Dublin Christmas Market 2023: At The Castle & Mistletown

Dublin city centre thrives with festive energy as locals and visitors indulge in the pre-Christmas buzz of dining, shopping, and seasonal activities. Christmas markets are a particular highlight in December, each offering a unique festive experience.

Below are the three most notable markets. Click on any link to jump directly to the full details, including the confirmed 2023 dates:

1. Dublin Castle – A traditional market set against the historic backdrop of Dublin Castle.
2. Mistletown – Note: This event is cancelled for this year but is expected to return.
3. Wicklow – Discover the Garden of Ireland, just a short drive from the city centre.

Dublin Christmas Market 2023

From December, the city’s shopping streets and squares are decorated with lights and Christmas trees, creating a magical atmosphere.

With Mistletown’s cancellation, Dublin Castle takes centre stage as the city’s premier winter event.

Christmas at the Castle

Christmas at the Castle showcases the season’s best at Dublin Castle, featuring over 30 alpine-style stalls with everything from handcrafted decorations to gourmet treats.

Wander amidst the twinkling lights, discover artisan gifts, sip on warm mulled wine, and savour seasonal favourites like roasted chestnuts and gingerbread.

Update: Dates are still unconfirmed. It might not be going ahead this year. Check back soon for updates.

Dublin Christmas Market dates: Likely dates: 7th to 20th December 2023.
Location: Dublin Castle courtyard.
Opening times: Monday to Friday: 12pm to 9pm. Friday and Saturday: 10am to 9pm.
Christmas Day: Closed.
Admission: Free, but you must book a ticket in advance. Book online.
Christmas lights: No switch on ceremony.
Santa: Yes.
Ice skating: Yes, in Dublin city centre.
Vegetarian: Yes, plenty of options.
Vegan: Yes, plenty of options.
Gluten free: Yes, some options.
Accessible: Yes.
Pet-friendly: No.
Parking: Please take public transport to help limit congestion.
Recommended tour: The Highlights and Hidden Gems walking tour is a great introduction to the city.
Reason to visit: A family friendly event in a unique location
Specialities: Mince pies, themed woolly hats, fun Christmas jumpers.
Travel tips: Kids will love the carousel and vintage helter skelter, while adults might enjoy a hot toddy.
Where to stay: Zanzibar Locke for its location near O’Connell Street.

Convenient Hotels

When in Dublin, I recommend staying at Zanzibar Locke. It’s on the riverfront, near O’Connell Street in the city centre. In this area, you’re near cafes, bars, shopping and sights while having easy access to festive events.

If that doesn’t suit you, my guide to hotels near Dublin Christmas Market lists several convenient and good-value hotels for a short stay in Dublin.

Interesting Tours

I recommend taking the Highlights and Hidden Gems walking tour in Dublin. You’ll discover interesting highlights about Dublin’s history as you stroll past significant landmarks with an expert guide.

On this tour, you’ll walk through Dublin’s streets, taking in sights like Dublin Castle, Christchurch Cathedral, and Trinity College.

Alternatively, you might enjoy the Walking Street Food Tour. It’s a fantastic way to get acquainted with Dublin’s culinary scene. You’ll visit five local spots renowned for their traditional fare, finishing with a stop at a beloved dessert spot.

Explore more winter festivals and events with my Christmas Markets Ireland 2023 guide, covering where to go and things to do.

Mistletown

Update for 2023: Mistletown will not be taking place this year, but plans are in place for its return in 2024.

In 2024, Mistletown is set to reignite the festive mood in its renowned market hall, with the Dublin Artisan Food Village showcasing an assortment of local and international culinary delights.

More than 20 food stalls will have everything from comforting hot drinks to gourmet treats. Spirited drinks and wholesome non-alcoholic options will also be available to warm up chilly evenings.

The Craft Market will return with over 80 stalls selling wooden toys, handmade chocolates, custom baubles, and the ever-popular kitschy Christmas jumpers, perfect for seasonal fun.

