Ireland’s Best Christmas Markets in 2025
Saturday 1st November 2025
Yes it’s that time of year again, Halloween has passed and we can officially start getting excited for Christmas! Ireland welcomes hundreds of thousands of visitors every Winter for it’s Christmas markets and delightfully cosy pubs, restaurants and seasonal events. Last year our guide to 2024’s Christmas market had all the details you need for planning your Christmas Market Roadtrip so we’re doing it all over again for 2025!
Here’s what’s been confirmed*
- Galway Christmas Market: November 7, 2025 – December 31, 2025
- Belfast Christmas Market: November 15 – December 22, 2025
- Dublin Castle Christmas Market: November 27th to December 17th (likely dates)
- Cork Christmas Market (Corkmas): November 14th to December 31st, 2025 The Irish Road Trip
- Waterford Winterval: November 21 – December 23, 2025
- Kilkenny Christmas Market: November 29th to December 23rd
- TwinkleTown Dublin: November 28th to January 4th at Smithfield Square
Galway Christmas Market Running from November 7th to December 31st in Eyre Square, this is Ireland’s longest-running Christmas market and widely considered the best. Over 50 wooden chalets offer everything from German bratwurst to Irish crafts, plus there’s a 32-meter Ferris wheel, traditional carousel, and Santa’s Grotto. The Bier Keller serves drinks from 5pm daily. Expect crowds – over 450,000 people visited last year. Opening hours: Monday-Wednesday 12pm-8pm, Thursday-Saturday 10am-10pm, Sunday 10am-8pm.
Belfast Christmas Market Belfast’s City Hall transforms into a German-style Christmas market from November 15th to December 22nd. With 90 handcrafted wooden chalets, food from 32+ nationalities, and family attractions like the Santa Train, it’s one of Ireland’s largest markets. Free entry but you’ll pay for food, drinks, and Santa visits. Opening hours: Monday-Wednesday 10am-8pm, Thursday-Saturday 10am-10pm, Sunday 12pm-6pm.
Cork Christmas Market (Corkmas) Cork’s festive celebration kicks off November 14th with a parade and runs until December 31st. The main Christmas market on Emmet Place features wooden chalets, while the iconic Ferris wheel returns to Grand Parade. There’s also the Solas light installation and street entertainment. The market runs Thursday-Sunday each week, plus Monday December 22nd. Free entry to most events.
Dublin Castle Christmas Market Set in the historic Dublin Castle grounds, this boutique market runs from November 27th to December 17th. It’s smaller than other Irish markets but offers a charming, intimate atmosphere with artisan crafts and festive food. Christmas trees line the entrance pathway – visit after dark for the best effect. Free entry, open daily 12pm-9pm.
Waterford Winterval Ireland’s largest Christmas festival runs November 21st to December 23rd, operating Thursday-Sunday each week. Beyond the market stalls, Winterval offers rides, attractions, and Santa experiences. Some activities require tickets, but the main market areas are free. Opening hours typically 11am-8pm, extended until 9:30pm on Fridays and Saturdays.
Kilkenny Yulefest Taking place weekends from November 29th to December 23rd in The Parade, this cozy market focuses on local crafts, Irish traditions, and community spirit. Open Saturdays 11am-8pm and Sundays 11am-6pm, plus extra days on December 22nd and 23rd. Free entry with some ticketed Santa experiences and special events.
Planning to hit multiple markets or explore Ireland’s festive countryside? A rental car is your ticket to Christmas market freedom. With Easirent branches at Dublin, Cork, and Shannon airports, you can pick up your car as soon as you land and start your festive adventure immediately. Our larger vehicles offer plenty of boot space for all those Christmas market treasures – from Galway’s artisan crafts to Belfast’s international treats. Plus, you can collect from one location and return to any of our depots, making it easy to plan the perfect Irish Christmas market road trip. The narrow country lanes to cozy pubs and the scenic drives between cities are all part of the magic, and they’re only accessible with your own wheels.
Book your Christmas market adventure with Easirent today and make this the most memorable festive season yet!
