Many of the best Christmas markets in Ireland are back in 2025!
Large markets, like the Galway Christmas Markets, started very early in November while many of the smaller Christmas markets Ireland has to offer are kicking-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 2025
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
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 will 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 7th 2025 until Sunday, January 4th 2026 (read all about them).
2. The Belfast Christmas Markets
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 15th until Monday, December 22nd 2025 (read all about them).
3. Waterford Winterval
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.
It has been confirmed that Winterval will run from Friday, November 21st until Tuesday, December 23rd 2025 (read about Winterval here).
4. Cork Christmas Markets
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 2025 dates have been confirmed as running November 14th to December 31st.
5. Christmas Markets in Dublin
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.
Last year’s newcomer, the Smithfield Christmas Market, is returning for 2025 under a brand-new name – TwinkleTown. While last year’s version didn’t exactly wow visitors, this year’s full revamp has real potential to turn it into one of Dublin’s must-visit festive experiences (running from November 28th – January 4th).
The Dublin Castle Christmas market was one of the only festive markets that has run consistently over the last couple of years. Sadly, it’s just been confirmed that it isn’t running in 2025.
One we have a lot of hope for is the Mistletown Market (not going ahead) 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
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 2025 will run from Saturday, November 29th to Tuesday, December 23rd.
7. The Wicklow Christmas Markets
Photos via Beyond the Trees Avondale on FB
The Wicklow Christmas market won’t be taking place in 2025 after storm damage last winter, but the organisers have found a clever way to keep the festive spirit alive.
They’ve teamed up with Beyond the Trees Avondale, bringing their trademark wooden huts to a brand-new woodland setting.
Running from November 14th, 2025, to January 11th, 2026, the Avondale Christmas Market will feature local food stalls, handmade crafts, and real-ice skating at Wicklow On Ice.
Visitors can also experience Treetop Night Lights, an illuminated forest walk that transforms the canopy into a glowing winter trail.
There’s also the brand new Wicklow Wrapped taking place in Wicklow Gaol running from the 12th to the 14th of December!
8. Smaller Christmas markets
Photos via Mountain View on FB
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:
- Clonmel Christmas Market (Tipperary): December 14th and 15th
- Mountain View Night Market (Kilkenny): November 22nd and December 20th
- Eclectic Avenue Market (Wexford Town): Starting November 28th
- Terenure Christmas Market (Dublin): November 29th
- Christmas at Nenagh Castle (Tipperary): December 12th to 14th
- Sligo Christmas Market: November 28th to December 23rd
FAQs about Christmas Markets Ireland 2025
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 2025?
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.