Mistletown dates: 2nd to 23rd December. Cancelled in 2023.
Location: St Michan’s Street – located at the site of the indoor fruit and veg market.
Opening times: Monday to Friday: 12pm to 10pm. Friday and Saturday: 10am to 10pm.
Christmas Day: Closed.
Admission: Free.
Santa: No.
Ice skating: No.
Vegetarian: Yes, plenty of options.
Vegan: Yes, plenty of options.
Gluten free: Yes, some options.
Accessible: Yes.

Getting to Mistletown

Mistletown is a 15-minute walk from O’Connell Street and 25 minutes from St Stephen’s Green. The Red LUAS tram line offers direct access with a stop at Four Courts, close to Mistletown.

Given the limited availability of on-street parking, public transport, walking or cycling is advisable.

Wicklow – Outside of Dublin

A mere 45-minute drive from Dublin, Wicklow provides a picturesque setting for its lively Christmas market.

Amidst this coastal town’s charm, the market buzzes with activity, drawing visitors from nearby areas to the festive stalls.

You’ll find a treasure trove of handmade crafts, ideal for unique gifts, alongside a tempting selection of local foods and drinks.

Wicklow Dates: Friday to Sunday: 18th November to 17th December 2023.
Location: The Murrough and Leitrim Place.
Opening times: Friday: 2pm to 7:30pm. Saturday and Sunday: 10am to 7:30pm.
Christmas Day: Closed.
Admission: Free. Santa Express and Ice skating require tickets.
Payment: Cash is preferred at some stalls.
Santa: The Santa Express is a 30-minute train journey through the Tunnel of Lights towards the North Pole. Santa Express is both indoors and outdoors. Photos with Santa are available. Book here.
Ice skating: Yes, at the Eco Ice Rink at Wicklow on Ice at Leitrim Place. From 18th November 2023 to 2nd January 2024. Open to ages 4 and over. 30 minutes per skating session. Book here.
Accessible: Yes, including accessible toilets.
Pet-friendly: Yes, but not on the Santa Express.
Where to stay: If you want to stay overnight, the Bridge Tavern is a popular small hotel near Leitrim Place.

Read my guide for full details on visiting Wicklow Christmas Market 2023.

Christmas in Dublin

Christmas in Dublin is a time when historic charm meets winter warmth. The city lights up, creating a subtle yet festive backdrop for winter walks and evenings out.

Local Specialties

Mince Pies: A visit to an Irish Christmas market isn’t complete without tasting a minced pie. The mince pie is a festive staple with its rich, spiced filling of fruits and nuts encased in a buttery pastry. These small pies are a traditional treat, perfect with a hot cup of tea to ward off the chill.

Irish Stew: Savour a bowl of hearty Irish stew, a comfort food that truly embodies the warmth of an Irish winter. Made with tender local lamb, root vegetables, and potatoes, it’s a filling meal that brings solace after a day of exploring the market.

Soda Bread: Find stalls baking fresh Irish soda bread on-site. This dense, delicious bread made from buttermilk and baking soda is often enjoyed with butter or as a side to the stew. Its crusty exterior and soft centre make it irresistible on a cold day.

Hot Whiskey: Irish hot whiskey, known locally as a ‘hot toddy,’ is a popular drink to keep the cold at bay. It combines whiskey, lemon, cloves, and hot water, often sweetened with a little honey.

Seafood Chowder: A must-try in a coastal city like Dublin. The chowder is rich and creamy, filled with fish and shellfish.

Boxty: These Irish potato pancakes are found in several variations around the market. These griddled cakes are a quick snack, sometimes served with a savoury filling or a dollop of apple sauce for a sweet twist.

Gifts and Stocking Fillers

Aran Sweaters: Wrap up in the warmth of a traditional Aran sweater. These classic Irish knits, renowned for their intricate patterns and durability, are a quintessential gift from Dublin. Each stitch tells a story, and the sweaters are known for their beauty and practicality in the harsh Atlantic climate.

Celtic Jewellery: Choose from pieces that hold historical significance and beauty. The designs, often inspired by ancient Celtic art, feature symbols like the Trinity knot and Claddagh, representing love, loyalty, and friendship.

