Dun Laoghaire Christmas Market 2025: Latest Info

The Dún Laoghaire Christmas Market has had a fairly stop-start existence in recent years, but it returned as part of the wider Dún Laoghaire Christmas Festival last year.

Rather than one standalone attraction, Christmas in Dún Laoghaire now consists of a collection of festive events spread across the town, with last year’s programme including a Christmas market, ice skating, Santa visits and New Year’s Eve fireworks.

The 2026 programme has yet to be announced. Below, you’ll find the latest information along with a look at what took place last year (see my guide to Christmas markets in Dublin for more festive markets!).

About the Dun Laoghaire Christmas Festival

Photos via DLR Tourism on FB

Although a visit to the Dun Laoghaire Christmas Festival is fairly straightforward, there are a few need-to-knows that’ll make your visit that bit more enjoyable.

1. Location

The Dun Laoghaire Christmas Festival takes place across the town rather than in one single location. Last year’s festivities included attractions around Dún Laoghaire Harbour and the town centre, with ice skating, the Christmas market and Santa experiences all taking place at different locations.

2. Dates

Dates for the 2026 festival have yet to be announced. Last year’s programme ran throughout November and December, although individual attractions had different schedules. The ice skating season began in November and continued into January, while the Dún Laoghaire Christmas market ran from late November through to the week leading up to New Year’s Eve.

3. Parking

Dun Laoghaire can be a nightmare for parking, especially at the weekends when the town is often packed. The two car parks I tend to head to are (make sure to remember to pay):

4. Public transport

If you don’t have a car/don’t fancy driving, there’s plenty of public transport that’ll take you to the Christmas market in Dun Laoghaire. Here are several options:

By train: The southbound DART leaves from the city and takes between 15-30 minutes to get to Dun Laoghaire
By bus: The 7, 7n, 46a, 46n,59, 63, 75 and 111 all service Dun Dun Laoghaire

5. A festive spot for a day out

The Dun Laoghaire Christmas Festival 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’s taking place during Christmas in Dun Laoghaire

Photo by Con O’Donoghue via Fáilte Ireland

The Christmas market in Dun Laoghaire has been on hiatus for the last couple of years, but there’s plenty to look forward to in 2025.

If you’re looking for festive things to do in Dun Laoghaire, here are some suggestions!

1. The Christmas Market

A Christmas Market returned to Dún Laoghaire last year, organised by the Dún Laoghaire Business Association. It opened in late November and ran from Thursday to Sunday, along with the week leading up to New Year’s Eve.

2. Ireland’s largest ice rink

Ice skating has become one of the main attractions during Christmas in Dún Laoghaire, with Alpine Skate Trail operating during last year’s festival. Last year’s skating season began in November and continued into January.

3. Santa at the National Maritime Museum

Santa has traditionally been another major part of the festival. Last year’s programme included a Santa experience at the National Maritime Museum, running from late November until December 23rd.

4. Christmas lights and other events

The wider festival has also included Christmas lights, installations and family events around Dún Laoghaire.

There’s a traditional funfair at Harbour Plaza with long-running favourites, like Ireland’s only Santa Magic Sleigh Ride, the Dragon Coaster, Cup and Saucers, the Kiddies Toy Set and the Ferris Wheel from the movie Grease.

5. The illuminated walking trails

Cabinteely Park offers a free illuminated route with 3D light installations and the Curious Elf Tree while Marlay Park’s trail (including Wonderlights) is also well worth a visit.

6. New Year’s Eve fireworks

The New Year’s Eve fireworks return to Dún Laoghaire Harbour at 7pm, closing out the festival and drawing large crowds. There’s plenty more on this Christmas in Dublin to look forward to, also!

Other Christmas markets in Dublin and beyond

So, the Dublin Castle Christmas market is not taking place this year, but the Smithfield Christmas market and Dublin Loves Christmas in the RDS are worth checking out!

There are also smaller Christmas markets in Dublin to visit, like the one in Swords Castle. Or, further afield, theres:

FAQs about Christmas in Dun Laoghaire

We’ve received a lot of questions about the Christmas Market in Dun Laoghaire already, and it’s only late summer.

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.

What are the Dún Laoghaire Christmas Festival 2026 dates?

The dates for the Dún Laoghaire Christmas Festival 2026 have yet to be announced. Last year, the various attractions ran on different schedules from November into January.

Is there a Christmas market in Dún Laoghaire in 2026?

It’s not yet confirmed. A Christmas market organised by the Dún Laoghaire Business Association formed part of last year’s festival, running from late November through the Christmas period.

Is the Dún Laoghaire Christmas Festival worth visiting?

Yes, particularly if you’re already in Dublin. Rather than travelling specifically for the market, I’d combine the festival with a walk along the harbour, food in the town and whichever festive attractions return for 2026.

Keith O'Hara

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.