TwinkleTown 2026: Smithfield and St. Patrick’s Cathedral

TwinkleTown is officially returning to Smithfield in 2026 and it’s getting a major expansion, with a second location at St Patrick’s Park. And, with the Dublin Castle Christmas Market postponed until 2027, there’s likely to be a lot more attention on it this year.

I’m glad to see it returning and 2026 looks considerably more promising, with TwinkleTown expanding beyond Smithfield for the first time.

Along with the ice rink, Big Wheel, fairground rides and market at Smithfield, there’ll now be a second festive experience at St Patrick’s Park, beside St Patrick’s Cathedral, with Christmas lights, choir performances, festive rides, food and craft stalls.

TwinkleTown 2026 in Smithfield and St. Patrick’s Park

Here’s the need-to-knows about the Smithfield Christmas Market and TwinkleTown’s new second location at St Patrick’s Park:

1. Location and dates

TwinkleTown will take place across two Dublin City locations in 2026, around a 20-minute walk apart. The Smithfield Christmas Market runs from November 20th to December 31st, while the new St Patrick’s Park location runs from November 27th to December 23rd.

2. Opening hours

If opening hours remain unchanged, TwinkleTown is likely to operate from late morning through to late evening, with longer hours at weekends. Entry is free, but tickets are required for attractions like the ice rink and Santo Panto.

3. Two different experiences

The two locations will offer quite different experiences. Smithfield is the livelier of the two, with ice skating, the Santo Panto, Big Wheel, festive market and plenty of family entertainment. St Patrick’s Park, beside St Patrick’s Cathedral, promises a more atmospheric experience, with Christmas lights, intimate choir performances, festive rides, food and craft stalls.

4. What to expect from the markets

TwinkleTown is still more of a Christmas fair with markets than a traditional European-style Christmas market. However, the expansion to two locations for 2026 is promising. Last year’s Smithfield market was relatively small, so I’m hoping the addition of St Patrick’s Park brings more independent traders, festive food and drink and hopefully the kind of atmosphere Christmas Markets in Dublin have been missing.

What you’ll find at the Christmas market at St Patrick’s Cathedral

The big addition for 2026 is TwinkleTown at St Patrick’s Park, beside St Patrick’s Cathedral and around a 20-minute walk from the Smithfield Christmas Market.

Running from November 27th to December 23rd, this promises to be a very different experience to Smithfield, with more of a focus on lights, music and atmosphere.

Christmas lights

St Patrick’s Park will be transformed with spectacular Christmas lights, bringing one of Dublin’s most historic settings to life after dark.

Choir performances

There’ll also be intimate choir performances throughout the festive season, which should give St Patrick’s Park a very different atmosphere to the busier Smithfield location

Christmas rides

There’ll be a selection of Christmas-themed rides in the park, adding a family-friendly element to the new location.

Craft stalls and festive food

St Patrick’s Park will also have craft stalls and festive food, so there’ll still be a market element alongside the lights, music and rides.

What you’ll find at the Christmas market in Smithfield

The Smithfield Christmas Market returns as the larger and livelier of TwinkleTown’s two locations in 2026.

From ice skating and the Santo Panto to the Big Wheel, craft market and TwinkleTavern, here’s why it’s set to become one of the more popular things to do in Dublin this Christmas

The Spiegeltent

The cultural heart of TwinkleTown is the Spiegeltent – a space for music, theatre, and local performances.

This is the festival’s main indoor venue, hosting live music, workshops and creative nights throughout the season.

• Hugh Lane Gallery After Hours: A one-night creative takeover with live music, wreath-making, mosaics, sustainable crafting and life drawing
• The Whileaways: Three-part harmonies, rich folk storytelling and a set that lands best in an intimate venue like this
• Cobblestone Collective: Expect a raw, session-style night from musicians tied to Dublin’s best-known trad pub
• Alternative Dublin Drink & Draw: A relaxed art party with canvases, materials, guidance, spot prizes and a festive theme
• Christmas Table Centrepiece Workshop: Hands-on festive crafting with expert guidance, mulled wine/hot chocolate and all materials included
• The Tiny Quartet: Violin, guitar and double bass reworking classical pieces and pop/rock favourites into warm, cinematic arrangements

Santo Panto and the Magic Present Machine

The Santa Panto returns in 2026. It mixes the fun of a panto with a Santa experience as kids help unravel The Magic Present Machine.

Tickets cost €5 plus booking fee, and each child receives a small gift from Santa.

The Ice Rink

The centrepiece of TwinkleTown – the super-size rink returns with early bird tickets available for a limited time. Whether it’s a family day out or a date night, this one’s likely to draw big crowds.

The Christmas Market

The Smithfield Christmas Market is set to be a mix of twinkling chalets selling festive food, drink, and handmade gifts. Expect a brighter layout this year with more emphasis on atmosphere and visuals.

The Twinkle Tavern

Replacing last year’s Nutcracker Snug, the Twinkle Tavern offers hot drinks and winter cocktails in a warm Alpine-style lodge.

Upstairs area is 21+ and limited to 50 people. The perfect spot for mulled wine, hot chocolate, or cocktails.

Ferris Wheel & Vintage Fairground

Classic rides, a carousel, and the return of the Big Wheel for city views. Great for photos and a quick nostalgia hit.

Other markets in Dublin

There are a number of other Christmas Markets in Dublin scheduled for the 2026 season:

• The Dublin Castle Christmas Market
• The Swords Castle Christmas Market
• More here