When Dublin Loves Christmas was first announced last year, I was a bit wary that it would end up feeling more like Funderland with a few Bavarian-style market stalls and festive additions thrown in. Having seen its first outing in 2025, I don’t think it’d be unfair to say that I wasn’t too far off.
The event was heavy on fairground rides and attractions, with the Christmas market itself playing a much smaller role than you might expect from some of the larger festive markets around Europe.
That said, I’m always happy to see a new Christmas market arrive in Dublin, and Dublin Loves Christmas is set to return to the RDS in 2026. Here’s what to know.
About the Dublin Loves Christmas market
Photos via Dublin Loves Christmas
As Dublin Loves Christmas has just been announced, information is pretty light to put it mildly. Here’s what we know so far:
1. Dates and location
Dublin Loves Christmas takes place at the RDS on Merrion Road in Ballsbridge. The 2026 dates have yet to be announced. Last year, it ran from November 15th to December 23rd, closing on Mondays, so these dates should give you a rough idea of what to expect.
2. Attractions and rides
The RDS grounds will be filled with seasonal attractions, including a full-size undercover ice rink (€13 child / €18 adult), an Observation Wheel with views across Dublin, and thrill rides such as an 80-metre Drop Tower and 50-metre Starflyer. Younger visitors can enjoy gentler rides and family attractions.
3. The market and food area
A traditional-style Christmas market will showcase local crafts, food, and gifts, alongside Bavarian-style bars serving mulled wine and festive bites. While details on stall numbers haven’t been released, organisers say it’ll feature a mix of artisan traders and local producers.
4. Entertainment
At the centre of the event sits the Spiegeltent, which will host a programme of live acts and festive shows throughout the season (full line-up still to come).
5. Tickets and booking
Entry to the main event is free, but ice rink and Spiegeltent tickets should be booked in advance at dublinloveschristmas.ie. Dublin residents can use the code DUB10 for a 10% discount, with proof of address shown on-site.
My thoughts
I’m glad to see Dublin Loves Christmas returning in 2026. Dublin has struggled for years to establish a large, reliable Christmas market, so any organiser willing to try something new deserves a fair shot.
However, I wouldn’t travel a long distance specifically for the market based on what was there last year. If you’re already spending Christmas in Dublin, it’s another festive attraction to add to your itinerary.
But if you’ve experienced some of Europe’s famous Christmas markets, go in with realistic expectations – this is much more of a Christmas-themed fairground and entertainment event with a market attached than a traditional European Christmas market.
Hopefully, year two sees the market side of things grow.
Other markets in Dublin
Note: The Dublin Castle market is no longer taking place
There are a number of other Christmas Markets in Dublin scheduled for the 2026 season:
- The Dublin Castle Christmas Market (postponed)
- The Swords Castle Christmas Market
- More here
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.