Wicklow opens its Christmas market in the town centre each November, opening from Friday to Sunday. This guide details the unconfirmed 2024 dates and opening times.
Just a short 45-minute drive from Dublin, Wicklow is perfect for a day trip or a longer stay to enjoy the region.
Wicklow Christmas Market 2024
The 2024 market introduces a Santa Express train ride and a 300-metre eco-friendly ice skating trail. Tickets are required for each of these attractions. Links are below.
Entry is free, with over 50 stalls for crafts and local food. A new covered entertainment space promises puppet shows, stilt walkers and live music.
Dates and Information
Wicklow Christmas Market dates: Friday to Sunday: 17th November to 16th December 2024 (unconfirmed).
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: Yes, on the Santa Express take the 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 17th November 2024 to 2nd January 2025 (unconfirmed). Open to ages 4 and over. 30 minutes per skating session. Book here.
Vegetarian: Yes, plenty of options.
Vegan: Yes, plenty of options.
Gluten-free: Yes, but limited.
Accessible: Yes, including accessible toilets.
Pet-friendly: Yes, but not on the Santa Express.
Parking: Please take public transport to help limit congestion.
Reason to visit: Santa Express, artisanal stalls, live music, craft workshops, historic Abbey backdrop.
Specialities: Homemade fudge, traditional Irish soda bread, local cheese, smoked salmon, craft ales.
Where to stay: The Bridge Tavern is a popular small hotel near Leitrim Place.
Convenient Hotels
Only a couple of hotel options are available near the market. I suggest staying at the Bridge Tavern for its ideal location and affordable price.
For an extensive guide to the Irish Christmas Markets, explore my travel guide, which provides all the information needed to plan an itinerary.
Or if you would like to visit Ireland’s most popular Christmas event, get the details to start planning a visit to Dublin Christmas Market 2024.
Location
Christmas in Wicklow
Food at the Stalls
Hot Buttered Oysters: A unique delicacy in Wicklow, these are locally sourced oysters, shucked on-site, and quickly pan-fried in hot butter with a hint of garlic. Served piping hot, they provide a taste of the Irish Sea in a delicious bite.
Irish Whiskey Fudge: Fudge is a traditional sweet treat in Ireland, and some versions available at the market stand out with its hint of Irish whiskey. This melt-in-your-mouth confectionery is a treat for the sweet-toothed, blending creamy textures with the warming, distinct notes of Irish whiskey.
Mulled Wine and Cider: While not unique to Ireland, these festive drinks hold a special place at winter markets. Mulled wine, made by warming red wine with various mulling spices, and cider, apple-based and spiced similarly. They are served hot and are the perfect hand warmers on a chilly winter evening.
Barmbrack: Often enjoyed with a hot cup of tea, Barmbrack is a traditional Irish fruitcake made with yeast. It’s a rich, dense cake filled with sultanas and raisins, providing a sweet and filling snack as you peruse the market stalls.
Bratwurst Sausages: Reflecting the international offerings at the market, stalls serve up these German-style sausages. Grilled and usually served in a bun with sauerkraut and mustard, bratwurst sausages are a hearty street food favourite that complements the Irish specialties.
Cheese Toasties: One stall showcases Ireland’s vibrant artisan cheese industry by serving up delicious cheese toasties. Made with a selection of locally produced cheeses and served on fresh Irish soda bread, these toasties offer a warm, indulgent snack.
Hot Chocolate: Nothing wards off the winter chill like a cup of hot chocolate. It’s a classic treat, often with the option to add a dash of Irish cream liqueur for an extra festive kick.
What to Buy
Handmade Woollens: Wicklow, known as the ‘Garden of Ireland’, has a rich tradition of sheep farming. You’ll find beautifully handcrafted woollen goods, ranging from warm jumpers and hats to intricately woven scarves and mittens.
Irish Whiskeys and Craft Beers: Reflecting the county’s vibrant drinks industry, a selection of locally produced Irish whiskeys and craft beers are available for purchase. These make a perfect gift for the discerning drink connoisseur, offering a taste of Wicklow’s brewing and distilling traditions.
Artisan Cheese: The Christmas market provides a platform for local cheese makers to showcase their craft. You can buy a variety of Irish cheeses, from robust cheddar to creamy blue, all made using traditional techniques and locally sourced milk.
Traditional Irish Musical Instruments: Look for a stall selling traditional Irish musical instruments such as the bodhrán (an Irish frame drum) or the tin whistle for a unique gift.
For those planning a visit to the city, Visit Wicklow serves as a practical and detailed resource packed with essential information and useful tips. This Wicklow Town Heritage Trail might be a good way to start exploring.
Responsible Travel
Here are a few tips on how we can travel more responsibly in Wicklow.
Stay in an Eco Hotel: If you’re visiting and staying overnight in Wicklow, book a hotel powered by renewable energy.
Reduce Food Waste: Purchase only what you can eat to minimise food wastage. In addition, consider packing any leftovers for later to ensure no food goes to waste.
Practice Ethical Consumption: Support local artisans and producers who use sustainable shopping practices.
Sustainable Food: Try some of the vegetarian or vegan options available at the market. The production of plant-based foods typically requires less energy and resources compared to animal-based products.
Sustainable Transport: Wicklow is a compact city, making it easy to get around on foot or by bike. If you need to travel further, consider using public transport or sharing a ride to minimise your carbon footprint. Bike rentals are readily available throughout the city, providing an environmentally friendly and enjoyable way to explore.
If you want to leave a review of Wicklow Xmas Market, comment below.
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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 Wicklow, Ireland. This means I get a small commission from any bookings at no extra cost to you.
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