Santa Claus may have to span the world to spread Christmas cheer, but you don't have to leave Ireland to soak up the yuletide fun.

Europe is renowned for its iconic, and often centuries-old Christmas markets, but why go to the hassle of travelling overseas when we have a slew of delightful Christmas markets on our own soil?

Small businesses have truly come into their own in recent years, with more of us buying Irish and hunting down the most unusual and unique gifts for our loved ones. Markets are the best place to meet these creators and see their work up close, and grabbing a handmade piece of jewellery or mug will certainly earn you brownie points on Christmas morning.

Not only that, but Christmas markets are the perfect excuse to get dressed up in your most festive outfit, grab a hot chocolate and walk arm-in-arm through the rosy-cheeked crowd. From live music to alpacas and ferris wheels, Irish Christmas markets have enough to keep the entire family entertained through bouts of shopping.

Here, we've rounded up our top picks for Christmas markets around Ireland, from sprawling mini festivals to humble affairs filled with local producers and their creations.

Leinster

Dublin Castle Christmas Market, Dublin

A true Yuletide spectacular, the market at Dublin Castle in the city centre is now entering its sixth year and getting more dazzling every year. Running from 28 November to 18 December, 12-9pm each day, expect stall upon stall of foodie delights, steaming cups of hot chocolate and a wide assortment of artisanal producers, perfect for scoring the best stocking fillers in the house. The market is free and ticketless, just be sure to plan for some crowds!

National Botanic Gardens Christmas Craft Market, Dublin

Experience the National Botanic Gardens as you never have at its annual traditional craft market. There will be a host of stalls both indoors and outdoors, set against the dramatic backdrop of the historic glasshouses. Browse through over 70 stalls featuring an array of sustainable gift ideas, decorative craft, and tasty seasonal treats, with festive choirs and plant walks also on the agenda.

No booking or tickets required. Runs from 14-15 December, 10am until 4:30pm.

Digital Hub, Dublin

A favourite spot for flea market hunters, this Christmas the Digital Hub in the Liberties will transform into a Santa's workshop. Their Christmas Market takes place on December 8 from 10am to 4pm. Expect vintage clothes, original artwork, unique homeware and more.

No booking or tickets required, free entry.

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Gifted Christmas Craft Fair, Dublin

Running from 4-8 December, the bustling Christmas Craft Fair returns to Dublin's RDS. Perfect for those who don't want to spend a few hours out in the cold (cup after cup of hot chocolate will only keep you so warm!) this indoor market is filled to the brim with stalls, with a keen focus on craft, design and unique independent brands.

Tickets cost €13.58 and can be booked here.

Naas Christmas Market, Kildare

Kids will get to see Santa Claus make his arrival to Ireland at the Naas Christmas Market, which kicks off on 30 November with a Garda escort for the Big Man himself! Santa will then make time to see his small visitors, before the Christmas lights are switched on at 5pm, with some help from none other than Irish soprano Celine Byrne. All of this excitement, and a bustling Christmas market to boot!

The market will run again on 7 December. No tickets required.

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Yulefest, Kilkenny

This year, the ancient and historic city of Kilkenny will be lit up to greet Santa, too, as he visits the Medieval city on 30 November. His arrival kicks off Yulefest, a dazzling Christmas festival filled with festive treats, creative crafts, live music and family entertainment each weekend.

The Yulefest market takes place every weekend from November 25 to 21 December. In between, there'll be everything from a Christmas movie night and the Medieval Mile Run on 29 November, to a festival of decorated Christmas trees, and jaw-dropping fire shows.

Tickets available here.

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Mountain View, Kilkenny

Away from the busy crowds of Kilkenny city, Ballyhale's Mountain View markets is promising to be a destination in itself. Located on the rolling hilltop estate of a former golf course, Mountain View is making the most of its covered barn and event spaces to hold a festive market.

Their expansive markets launch on Saturday 23 November from 3pm to 9pm with a dazzling night market, filled with over 150 traders, live music and more. Markets will then take place every Sunday in December from 10am to 4pm. Entrance to the market is free.

Oldbridge Christmas Fair, Louth

Held in the Battle of the Boyne Visitor Centre, the Oldbridge Christmas Fair returns with even more to keep your family entertained. Set in the beautiful Walled Garden on 30 November- 1 December, from 10am-4pm, there will be a spacious marquee, food and craft stalls, seasonal music and more. The market is open to the public, no tickets required.

