What festive markets can you explore in Dublin this December 2025?

What festive markets can you explore in Dublin this December 2025?

Dublin really comes alive in December, and the city’s Christmas markets are at the heart of that festive buzz. Travelling by bus makes visiting each location simple, especially when the city centre gets busy with festive crowds. Many routes stop directly beside the most popular markets, making it an easy, stress-free way to enjoy the festivities.

One of the longest-running and most beloved is the Henry Street / Mary Street Christmas Market, running daily from 24th November through Christmas Eve. It remains one of the most iconic seasonal attractions in Dublin. This bustling market stretches right through the city’s main shopping district, filled with traditional wooden stalls selling everything from handcrafted tree decorations to knitted hats, cosy scarves, personalised gifts, candles and toys. You will find sweet treats like mini donuts, churros, warm pastries and hot chocolate, along with street performers adding music and energy to the atmosphere. Santa is set to pop in on a few weekends (including 6–7 December, 13–14, and 20–21) , which makes it a must-stop for families. Because Henry Street is pedestrianised, taking the bus is especially convenient, letting you hop off nearby without the hassle of parking.

Although the Dublin Castle Christmas Market is not going ahead this year or next year, there are plenty of joy-filled markets taking place in and around Dublin this Christmas season, including ‘Dublin Loves Christmas’ at the RDS in Dublin which will run from November 15 until December 23. This is a very atmospheric market, with stalls offering plenty of handmade crafts and gourmet seasonal treats.

The same location will host "Elf Town," a ninety-minute extravaganza in which children can meet elves, reindeer, and of course,Santa Claus himself. It begins on November 15 and ends on December 24.

The festival "Wonderlights" is terrific for children to visit. From November 14 to December 28, Malahide Castle will host the event, which will include more than a million lights throughout the grounds. Marlay Park will also host the Wonderlights event from November 20 to December 28, which will transform the grounds into a winter paradise complete with lit flower fields and a frozen woodland, including a 35 metre observation wheel!

For something lively, colourful and full of fun, TwinkleTown at Smithfield is a festive favourite. This event combines market stalls with a fairground, Ferris wheel, ice rink and a Spiegeltent hosting shows and seasonal entertainment. It’s open from 28th November through early January, which gives families plenty of time to enjoy the festive attractions and seasonal market stalls. The stalls usually offer children’s toys, quirky crafts, homemade jams, winter sweets and handcrafted candles. There is also a great selection of food trucks serving hot pretzels, gourmet burgers, festive drinks and warming desserts. Families often choose the bus for this outing as the Smithfield area is busy during December and public transport drops you right in the centre of the square.

On top of these, you’ll find smaller, eco-friendly and more craft-focused markets like the Botanic Gardens Eco Christmas Craft Market. It’s an indoor and outdoor market, set in and around the historic glasshouses at the Botanic Gardens in Glasnevin and is set to take place on Saturday December 13 and Sunday December 14 (10 a.m - 4 p.m).

Why are Dublin’s Christmas markets perfect for Dublin Express bus travellers?

With busy streets, increased footfall and holiday shopping crowds, Dublin Express offers a smooth and direct way to get around the city. Many markets are just steps away from our bus stops and travelling this way allows you to enjoy the festive atmosphere without worrying about parking availability or fuel costs.

Whether you are planning a day of shopping, an evening of festive food or a relaxed weekend of browsing, Dublin’s Christmas markets are easy to enjoy when you travel with Dublin Express!