Dublin Christmas Market 2026: Dates, Best Markets & Tips

Pass Christmas in Dublin, It's about enjoying a city lit up with lights, pubs filled with music, and vibrant Irish traditions. While the markets are certainly smaller than those in England, the atmosphere is unique. We've been organizing trips to Ireland since 2012: here are the markets, traditions, and our tips for Christmas 2026.

In short: At Christmas 2026, Dublin boasts several free markets. TwinkleTown sets up shop in Smithfield Square from November 20 to December 31, and in St. Patrick's Park from November 27 to December 23. Everwinter, at RDS, runs from November 25 to December 23, with an ice rink open until January 3. As for Christmas lights, Wonderlights shines at Malahide Castle from November 12 to December 29, and Wild Lights at Dublin Zoo runs until January 5, 2027.

Christmas in Dublin: the city's atmosphere in December

Indeed, from mid-November onwards, the shopping streets light up. Grafton Street and Henry Street are adorned with garlands, while the windows of the Brown Thomas department store attract families. Then, in the evenings, the pubs of Temple Bar and the city center host traditional music sessions.

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Unlike major English cities, Dublin doesn't have a huge central market: its Christmas markets are spread across Smithfield, the RDS, and various other neighborhoods. For the rest of the country, see our guide to... Christmas markets in Ireland. In fact, the festivities are mostly experienced in the streets, pubs, theaters and several local markets.

Christmas markets in Dublin in 2026

Please note: the Dublin Castle Christmas market will not take place in 2026. The castle is closed to the public until January 2027, as it is hosting events for the Irish Presidency of the European Union.

The Christmas market in Dublin is therefore spread across several locations this year. Here are the dates for 2026:

Market or event	Dates 2026-2027	Entrance
TwinkleTown, Smithfield Square	From November 20 to December 31, 2026	Free
TwinkleTown, St Patrick's Park	From November 27 to December 23, 2026	Free
Everwinter, RDS (Ballsbridge)	From November 25 to December 23, 2026 (ice rink until January 3)	Paid, low price
St Stephen's Green Market	From November 18 to December 22, 2026 (planned)	Free
Swords Castle Market	From November 27 to December 6, 2026 (planned)	Free
Wonderlights, Malahide Castle	From November 12 to December 29, 2026	Paid
Wild Lights, Dublin Zoo	From November 12, 2026 to January 5, 2027	Paid

TwinkleTown, Smithfield's Christmas Village

First, there's the large Christmas village in the city center. Located in Smithfield Square, TwinkleTown features an ice rink, a Ferris wheel, a vintage funfair, concerts, and a market showcasing Irish crafts. Entry is free; only the rides and attractions require payment. New for 2026: a second location will be set up in St. Patrick's Park, at the foot of St. Patrick's Cathedral, from November 27th to December 23rd.

Everwinter, the new market of RDS

Next up, a newcomer for the 2026 season, Everwinter sets up shop at the RDS in the Ballsbridge district. Specifically, it features a Christmas market showcasing Irish artisans, an indoor ice rink, a vintage funfair, and food stalls. It's open Tuesday to Sunday, afternoons and evenings, and closed on Mondays. There's no parking on site, so you'll need to take a bus or DART.

The illuminated trails: Wonderlights and Wild Lights

Finally, for a truly magical evening, two light trails complement the markets. Wonderlights illuminates the gardens of Malahide Castle, north of Dublin, while Wild Lights transforms Phoenix Park Zoo into a world of light. In all cases, remember to book your tickets in advance, especially on weekends.

Other Christmas markets around Dublin

Finally, the St Stephen's Green Continental Market, the Swords Castle Market, and the Glasnevin Botanic Gardens Craft Market offer a more intimate atmosphere. In all cases, check the up-to-date opening hours on the tourist office website. Visit Dublin.

Want to see everything without planning anything? Then our stay is for you. Dublin Christmas market in 5 days brings together TwinkleTown, Everwinter, Wonderlights and Wild Lights.

Christmas traditions in Dublin

The busk on December 24th on Grafton Street

Thus, every Christmas Eve, well-known Irish musicians, such as Glen Hansard, sing for free in the streets to raise money for a homeless charity. It's one of the most heartwarming moments of the festive season in Dublin.

The December 25th swim at Forty Foot

On Christmas morning, hundreds of Dubliners plunge into the Irish Sea at Sandycove, often to raise money for charities. However, even without swimming, the atmosphere is worth the trip.

The Christmas Pantomime

At the Gaiety Theatre, the end-of-year pantomime is a true institution. Moreover, this family show, full of humor and songs, is performed in English, but remains easy to follow.

Our tips for a successful Christmas in Dublin

• First, book your hotel early, as weekends in December are in high demand.
• Next, plan for December 25th: almost no public transport is running, and most pubs, restaurants and museums are closed.
• So book your Christmas meal in advance, for example in your hotel restaurant.
• Then, on December 26, Saint Stephen's Day, the city slowly wakes up: it's time for sales and walks.
• Finally, pack warm and waterproof clothing: temperatures are often between 3 and 8 °C.

To plan your days there, follow our itinerary for Visit Dublin in 3 days.

Extend Christmas in Dublin with Belfast

Furthermore, Belfast is just over two hours away by train from Dublin. In addition, its large continental market will be held in the City Hall gardens from November 14th to December 22nd, 2026, with free entry. To plan your trip, read our guide to... train in Ireland.

You can then explore the Giant's Causeway and the Antrim Coast, featured in our guide to the...’Northern Ireland. If you're still hesitating between several cities, finally compare them with the Edinburgh Christmas Market or the Christmas markets in London.

Also read: New Year in Dublin 2026.

To extend the magic of Christmas in Ireland, also discover the Belfast Christmas Market, 2 hours by train, and the Galway Christmas Market, on the west coast.

Frequently Asked Questions about Christmas in Dublin

Is there a Christmas market in Dublin?

Yes, several in fact. In 2026, the main ones are TwinkleTown in Smithfield Square and St Patrick's Park, Everwinter at the RDS, and the market in St Stephen's Green. They are smaller than those in England, but very welcoming.

When do Dublin's Christmas markets start in 2026?

The first ones open in mid-November: St Stephen's Green market is scheduled to open on November 18, TwinkleTown in Smithfield Square on November 20 and Everwinter on November 25, 2026.

Will there be a Christmas market at Dublin Castle in 2026?

No. The castle is hosting events for the Irish presidency of the European Union, and the market is not expected to return until 2027.

What to do in Dublin on December 25th?

The town is very quiet. Watch the Forty Foot bath in the morning, stroll through the illuminated center, then enjoy a pre-booked meal.

How many days should I plan to spend in Dublin for Christmas?

Three or four days are enough for the city, its markets, and its pubs. Add two days if you also want to see Belfast. For more information, compare with our calendar of Christmas markets in the United Kingdom.

Is it cold in Dublin in December?

It's cool rather than very cold, with temperatures often between 3 and 8 °C. Rain and wind, however, are frequent.

Spend Christmas in Dublin with Brightside Travel

Our team knows Ireland well in winter. We offer, in particular, a Irish cultural and musical getaway during the holidays, adaptable to your dates, and we can integrate it into a tailor-made trip to Ireland.

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