
Many of the best Christmas markets in Ireland are due to return in 2026, with several new additions coming to Dublin this year!
Large markets, like the Galway Christmas Markets, typically open in early November while many of the smaller Christmas markets Ireland has to offer kick-off in December.
In the guide below, you’ll find info on everything from when each of the markets kicks-off to which ones we’re still waiting for info on.
The best Christmas Markets Ireland in 2026
Visiting a Christmas market in Ireland has become a popular Irish Christmas tradition over the last 7 years or so.
In the guide below, you’ll discover the best Christmas markets Ireland has to offer, from Cork and Belfast to Waterford, Dublin and more.
1. The Galway Christmas Markets
The Galway Christmas Markets are widely regarded as one of the best Christmas markets in Ireland. And, now entering their 16th year, they’re officially the longest-running!
The Galway Christmas Market 2026 officially opens on Friday, November 6th, with over 50 wooden chalets selling handmade crafts, artisan food and Christmas gifts.
The market returns to Eyre Square, where visitors can also traditionally enjoy the beer tent, a massive Ferris wheel and other festive attractions. The closing date and full programme for 2026 have yet to be confirmed (read all about them).
2. The Belfast Christmas Markets
The Belfast Christmas Markets is another of the more popular Christmas market Ireland has to offer, and it’s been on the go for over 12 years now!
Each year, Belfast’s City Hall is transformed into a traditional German-style Christmas market, packed to the brim with 90 masterfully handcrafted wooden chalets.
At the markets here, expect to find a food court with cuisines from 32+ nationalities, heaps of family activities and attractions, like the Santa Train, buzzy beer tents and plenty more.
It has been confirmed that the Belfast Christmas Market 2026 will run from Saturday, 14 November to Tuesday, 22 December 2026 (read all about them).
3. Waterford Winterval
Waterford Winterval is another of the more popular Christmas markets in Ireland, and it’s a great one to team up with a spin along the Waterford Greenway.
Now entering its 14th year, Winterval has gone from strength to strength and last year was ‘Its biggest and most festive programme yet’.
Visitors here can expect everything from the big traditional market, the ice skating rink and the Illuminates feature along with the Winterval Train, the now-iconic 32 metre high Waterford Eye and more.
It has been confirmed that Winterval 2026 will run from Friday, 13 November to Wednesday, 23 December 2026 (read about Winterval here).
4. Cork Christmas Markets
The Cork Christmas Markets are one of several Christmas markets in Ireland that tend to get overlooked by many looking to visit a festive event in Ireland.
Which is a shame, as Cork at Christmas packs a punch! Every year, the city’s already buzzy atmosphere is given an added boost with the arrival of the festive period.
For 2026, there’ll be a Christmas Market in Bishop Lucey Park, the Christmas Parade, the 32m Ferris Wheel and Carousel on Grand Parade, along with a new Christmas entertainment space at Counting House Plaza.
Cork’s Christmas celebrations are officially confirmed to run from November 15th to December 31st, 2026, with the Christmas Parade kicking things off on November 15th.
5. Christmas Markets in Dublin
The Dublin Christmas Markets have been very hit and miss over the last 7 or so years, but there’s reason to be a little more optimistic in 2026.
Last year’s newcomer, the Smithfield Christmas Market, is officially returning as TwinkleTown, running from November 20th to December 31st.
There’s a big expansion this year, too, with a second TwinkleTown location at St Patrick’s Park running from November 27th to December 23rd, with Christmas lights, choir performances, festive rides, food and craft stalls.
There’s also a brand-new market at the RDS. Everwinter comes from the team behind Taste of Dublin and the Dublin Castle Christmas market and will combine a Christmas market with a covered ice rink, circus, vintage fairground and festive food and drink.
It runs from November 25th to December 23rd. The Swords Castle Christmas Market is also confirmed, running across two weekends on November 27th – 29th and December 5th – 6th
We’re also hoping to see the return of the Dun Laoghaire Christmas Market, although its return for 2026 has yet to be confirmed.
6. The Kilkenny Christmas Markets
The Kilkenny Christmas market is one of the more overlooked Christmas markets in Ireland, and it’s well worth checking out.
The market takes place every weekend, starting at 11am and running until 6pm. These are your usual festive stall markets, with local vendors selling everything from food to tasty bits and bobs.
There’s also numerous events taking place around the markets, like open air movie nights, live music, DJ sets and more.
The Kilkenny Christmas Market takes place every weekend from November 28th, with Saturday markets running from 11am – 8pm and Sunday markets from 11am – 6pm. There are also three additional market days from December 21st – 23rd.
7. The Wicklow Christmas Markets
The Wicklow Christmas market is officially returning to Wicklow Town in 2026, after storm damage forced a change of plans last year.
In 2025, the festive action temporarily moved to Avondale Forest Park in Rathdrum, but this year the organisers have confirmed an all-new event and location in Wicklow Town.
There’ll also be Christmas at Wicklow Gaol, where the historic courtyard will be transformed into a German Alpine Christmas Village with wooden chalets, festive food, crafts, gifts and live music.
The Wicklow Gaol Christmas Market will run on selected dates from November 21st to December 20th and entry to the market is free. There’ll also be a Victorian Santa experience from November 28th, Dickens and Scrooge character-led tours and Christmas workshops.
8. Smaller Christmas markets
While many Christmas Markets in Ireland are large-scale events that run for several weeks, not every town and village has the resources to do this.
Across Ireland there are plenty of smaller markets that bring character, handmade goods and festive treats. Here are some worth noting:
- Sligo Christmas Market: November 27th – December 23rd, 2026
- Mountain View Night Market (Kilkenny): November 21st – December 20th, 2026 (Saturdays and Sundays)
- Eclectic Avenue Market (Wexford Town): TBC
- Terenure Christmas Market (Dublin): TBC
- Christmas at Nenagh Castle (Tipperary): TBC
- Clonmel Christmas Market (Tipperary): TBC
FAQs about Christmas Markets Ireland 2026
Every year I receive a good 2-or-3-hundred emails from people spending Christmas in Ireland.
I’ll try to answer the most FAQ about the various Christmas markets Ireland has to offer, but feel free to leave a comment if there’s a question that I haven’t covered.
Where in Ireland are there Christmas markets?
What is the biggest Christmas market in Ireland?
Which is better Belfast or Galway Christmas market?
What are the best Christmas markets in Ireland in 2026?
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.
