The Dun Laoghaire Christmas Market was, for us, one of the standout Christmas markets in Dublin.
From classic market stalls to live entertainment down by Dun Laoghaire Harbour, it’s one of the best places in the capital to get into the Christmas spirit in December (the new Dublin Castle Christmas Market also looks pretty good!).
We don’t know for sure yet if the Dun Laoghaire Christmas Market is definitely going to take place this year, but if all goes to plan then here’s everything we know about it based on previous years.
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The Dun Laoghaire Christmas Market 2021: Some quick need to knows
Photo by Libor Klimek on shutterstock.com
Although a visit to the Dun Laoghaire Christmas Market is fairly straightforward, there are a few need-to-knows that’ll make your visit that bit more enjoyable.
1. Location
The festivities sprawl around Dun Laoghaire Harbour and town centre area with some great live entertainment, market stalls and iconic (and slightly random) Hollywood inspired features.
2. Dates
So, fingers crossed and all going to plan, the Dun Laoghaire Christmas Market will run from Saturday, November 27th to Thursday, December 23rd, 2021. We’ll update this when the dates are officially announced.
3. A festive spot for a day out
The Dun Laoghaire Christmas Market is a handy little spot for a day out, as you can pair it up with a bite to eat in one of the many restaurants in Dun Laoghaire or with a tipple in one of the old-school pubs in Dun Laoghaire.
What to expect if you’ve never been to the Christmas market in Dun Laoghaire
The Dun Laoghaire Christmas Market is much more than just a run-of-the-mill market – there’s a whole festival planned for the lead up to Christmas.
Below, you’ll get a sense of what to expect if this years market goes ahead. Just keep in mind that these are features that were present during previous years.
1. Santas arrival and carols
If you’re looking for festive things to do in Dun Laoghaire, make sure you get down to santa’s arrival, and the festivities that follow.
The festival will hopefully kick off on November 30th with Santa’s arrival at the Harbour Plaza. The Christmas Carols and live music (again, hopefully) will begin from around 16:00 on the day.
2. Some ‘Famous’ features
Photo by Fusionstudio on shutterstock.com
It also features some pretty iconic additions such as the 55 ft Ferris Wheel that was used in the original Grease movie.
The Christmas market in Dun Laoghaire also usually boasts vintage Chair-O-Planes that were used by AMC in the TV Series ‘Into the Badlands’. It’s like a Hollywood inspired Christmas Market with epic harbour views.
3. A variety of market stalls
Photo by Felix Busse on shutterstock.com
The Dun Laoghaire Christmas Market usually has an array of vendors selling authentic gifts and handmade treats every weekend in December until Christmas.
The vendors spread out on the Metals and opposite DLR Lexicon from 11:00 am to 19:00 (again, I know I’m like a broken record, but this is TBC for 2021).
You’ll find the perfect Christmas present with decorations, jewellery, prints, knitwear, fragrances and clothing all for sale.
If you’re feeling a little peckish for Christmas treats then you’ll also be able to snack on gourmet sausages, fresh falafel, gingerbread and steaming hot chocolate.
4. The Vintage Carnival
Photo by Lukas Fendek on shutterstock.com
In addition to the Christmas Market in Dun Laoghaire, there’s also the Vintage Carnival (we couldn’t find a picture, so here’s a snap of a mighty sunset in Dun Laoghaire instead!).
You’ll find the carnival at Moran Park where it perfectly compliments the market stalls. It has classic family attractions such as retro Hobby Horses, a rollercoaster, Santa’s Post Box and candyfloss.
Fancy seeing what other festive markets there are in Ireland? Hop into our guide to the best Christmas markets in Ireland.
Other Christmas markets in Dublin
Photo by Tony Pleavin via Ireland’s Content Pool
So, there’s a lot of hush-hush around Christmas markets in Dublin this year, with many organisers not confirming whether or not markets will take place.
I’m looking at you, Dublin Castle Christmas market. The one market that has confirmed it’s definitely running is the Mistletown Christmas Market, which is set to be the largest in Ireland.
FAQs about the Dun Laoghaire Christmas Market
Photos via shutterstock.com
We’ve received a lot of questions about the Christmas Market in Dun Laoghaire in 2021 already, and it’s only early Autumn.
I’ve popped in the most FAQs below, but please do keep in mind that we’re only basing these answers off what the markets were like during previous years.
Is the Dun Laoghaire Christmas Market 2021 going ahead?
At the time of writing (Oct 2021), nothing has been confirmed. However, we’ll update this guide as soon as word is out.
What dates is the Dun Laoghaire Christmas Market 2021?
If all goes to plan, the Dun Laoghaire Christmas Market 2021 will run from Saturday, November 27th to Thursday, December 23rd, 2021.
Elisha is a freelance writer, content creator and blogger and her work can be read in Lonely Planet, Remote Lands and Matador Network. You’ll usually find her travelling in offbeat places or hiking wherever there are mountains; always with a camera in hand.