The Dublin Christmas market in 2026 is TwinkleTown, a free festival split between Smithfield Square and St Patrick’s Park, with an ice rink, a big wheel, craft stalls and a festive bar. Add a couple of good craft fairs and the lights on Grafton Street, and there’s plenty to fill a December weekend. Here are the 2026 dates, what’s at each site and how to get around.
Dublin Christmas Market 2026: key facts
| Site | 2026 dates | What’s there |
|---|---|---|
| Smithfield Square | 20 November to 31 December | Ice skating, Big Wheel, Santo Panto, festive activities |
| St Patrick’s Park | 27 November to 23 December | Lights, choir performances, Christmas rides |
Entry is free and all ages are welcome. Ice skating and the Santo Panto need tickets. Listed opening hours are 11:00–21:00 on weekdays and 10:00–21:00 at weekends, closed on Christmas Day. Check TwinkleTown’s official website for the latest times and ticket details.
TwinkleTown, the Dublin Christmas market
TwinkleTown runs across two sites about a 20-minute walk apart. Smithfield Square, on the north side of the Liffey, is the busy one, with the ice rink, the Big Wheel and the Santo Panto. It stays open the longest, through New Year’s Eve.
St Patrick’s Park, next to St Patrick’s Cathedral, is calmer. Expect light displays, choirs and rides for kids. The festival also has a craft market and TwinkleTavern, its festive bar, so you can pick up gifts and warm up with a drink in one trip.
A note on Dublin Castle: its Christmas at the Castle market was cancelled in 2025. Check whether it returns before you plan a visit around it.
Craft fairs and other festive events
- Gifted, the Contemporary Craft and Design Fair: 2 to 6 December 2026 at the RDS in Ballsbridge. Tickets are €15 for adults, and under-16s go free with an adult.
- Sustainable Craft Market at the National Botanic Gardens in Glasnevin: 12 and 13 December 2026, 10:00–16:00.
- Grafton Street: the Christmas lights go up from late November, and buskers often play carols along the street.
Food and drink
Hot chocolate and mulled wine are the market staples, and TwinkleTavern is the spot for a seasonal drink. For something more filling, the pubs and restaurants around Smithfield and Stoneybatter are a few minutes away, and you’re never far from a pint of Guinness. The Guinness Storehouse itself is a short walk from St Patrick’s Park.
How to get to the Dublin Christmas market
For Smithfield Square, take the Luas Red Line to the Smithfield stop, which is right on the square. From Heuston or Connolly station, the Red Line gets you there directly. St Patrick’s Park is in the Liberties, an easy walk from Grafton Street or Christ Church Cathedral. Walking between the two TwinkleTown sites takes about 20 minutes.
Pack a waterproof jacket. Dublin in December is often wet and windy, and most of the festival is outdoors.
Luggage storage near the Dublin Christmas market
Flying in for a short break, or heading to the airport after a last skate? Leave your bags first. Radical Storage works with local shops and hotels around Dublin city center, so you can drop your suitcase close to Smithfield, Temple Bar or the train stations. You can find storage near Smithfield Square and book in a couple of minutes.
Bags are protected up to €10,000 each, cancellation is free and travelers rate the service 4.8/5. With 16.5K+ locations in 2.3K+ cities, the same app works wherever you go next.
Dublin Christmas market FAQ
TwinkleTown opens at Smithfield Square from 20 November to 31 December 2026, and at St Patrick’s Park from 27 November to 23 December 2026.
Yes, entry is free and all ages are welcome. Ice skating and the Santo Panto are ticketed.
The TwinkleTown ice rink is at Smithfield Square, next to the Smithfield Luas stop.
Christmas at the Castle was cancelled in 2025. Check official listings to see whether it returns.
No. TwinkleTown is listed as closed on Christmas Day. The Smithfield site reopens afterwards and runs until 31 December.
Radical Storage has storage points across Dublin city center, including near Smithfield and Temple Bar. Book online, and your bags are protected up to €10,000 each.