Next Polar Express stop: Dublin Christmas Markets

That time of the year has arrived. If you, like us, were waiting for strolling around some alpine stalls, holding a cup of mulled wine while imagining the snow falling over your knitted hat, then you’re ready for this amazing Dublin Christmas markets list.

From knitted clothing pieces to adorable recycled toothbrushes, the Dublin Christmas markets craze for selling the most unusual gifts started sprouting like mushrooms around the city too. Personally, I do love strolling around the stalls with hand-made crafts while listening to Christmas carols. But I can also understand the scepticism around this holiday time, filled with a hectic vortex of consumerism.
Despite this, living such an eco-aware era, it is crucial to change our approach to this festive time and our lives. If it is true that at Christmas we have to be nicer and more self-conscious, then this is the best place to start. Choosing handcrafted and sustainable gifts.

Therefore, if you feel like rambling around the stalls, searching out the latest and sustainable crafties or delicious handmade pies and breathing in all the magical atmosphere, check out our list of these Dublin Christmas markets taking place in the capital. They will be able to convince even the more sceptical and ‘Scroogesque’ grinches.

The Dun Laoghaire Christmas Market

From the 30th of November until the 23rd of December 2019 Dun Laoghaire will host one of the most iconic Dublin Christmas markets. Prepare yourself to be teleported into a different dimension, space and time: among all the mulled wine and artisanal craft stalls lies a 55 ft retro Ferris Wheel built-in 1958, featured in the 1978 movie, Grease. Besides the vintage-fair atmosphere, it’s possible to find authentic Hungarian Lángos, German Gluhwein, Fresh Falafel, Gingerbread and steaming hot chocolate that will fill the air as you wander through the Christmas wonderland. If you are searching for the perfect Christmas gift, the market has hand-crafted gifts and decorations, jewellery, limited edition photographic prints, Hurling watches and clocks, Trendy Socks, PaperBear Greeting cards. 

When: 30/11-23/12 from 11 AM-7 PM

Where: Dun Laoghaire, Dublin, Ireland

The Swords Christmas Market in Swords Castle

All on board the Polar Express at the Swords Christmas Market! A bit off the “‘traditional’ beaten path, in the most northern part of Dublin county, lies the Swords Castle. From the 29th of November until the 1st of December, this landmark will host a lovely Christmas market. During this weekend Santa will move into the newly restored chapel in the castle. Enjoy some mulled wine while listening to some Christmas carols performed in a pavilion, specially designed for the occasion. Walk through the stalls owned by local traders who will be more than happy to show you around their creations, emphasising local eco-products, artists and collectors. 

When: 29/11-1712

Where: Swords Castle, Swords, Dublin, Ireland

Dublin Castle Christmas Market

In the heart of the city centre, the historic landmark of Dublin Castle will turn itself into the perfect scenario for a small and cosy Dublin Christmas Market. Expect to be overwhelmed by the winter wonderland atmosphere as this market has all the ingredients to be extraordinary: an open-air Christmas village with over 30 traditional alpine market stalls, garnished with some evening “Fa-la-la-la-la” carols and a sprinkle of meeting-and-greeting with the Nutcracker characters. It’s genuinely a great occasion to discover artisanal/handmade gifts from local producers, with a great number of sustainable items. If, therefore, you’re looking for the perfect Christmas present, made with love and dedication, have a look at this market. It’s just around the corner.

When: 12/12-22/12

Where: Dame St, Dublin 2, Ireland 

Zero Waste Christmas Festival

Pop into the George Bar in South George St to experience a different sort of Christmas market spirit. The Zero Waste Festival will launch its Christmas version on the 1st of December. What better time of year if not Christmas for some Swap and Sell in search of the best gift? This exceptional market will help you to try to be more aware of the plastic-free process. If you’re new to it, and it will give you remarkable ideas to make some eco-friendly gifts and spread the vibe around. There will be something for everyone’s taste. Bring your own unused clothes, provided they are in good condition, from shoes to Christmas jumpers, and let the Christmas magic happen. All unsold items will be donated to charity, and I honestly think that’s part of the real magic and what, after all, this holiday is about. Make Christmas for everyone, make it sustainable.

For more information have a look here.

When: 1/12 from 1 PM to 6 PM

Where: 89 South Great Georges St, Dublin, Ireland

Sustainable Christmas Market at Botanic Gardens

Dublin’s Botanic Garden is a proper living paradise and it boasts a huge collection of plant species and varieties. And in this great environment, a winter wonderland village is organised every year inside the Gardens. Santa will be available for any visitors (naughty or nice!). Willing to have a chat with him and thrilled to share your wish list? Have it a go. If it’s the handmade crafts you’re looking for, check out to all the 50 stalls: they sell eco-friendly products made by local producers. Wander through the several environments, admire the giant Christmas trees and breathe their fresh fir scents and all handmade wreaths scattered around the pavilion. Be careful of standing under the (real!) mistletoe, though. 

When: 14-15/12 from 10 AM – 4.30 PM

Where: National Botanic Gardens, Glasnevin, Dublin 9, Ireland

Sustainable Christmas Market

Native Events, the leading company for sustainable event production, is proud to sponsor this Sustainable Christmas Market. Don’t make any plans for the weekend of the 6-8 December. Pop in for this ethically conscious market! Aiming to provide a new idea for Christmas gifts, fighting consumerism all around, the traders and their stalls at the D-Light Studios will sell alternative and sustainable goods that will definitely broaden your horizons in terms of presents. More than 30 stalls will be present at this market where you can find some trendy recycled bags, handmade natural skin and hair care products, wall-art and of course recyclable wrapping paper. No Germanesque chalet-style cabins, but the Christmas atmosphere will definitely fill the air. 

When: 6/12-8/12 from 4 PM – 8 PM; 11 AM – 8PM

Where: 46 N Great Clarence St, Ballybough, Dublin, Ireland

And there you have it, Dublin Christmas markets: even a stone-hearted Grinch couldn’t resist their atmospheres. If you’re not in Dublin, or about to move county, and don’t know where the closest Christmas markets to you will be, stay tuned. The Next Polar Express stop will be Christmas markets around the Emerald Isle.