The Dun Laoghaire Christmas Market was, for us, one of the standout Christmas markets in Dublin last year.
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 Dublin Castle Christmas market is also 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 2020: Some quick need to knows
So, fingers crossed and all going to plan, the Dun Laoghaire Christmas market will run from November 30th to December 23rd, 2020.
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.
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 restaurants or cafes in the town and a walk along the pier.
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.
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.
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.
A variety of market stalls
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 2020).
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.
The Vintage Carnival
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
If you’re looking for more Christmas markets in Dublin, then here are some others worth visiting.
Christmas markets inside old castles seem to be a popular thing in Dublin. The Swords Castle Christmas Market is hopefully going to run from November 29th to December 1st.
You can expect carol singing, mulled wine and lots of market stalls. You won’t want to miss Christmas market in Dublin Castle (now in its second year).
The market will hopefully begin on December 12th and run until December 22nd in the historic Dublin Castle. They’ll have carol singing and over 30 stalls with foodie treats and Christmas goods.
FAQs about the market
We’ve received a lot of questions about the Christmas Market in Dun Laoghaire in 2020 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 taking place in 2020?
So, the official site for the market hasn’t been updated since last year. However, several markets, like the market in Galway and Waterford Winterval, have both confirmed that they’ll go ahead in 2020. Hopefully, the Dun Laoghaire market will follow suit.
What dates is the market likely to run from?
Last year, the Christmas Markets in Dun Laoghaire ran from the last Saturday in November to the 23rd of December. If this year’s markets run similarly, they’ll start on either Saturday, November 26th or Saturday, December 2nd and run until Wednesday, December 23rd 2020.
What will be at the market in 2020?
If this year’s markets follow the same format as previous years, you can expect the usual market stalls, the now-iconic Ferris wheel and the vintage Chair-O-Planes.
