Christmas in Dublin: Markets, Lights and Festive Things to Do 

The capital is at its warmest when the nights are longest, with lights strung across the shopping streets, ice rinks in the squares and mulled wine in the markets. This guide pulls together the 2026 dates for the main markets and displays, so Dublin at Christmas is easy to plan around. 

Whether you’re visiting for a weekend, bringing the family or timing a trip around a single market, the pieces below fit together. If you also want to see the city’s landmarks in the daylight, our guide to Dublin sightseeing helps you pace the days. 

Markets and ice rinks 

The biggest central draw is TwinkleTown at Smithfield Square, running from 20 November to 31 December 2026, with an open-air ice rink and family entertainment. Entry is free, though rink and some rides need tickets. A second site is listed at St Patrick’s Park from late November to 23 December. Those searching for a Dublin Christmas market with stalls and food will also find one at the RDS in Ballsbridge from late November to 23 December, with a covered ice rink, though listings use different names for it. 

Smaller markets add variety. The Dublin Christmas markets 2026 line-up includes Swords Castle on weekends from 27 November to 6 December, Ardgillan Castle on 5 and 6 December, the Fumbally in the Liberties on 4 to 6 December and the Botanic Gardens craft market on 12 and 13 December. Dublin Castle’s market is not running this year and is expected to return in 2027. Dates and hours change, so confirm with organisers before you travel. Dates and hours change, so confirm with organisers before you travel. When you’re ready to compare, browse Dublin holidays for flights and hotels. 

Event	Dates (2026)	Admission
TwinkleTown, Smithfield	20 Nov to 31 Dec	Free entry
Swords Castle market	27 Nov to 6 Dec	Free
Ardgillan Castle market	5 and 6 Dec	Free
Botanic Gardens craft market	12 and 13 Dec	Free

Lights across the city 

For free displays, walk the central shopping streets. Grafton Street, Henry Street and O’Connell Street are the usual places to see the street lights, which come on automatically at dusk, around 4 pm in December. The city council’s Winter Lights project, covering more than 25 well-known sites, is listed for December through to February, and it is free to enjoy. The most dramatic Christmas lights in Dublin are the paid ones: Wonderlights, in the grounds of Malahide Castle from 12 November to 29 December, with tickets from about €19.75 for adults and €17.50 for children. Wild Lights at Dublin Zoo runs from 12 November to 5 January, from about €24.50 for adults. 

Days out with children 

Children enjoy Dublin in December, with Santa’s Grotto at Swords Castle on market weekends, ice skating at Smithfield and the light trails above. If you’re planning a longer family stay, our guide to Dublin family holidays has day trips for the quieter days between events. Pantomime season is another family favourite, with shows listed at the Gaiety, the Helix, the National Stadium and the Civic Theatre. Book tickets for paid attractions in advance, because the best slots go first. 

What’s on in December 

The calendar of Dublin Christmas events also includes carol concerts, which are a mix of free and ticketed performances, and the Retro Drive-In at Leopardstown, which usually starts in early December and screens festive films. Among the things to do in Dublin at Christmas, a ticketed night at a light trail, a pantomime matinee and a wander through the free displays make a good three-part weekend. 

Getting around and when to go 

Days are short, with dusk at about 4 pm, so the lights are best from late afternoon. Weekday evenings are quieter than weekends, and the weather is cool and often wet, so pack a waterproof layer. Central sites are walkable, and the Luas helps with the rest, but check taxi or train options for events outside the city, such as Malahide and Swords. 

Planning your festive trip 

Choose a base near the centre, book ticketed events early and leave an evening free for a walk through the lights. When you’re ready to compare, browse Dublin holidays for flights and hotels. Travelodeal can help you time a Dublin stay around your favourite market and light trail. 

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