10 of the Best Christmas Markets in Ireland to Visit in 2025!
From Dublin to Belfast, Wicklow to Waterford, I’ve got 10 Christmas markets in Ireland to visit this year.
Pottering around wooden market stalls, sipping mulled wine, while Christmas music plays in the crisp December air – can you think of any better way to kick start the festive season? You don’t even need to get on a plane – visit one of the Christmas markets in Ireland this year.
Whether you want the European-style Christmas markets that are available in Belfast, or a full on Christmas festival like Winterval in Waterford, there are plenty of Christmas markets in Ireland and Christmas experiences, to suit all tastes. I’ve picked by top 10 below, I hope they inspire you to book a festive break away soon.
1. Winterval, Waterford – The Best Christmas Festival in Ireland
Winterval is Ireland’s largest Christmas festival and is celebrating its 13 year anniversary this year. It is running from November 21st until December 23rd every Thursday to Sunday and boasts over 40 events, with many being free of charge. I visited with my daughter twice and was amazed at the variety of activities on offer.
Don’t miss the Winterval Illuminations – this was one of our highlights. A giant screen in Arundel Square is illuminated with a 3D projection show while music plays. It is on every half hour from 5pm – 8pm.
It is a wonderful family experience that children will love. It reminded me of being at a kids disco on holidays, and it ends with snow blasting out over the audience!
Another must visit for younger children is Santas Grotto and the Viking Elf Trail, where children have to seek out all of the Viking Elves hidden across the city.
Glenveagh Christmas Market, Garter Lane Arts Centre the Waterford Crafts Market have over 100 food, craft and drinks producers in wooden cabins outside and indoors.
There is a large fun fair with a vintage Ferris wheel, Alpine House, carousel, as well as a mini train and Lego Workshops. The Waterford Eye and ice skating rink return this year, and there is live music in The Big Top Circus Tent from amazing acts including the Tumbling Paddies and Gavin James!
The festival is best visited in the evening! I recommend staying overnight in Waterford city if possible. We stayed in the family owned and run Dooley’s Hotel in the heart of the city. We loved its central location and the warm Irish welcome we received.
See more here2. Galway Christmas markets
If you are considering visiting a Christmas Markets Ireland this year, Galway should be on your list. The markets are now in its 15th year and are open from the 7th of November until the 31st of December. There are over 50 traditional wooden chalets located on Eyre Square and the streets are beautifully decorated with Christmas lights.
There is a wide selection of food outlets, many of which feature foods from local restaurants, although I did spot some Bratwurst and Gluhwein. A Big Wheel, Carousel, Helter Skelter add to the festive feels, as well as Santa’s Grotto, puppet shows, storytelling and live performances.
To make the most out of this festival, stay overnight and enjoy the lively atmosphere in the purpose built beer tent. I stayed in the Hardiman Hotel, which is superbly located right on Eyre Square. Don’t miss the festive Afternoon Tea!
See more here3. Belfast Christmas markets
Belfast Christmas Market is celebrating its 21st year anniversary this year and is now one of the biggest winter events in Northern Ireland with more than 1 million people visiting each year. I visited recently and was amazed at how varied the 106 market stalls were, and how similar in style they are to continental Christmas markets.
As well as a large number of local traders, you can enjoy food and gift ideas from 30 countries from around the world. Expect crêpes from France, Belgian chocolates, giant bratwurst and Spanish paella.
Don’t miss the delicious white Gluhwein from the prize winning Kochem vineyard, located in the Mosel Valley, Germany, and the always popular Dutch pancakes.
A vintage carousel and Helter Skelter complete the Christmas experience. Belfast Christmas Markets are open daily from the 15th of November – December 22nd.
There are many great things to do in Belfast, why not stay overnight and make the most of what Belfast has to offer. I stayed in the stunning Harrison Hotel and can highly recommended for an adult break in the city. If you want to bring the kids along, check out this post:
Read: 20 things to do in Belfast with kids and teenagers
See more here4. Christmas Markets in Wicklow
Wicklow’s traditional Wicklow Christmas market is taking a break this year, but there are many more Christmas events taking place throughout the county, including Christmas Island at Hidden Valley, Santa’s Winter Wonderland at Clissmann Horse Caravanas, Rathwood’s Santa Train Experience, and the always popular Tree Top Night Lights and Wicklow on Ice at Beyond the Trees at Avondale.