Irish Whiskey: Considered liquid gold, Irish whiskey makes a distinguished gift. Distilleries often have stalls at the market.

Irish Linen: Prized around the world for its quality. You’ll find everything from delicate handkerchiefs to beautifully embroidered tablecloths at the market.

Book of Kells Reproductions: For the literary or history enthusiast, reproductions of pages from the Book of Kells are a unique find. These copies of the ancient manuscript, known for its richly decorated gospels, are a piece of Irish heritage that any bibliophile would treasure.

Personalised Baubles: Customise your Christmas with personalised decorations. Vendors offer everything from baubles to slate decorations inscribed with names or messages.

Connemara Marble: Gifts made of Connemara marble, a unique green stone found only in Ireland, range from simple keyrings to elegant chess sets.

Things to Do in Winter

Dublin is an exciting city that offers plenty of activities to experience in winter. Here are some things to do in Dublin that are particularly suited to winter visits:

• Visit the Christmas markets – Of course, the Christmas markets are my first winter recommendation. Enjoy the atmosphere, explore the market stalls, and do a little shopping.
• Take a walk through St. Stephen’s Green – The beautiful St. Stephen’s Green Park offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.
• Enjoy a traditional Irish music session in a cosy pub – Dublin is known for its lively pub culture, and there’s nothing quite like cosying up in a traditional pub with a pint of Guinness and enjoying live music.
• Ice-skating – An ice-skating rink is set up in Dublin’s city centre, an activity for all ages.
• National Gallery of Ireland – This gallery houses a vast collection of European and Irish art from the Middle Ages to the present day.
• Dublin City Gallery The Hugh Lane – Features an impressive contemporary and modern art collection, including works by Francis Bacon and Jack B. Yeats. The gallery also hosts temporary exhibitions throughout the year.
• The Irish Whiskey Museum – This museum provides visitors with an immersive experience of the history and production of Irish whiskey. It’s a great indoor activity during the colder winter months and a perfect way to warm up with a whiskey tasting.
• EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum – This museum offers a fascinating insight into the history of Irish emigration, with interactive exhibits and storytelling that brings to life the stories of the Irish diaspora.
• The Little Museum of Dublin – This museum provides a quirky and charming look at Dublin’s history, with a particular focus on the 20th century.

The latest information for travellers is published by Visit Dublin, the official tourism office. They can be helpful if you need specific information.

Sustainability Tips

Visiting Dublin at Christmas is an increasingly popular choice for a winter destination. Here are some examples of how to implement simple sustainability measures to create a positive impact during your trip:

• Shop mindfully – Consider purchasing locally made or sustainably sourced gifts in Dublin. For example, you can support local artisans and makers by purchasing handmade gifts, like woollen scarves or artisanal soaps.
• Use public transport – Dublin has an extensive public transport system, including buses, trams, and trains. Use these sustainable modes of transport to get around the city and reduce your carbon footprint.
• Stay in a sustainable hotel – Several sustainable hotels in the city centre use renewable energy sources and have implemented energy-saving measures.
• Support local housing – Book a hotel instead of staying in short-stay apartments when visiting Ireland. This action helps free up housing for residents and reduces pressure on affordability.
• Avoid plastic – Try to avoid purchasing items made or packaged with plastic. For example, purchase gifts wrapped in recyclable paper or reusable fabric.
• Eat locally sourced food – Dublin has a fantastic food scene, with many restaurants preparing locally sourced, organic food. Check out restaurants like the Fumbally, which sources ingredients from local farmers and producers.
• Be open to diverse experiences – Take the time to explore areas beyond the main tourist destinations and engage with local communities to gain a deeper understanding of the city’s cultural fabric.
• Support the arts – Dublin has a vibrant arts scene, with many local events and festivals throughout the year. Attend events to support local artists and performers.

Please comment below if you have any questions or comments about visiting the Dublin Xmas market in 2023 or visiting Dublin in December more generally.

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Recommendations are independently chosen based on personal travel experiences and extensive research. This post contains affiliate links to hotels and tours in Dublin, Ireland. This means I get a small commission from any bookings at no extra cost to you.