Wicklow Christmas Market 2023: Dates + What's On

The Wicklow Christmas Market 2023 returned on November 18th!

One of many Christmas markets in Ireland that’s back again this year, this market has gone from strength-to-strength since it first launched.

In 2023, visitors can expect everything from an expanded Eco Ice Rink to a bigger and better market than years past.

Here’s everything that you need to know about the Wicklow Christmas Market 2023.

Some quick need-to-knows about the Wicklow Christmas Market

Photos via Wicklow Christmas Market on FB

Although a visit to the Christmas market in Wicklow Town is fairly straightforward, there are a few need-to-knows that’ll make your visit that bit more enjoyable.

1. Where it’s on

The Wicklow Christmas Market takes place at Leitrim Place, The Murrough, Wicklow Town (beside the Brass Fox Gastropub).

2. Dates

The dates for the Wicklow Christmas Market 2023 have been officially confirmed and the festivities will take place on November 18th, 19th, 24th, 25th, 26th and December 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 8th, 9th, 10th, 15th, 16th, 17th.

3. Opening hours

The Wicklow Christmas market is open on the dates above on Saturdays and Sundays, from 10am to 7:30pm and Friday, from 2pm to 7:30pm.

4. Tickets/entry prices

Entry to the Christmas market in Wicklow Town is FREE. Just keep in mind you’ll need tickets for the Eco Ice Skating and the Santa Express.

5. Getting here via public transport

If you’re not driving, you can easily take public transport to the markets. Here’s a quick overview of the routes:

By bus: Bus Éireann’s 133 goes from Dublin City, Bray, Rathdrum, Newtown Mt Kennedy and Arklow and stops outside the Grand Hotel, a 10-minute walk to the market
By train: Irish Rail will take you to Wicklow Town from the likes of Greystones, Bray, Kilcoole, Arklow and Gorey and the train station is a 5-minute walk from the market

What to expect from the Christmas market in Wicklow Town

Photos via the Wicklow Christmas Market

There’s plenty to see and do at the Wicklow Christmas market if you’re looking to soak up a bit of a festive buzz!

If you didn’t make it here last year, here’s what to expect with some new additions, like the significantly larger Eco Ice Rink.

1. Eco Ice Skating

The Eco Ice Skating was new to the Wicklow Christmas Markets last year and, after a successful launch, it’s back – 60% bigger!

Lace up your boots and spin around the ring with the sounds of Christmas hits ringing away in your ears.

As the name suggests, this is an ‘environmentally friendly state-of-the-art surface, which gives the feeling of real ice, without the chill‘.

2. The Santa Express

One of the more popular attractions at the Wicklow Christmas Market 2023 is the Santa Express, which transports you and the little ones to the North Pole, to the home of Mr. and Mrs. Claus.

You can expect elves, sing-alongs and then a meeting with the man himself. Just make sure to book tickets in advance and this is likely to sell out.

3. 50 twinkling chalets

For those of you that just fancy a nosey around, there’s plenty of stalls selling all of the usual crafts and gifts. There’s even some stalls dishing up mulled wine, too!

Food wise, they have ‘many food stalls featuring mouth-watering cuisine from all over the globe‘. Some of the other stalls in place are:

One World Creations
Viking Crafts
Love Silver
Top Choice Embroidery
Red Meadow Woodwork
Prints of Ireland
Marian Belliot

4. Alpacas, fire shows and live music

Stalls and main attractions aside, there’s plenty of other bits and bobs taking place.

From an Alpaca experience and a fire show to stilt walkers, live music and a fun fair, there’s something for all ages to enjoy here.

Other festive Irish markets worth considering

If you’re looking to visit some other festive fairs aside from the Christmas markets in Wicklow, you’re in luck – there’s plenty taking place this year:

FAQs about the Wicklow Town Christmas Market

We’ve had a lot of questions over the years asking about everything from ‘How do you get here by bus?’ to ‘What’s on?’.

In the section below, we’ve popped in the most FAQs that we’ve received. If you have a question that we haven’t tackled, ask away in the comments section below.

What are the dates for the Wicklow Christmas Markets 2023?

The dates for the Wicklow Christmas Market 2023 are November 18th, 19th. 24th, 25th, 26th. December 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 8th, 9th, 10th, 15th, 16th, 17th.

Is the Christmas market in Wicklow worth visiting?

We’ve heard good things about this market over the last few years. You can combine a visit here with one of the walks around Wicklow Town and a bite-to-eat.

Keith O'Hara

Keith O’Hara has lived in Ireland for 35 years and has spent most of the last 10 creating what is now The Irish Road Trip guide. Over the years, the website has published thousands of meticulously researched Ireland travel guides, welcoming 30 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.