Maybe it’s the smell of delicious food and Christmas smells in the air, or maybe it’s just the mulled wine, but I love a good Christmas market! Here are some of the best Christmas markets taking place around Ireland.

Dates: November 18th to December 17th 2023

Get ready to hang up the stockings, drape the tinsel on the tree, and sip an Irish Coffee under the mistletoe, because Christmas is coming, and in Wicklow, it wouldn’t be Christmas without the famous Wicklow Christmas Market.

Delight in the magic that the market has to offer for Christmas lovers of all ages, from a brand-new Santa experience for the kiddies, an expanded Eco-Ice Rink, a bigger and better market, and even more lights and trees than ever.

Wicklow Christmas Market is designed to be enjoyed by all, therefore, as always, entry to the Market is FREE. Once inside, you will be transported into an awe-inspiring Christmas wonderland, where you’ll have your choice of delicious, international culinary offerings from local food vendors, 50+ craft stalls to get your Christmas shopping list completed, and of course the markets now legendary fire-show and new covered live entertainment space.

Photo by Andrew Downes

Dates: November 10th 2023 to January 7th 2024

The Galway Continental Christmas Market transforms Eyre Square in the heart of Galway City into a magical winter wonderland. The atmospheric market features traditional Bavarian and Irish Stalls, with food, beverages and gifts and goods from all over Europe.

The observation wheel and carousel are always popular and add to the festive atmosphere. Children can also post their letters to Santa in his special post box and pay a visit to him in his grotto.

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Dates: End November 2023

For festive fun in the run up to Christmas, head to Cork City for Glow, a Cork Christmas Celebration, which includes a fantastic Christmas Market. It usually runs during weekends from end November trough to the final weekend before Christmas. The festival has something for everyone, with a free festive installation in Bishop Lucey Park, giant ferris wheel, food markets and entertainment.

Dates: November 18th to December 22nd 2023

The ever popular Belfast Christmas Market is back offering a range of unique gifts, gourmet food and drink and don’t forget to pay Santa’s post-box a visit and send off your Christmas wish lists to the North Pole, as each child who posts their letter will receive an individual response from the ‘big man’ himself.

Dates: November 17th to December 23rd 2023

Winterval is back, for festive fun for all the family head to Waterford for the annual festival which includes a Christmas Market to stroll around, Waterford Illuminates, a 3D illuminating light show taking place each evening. There’s also an ice rink, family events (mostly free) and the Winterval Express Train and a visit to Santa’s all new Gingerbread House to enjoy.

Dates: December 2023

The Christmas Market at the Milk Market usually takes place weekly from the 2nd Dec with a full week of markets in the run up to Christmas Day. Featuring up to 60 stalls & shops with artisan food, craft & gifts, quality festive & speciality foods, collectables, bric-a-brac, toys, books, fashions, seasonal decorations & more!

Dates: December 2023

Enjoy the annual Christmas celebrations at Strandhill People’s Market in the unique venue of Hangar 1 at Sligo Airport. Visitors can enjoy artisan food and craft products. The market runs every Sunday 11-4pm, and night markets are usually open every Friday in December from 5pm-9pm.

The man in the big red suit may also be visiting every Friday and Sunday throughout December, with all funds raised from the Santa’s grotto going towards a local charity.

Dates: December 8th, 9th, 10th, 15th, 16th and 17th 2023

Winterfest is back in Mullingar for 2023. The annual Mullingar Christmas Market will run on select dates in December in Mullingar Town Park.

Dates: End November 2023

Yulefest Kilkenny is back for 2023. As part of Yulefest there will be a number of Christmas Markets taking place around Kilkenny which offer the perfect opportunity to purchase local, handmade Christmas gifts for all the family.

Dates: For 2023 TBC

What could be more festive than Rock Farm Christmas Market in the old Hay Barn, twinkling with lights and bedecked with Christmas trees. Every enticing stall is dressed up for Christmas, featuring special hampers and Christmas gift packs making browsing for last minute presents a pleasure. We’ll have artisan food, arts and crafts stalls competing for your attention with an abundance of yuletide gift ideas and treats. These include Slane Food Circle members Rock Farm Slane, The Cider Mill, Boyne Valley Farmhouse Cheese and Newgrange Gold Rapeseed Oil.