Athlone Christmas Market, Westmeath

Due to be held in John Count McCormack Civic Square from 12-15 December, this year's Athlone Christmas Market will be an especially merry one as the Athlone Christmas Market group was given a grant of €5,000 from the Athlone Moate Municipal District toward this year's festivities.

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Kilruddery House and Gardens, Wicklow

If you ever needed a reason to visit the stunning Kilruddery House and Gardens, make it this one. The fabulous Christmas market returns from November 18, running every Saturday and Sunday in the lead up to Christmas, and features a night market on Friday December 22, stalls, food trucks and more.

Wicklow Christmas Markets, Wicklow

The Wicklow Christmas Market returns once again with a stacked program of events and stalls. The night market kicks off festivities on 29 November from 2pm-8pm, with markets running every Saturday and Sunday in the lead up to Christmas. Entrance to the market is free.

Munster

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Ballymaloe Craft Fair, Cork

Running on the grounds of Ballymaloe House from 15-17 and 22-24 November, with over 200 exhibitors each weekend, this promises to be a truly expansive market. With a focus on local craft producers, you'll be sure to find plenty of unique gifts for your loved ones, and when hunger pangs hit, you'll have more than enough food and drink vendors to keep you satiated.

Entry is €9.08 and each weekend will feature different stalls.

Cork Christmas Markets, Cork

The Cork Christmas Market is due to return this year, with new attractions as well as the beloved iconic Ferris Wheel and Carousel on the Grande Parade, running from 15 November - 30 December, open daily from 12 noon to 9pm. Booking is recommended for the Ferris Wheel, but spaces are available on the night.

Christmas Fine Arts and Crafts Fair in Kerry Writers Museum, Kerry

If you have any literature lovers in your life, this is the Christmas market for them. This market takes place in Kerry Writers' Museum in Listowel on Sunday 8 December from 11am to 5pm. Among the local creators and stalls will be the artworks of the Listowel Visual Artists' Collective.

Christmas at the Milk Market, Limerick

Limerick's historic Milk Market has a bumper crop of Christmas events planned this year, with something truly for everyone. Starting on Sunday 17 November is Ivory Elephant's Vintage Fair, taking place from 11am to 4pm. The dazzling art fair returns on 1 December with over 35 artists selling work, while a festive food market takes place on 7 December.

For the full list of events, click here. Entrace is free.

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Winterval, Waterford

Running on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 15 November until Monday 23 December, the magical Winterval Festival returns for another year of spellbinding events.

This year will feature a gigantic Christmas Parade rolling through Waterford city on 16 November. Santa Claus will make his entrance in a special and spectacular way.

Among the delights will be an ice rink, an adrenaline show, the Port of Waterford Eye, the Winterval mini Express train, a Christmas market and many more stunning events.

See the full programme and book tickets here.

Connacht

Galway Christmas Market, Galway

Now in its 14th year, this charming Continental style market takes place in the iconic Eyre Square and saw 450,000 thousand visitors last year. Running from Friday 8 November to Sunday 5 January 2025, you'll find trails of stalls, vintage amusements and The View Wheel.

This year, little ones can meet Santa himself at the market! Tickets to see Santa cost €20 and entry to the market is free. For more information, visit here.

Sligo Christmas Market, Sligo

Visit Yeats Country by dropping by the stunning Sligo Christmas Market, taking place from 29 November until 23 December, with stalls and more running throughout, so you could make every day a merry one! Entrance is free.

Ulster

Belfast Christmas Continental Market, Belfast

Held in the dramatic setting of Belfast City Hall, this bustling market is worth a weekend trip up North alone. Now in its 20th year, the Belfast Christmas Market is taking Victorian era as its inspiration, transporting visitors to a bygone world.

On the opening weekend (16-17 November) and again on the third weekend (30 November-1 December), you'll be immersed in the charm of Dickens' world. Stroll through the market alongside iconic characters from his stories, while enjoying enchanting storytelling and lively performances that bring his works to life.

Entrance is free. For more information, visit here.

Enchanted Winter Garden and Festive Fayre, Antrim

This year, Antrim Castle Gardens comes alive with lights and magic for the perfect Christmas experience suitable for everyone, taking place 29 November - 21 December, 4:30-9:30pm.

An Evening of Inclusive Enchantment will run on Wednesday's 4 and 11 December with reduced numbers, lighting and sound levels as well as a Sensory and Quiet room. Both inclusive evenings are ideal for children and adults with additional needs. For more, visit here.