Many of the best Christmas markets in Ireland have confirmed that they’ll be back in 2024.
Large markets, like the Galway Christmas Markets, have dropped their dates as have some of the smaller Christmas markets Ireland has to offer, like the one in Wicklow.
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 2024
Photos courtesy Milestones Inventive
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: Nov 8th – Jan 5th
Photos via Shutterstock
The Galway Christmas Markets are widely regarded as one of the best Christmas markets in Ireland. And, now entering their 14th year, they’re officially the longest-running!
This year’s market sounds like it’ll be contained to Eyre Square (it was spread across the city previously) and it sees the stalls, the beer tents, the massive ferris wheel and more return.
It has been confirmed that the Galway Christmas Markets will run from Friday, November 8th 2024 until Sunday, January 5th 2025 (read all about them).
2. The Belfast Christmas Markets: Nov 16th – Dec 22nd
Photos via Shutterstock
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.
The organisers have confirmed that the Belfast Christmas Markets will run from Saturday, November 16th until Sunday, December 22nd 2024 (read all about them).
3. Waterford Winterval: Nov 15th – Dec 23rd
Photos via Winterval on FB
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 11th 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.
The organisers have confirmed that Winterval will begin on Friday, November 15th and it will run until Monday, December 23rd 2024 (read about Winterval here).
4. Cork Christmas Markets: TBC
Photos via Glow on FB
The Cork Christmas Markets (previous called ‘Glow’) 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.
Last year, an entirely new experience coming to Cork City, called ‘Corkmas’. The ferris wheel will still be in place, but there’s now be a ‘Solas’ light show in Emmet Square (the reviews weren’t great).
There’s also the Maria Market with plenty on this year. The Cork Christmas Market 2024 dates are TBC, but it’s likely things will kick-off around November 22nd.
5. Christmas Markets in Dublin: Various dates
Photos by The Irish Road Trip
The Dublin Christmas Markets have been very hit and miss over the last 7 or so years, with many long-running markets now no longer in operation.
The Dublin Castle Christmas market is one of the only festive markets that has run consistently over the last couple of years and it’s expected to be back this year from December 4th to December 19th (still TBC).
One we have a lot of hope for is the Mistletown Market (TBC) which is set, if it finally launches, set to be the largest Christmas market in Ireland.
We’re also hoping to see the return of the Dun Laoghaire Christmas Market this year but, like the ones above, it’s still TBC.
6. The Kilkenny Christmas Markets: Nov 30th – Dec 22nd
Photos courtesy Yulefest Kilkenny via Fáilte Ireland
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.
It has been confirmed that the Kilkenny Christmas Market 2024 will kick-start on Saturday, November 30th and will run until Sunday, December 22nd.
7. The Wicklow Christmas Market: Nov 23rd – Dec 22nd
Photos via Wicklow Christmas Market on FB
Our next Irish Christmas market is one of the newer Christmas markets Ireland has to offer. The Wicklow Christmas market takes place in the Abbey Grounds in Wicklow town.
Those that visit can expect a Santa Express experience, an ALPACA experience, a magical funfair, craft stalls, food, fire shows and much more.
The dates for the Wicklow Christmas Market 2024 have been officially confirmed and the festivities will take place on:
- November: 23rd, 24th and 30th
- December: 1st, 7th, 8th, 14th, 15th, 21st and 22nd
FAQs about Christmas Markets Ireland 2024
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 2024?
Keith O’Hara has lived in Ireland for 35 years and has spent most of the last 10 creating what is now The Irish Road Trip guide. Over the years, the website has published thousands of meticulously researched Ireland travel guides, welcoming 30 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.