Read: 12 Great things to do in Wicklow with kids
See more here5. Kilkenny’s Christmas Markets
YuleFest at Kilkenny takes place at weekends from November 29th until December 23rd. They feature local crafts, gifts and food in traditional wooden huts.
There is plenty of family entertainment and live music available, as well as one-off special events. A fire show and Santa truck will make an appearance on December 6th, while Yulefest movie night will take place on December 11th, and more events are yet to be announced.
Read: Top 10 things to do in Kilkenny with kids
See more here
6. Enchanted Winter Garden, Antrim
I visited the Enchanted Winter Garden at Antrim Castle a few years ago and loved it. It is a Christmas experience rather than a Christmas market, but there are plenty of handcrafts and food stalls here too.
The gardens are illuminated with thousands of lights, and the fun fair with various rides including a huge ferris wheel will be a big hit with children.
The Enchanted Winter Garden opens from 28th November until 30th December. There are separate evenings on the 4th and 10th of December with reduced numbers, lighting and sound levels for children with additional needs.
See more here7. Corkmas, Cork
Corkmas is a free festival in Cork from 14th November – 31st December from 4pm – 11pm. You can expect a Ferris Wheel and a host of Christmas activities including a new Christmas Market on Emmett Place. The Corkmas parade will mark the traditional switching on of Cork’s Christmas lights on Friday, November 14th at 7pm.
Large illuminations, giant Candy Land displays, a Gingerbread House and Santa’s Post Box are sure to keep the little ones happy, and children can post their letters to Santa.
A Snow Globe is usually available, where the whole family can step inside for the perfect Christmas family photo.
Cork’s popular Marina Market will have a series of pop-up Christmas stalls on weekends from 22 November 31 December and ON ICE will have an indoor ice-skating rink to complete the festive atmosphere.
ON ICE will once again offer classic indoor ice-skating sessions and themed events at the Marina Market this winter.
See more here8. Georgian Festival, Armagh
Step back in time and celebrate Christmas as it was 250 years ago! Armagh’s Georgian Festival is not your typical Christmas market – it is an 18th century experience with Georgian costumed characters, themed tours, mock trials in Armagh Courthouse, as well as artisan stalls, music, and a light-show on Friday and Saturday. It will take place from the 27th – 30 November.
See more hereChristmas markets and experiences in Dublin
9. Twinkletown, Smithfield Square
Dublin has a brand new Christmas experience this year – Twinkletown at Smithfield Square. Open daily from 28th November until 4th January, this is sure to be a big hit over the festive season, especially with the announcement that the Christmas markets at Dublin Castle will not be open this year.
Attendance is free for the Christmas market, food and drink stalls, fairground and large Spiegeltent, where there promises to be regular cultural events from local talent. The Santa Panto and ice skating rink require a booked ticket, which cost €5 and €18 (for the early-bird rate), respectively.
See more here10. Christmas Light Shows and Experiences
Dublin Winter Lights has expanded its festival programme to 25 locations, which will commence on the 1st of December, with only one location requiring a ticket – Merrion Square Park. Ticket prices are a nominal charge of €2 per adult, and each adult ticket admits two children.
See more hereWonderlights, Ireland’s largest light show experience, has three locations in Malahide Castle and Marlay Park in Dublin and Fota House in Cork.
View offer hereThe ever popular Wildlights at Dublin Zoo is back from 6th November until 31st January 2026, with a new theme called ‘Step into The Wild Kaleidoscope’, where 13 kaleidoscopic zones burst with vibrant colour. This immersive experience includes the largest EVER lantern featured at Wild Lights (and one of the biggest in Europe).
See more hereI hope this post on Christmas markets in Ireland will help you plan a festive break away soon.
