That familiar chill in the air, the warmth of a cosy hot chocolate and the backdrop of merry tunes; the holiday season in Ireland is absolutely magic. 2021 has been a rollercoaster of a year to say the least and a lot of uncertainties remain but we’re hopeful that families and friends can still come together and enjoy a bit of the Christmas Spirit. As of writing, these Christmas markets are still on the agenda and here to bring some festive cheer into your lives!
GLOW Cork Christmas Celebration
When: 26th Nov - 9th Jan
Complete with rides (make sure to pre-book the ferris wheel), market stalls, live choir performances and pantomime windows, the GLOW Cork Christmas Celebration is a multi-sensory experience for all ages. In truth, it’s a city-wide festive celebration that brings together the whole Cork community and attracts visitors from all parts of the country to join in. And if there’s one thing we know about Cork, the locals are proud to be from Cork and will go above and beyond to make any guests feel welcome. And there'll be some obligatory banter to go with that!
Winterval in Waterford
When: 19th Nov - 23rd Dec
As far as we can tell, there’s no activity that isn’t covered here at Winterval in Waterford! Winterval’s 2021 theme of ‘Celebrate Together’ marks the gathering back together of families, friends and communities and a non-stop journey to a world of Christmas celebration. With a wide range of free and ticketed events, suitable for all ages, every corner of the city brings its own unique twist. Of course, we’re talking about festive food, craft markets, live performance, a HUGE ferris wheel, breakfasts with Santa, an enchanted winter light-garden and many more. Winterval, it’s snow joke!
Galway Continental Christmas Market
When: 12th Nov - 22nd Dec
One of Ireland's favourites, this is the 12th year for Galway's Continental Christmas Market. Make the most of their Christmas stalls, a 32-metre-high Ferris wheel plus food and warming drinks to fill you up with those wintery feels and flavours. Known for extracting random yelps of glee from attendees, it’s normal to spend your whole time in the market grinning from ear to ear. And with a brand new G+C Clubhouse in Edward Square, you’ve got plenty of reasons to soak up the festive spirit in the lively City of Tribes.
Galway Christmas Market at Eyre Square.
Belfast Christmas Market
When: 20 Nov - 23rd Dec
The beauty that is the Belfast Christmas Market is back and ready to sing all the Christmas Carols you can handle! Gift shopping, food or festivities, no holiday season is complete without a wander through Christmas-Tree laden market stalls with sweet aromas filling the air and making you feel all kinds of fuzz inside. The Belfast team are delighted to be back after the 2020 lockdown and can’t wait to showcase local food and craft to the thousands of expected visitors.
Wicklow Christmas Market Reimagined
When: Nov 27 - Dec 21
The Wicklow Christmas Market is going ahead this year, complete with craft stalls, fire shows, food vendors and loads more. Prepare for the magic of Christmas and there's even a rumour that Santa himself is going to show up! For 2021, they’ve even built an Eco Ice Skating Rink which sounds like all sorts of more sustainable fun. With the smell of mouth-watering delights wafting through the air, this may just become your favourite Christmas market!
Milk Market Christmas, Limerick
When: 28th Nov - 31st Dec
It’s back! Limerick’s famous Milk Market transforms into a winter wonderland fully kitted out with local + seasonal artisan food stalls, Christmas crafts, a letter service direct to Santa Claus! As well as a rotating schedule of local musicians and performers, visitors will be able to get their hands on some of the finest artisanal produce to enjoy over the festive season. Visit their website for the full schedule of events planned at the Milk Market.
Dublin Castle Christmas Market
When: 8th - 21st Dec
We’re delighted to hear that Christmas at Dublin Castle returns this year! It’s a ticketed event so make sure you book your tickets in advance to avoid disappointment. Once you enter the market, you’ll find a huge range of artisan craft stalls with all the gifts and trinkets that you could ever wish for. With live festive carol singing and a huge selection of tasty treats + drinks to keep everyone happy, you’ll be able to soak up the cheerful atmosphere and get into the seasonal spirit quicker than we can say ho, ho, ho!
As you can see, Ireland has many magical spots around the country where you can get your fill of festive cheer. However the holiday season looks for you, enjoy it, take some time for yourself and always get your hands on that last roastie!!
