The streets are twinkling in the evenings and the wonderful sound of Bing Crosby and Nat King Cole can be heard in every shop – Christmas is well and truly here.
All that’s missing now is a little trip to a Christmas market…
It’s strange – I hear time and time again that “there’s no Christmas markets in Dublin” when in actual fact there’s loads.
It’s time to fill up on hot toddies, treat yourself to some handcrafted decorations, and stroll around for a nice browse at all the lovely stalls.
Grab your wallet, a warm jacket and head to one of these top spots ASAP…
1. Gifted
Gifted is Ireland’s premier Christmas fair in the RDS.
If you’re looking for something truly unique, this is the ideal place to have a snoop.
The idea behind Gifted is that you’ll find all of your Christmas presents under one roof. There’s a wide range of stunning gifts to suit everyone mothers to grandmothers, babies to difficult teens.
There’s over 500 stalls and all items are hand-made and Irish owned – expect to see craftworkers, jewellery designers, artists and little knick-knacks.
For rumbling tummies, there’ll also be a spectacular Christmas Food Emporium filled with artisan food producers.
Gifted will be running from Wednesday 5th December – Sunday 9th December with opening hours 10am – 10pm on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday and 10am – 7pm Saturday and Sunday.
Tickets are available at the door for €12.
(OAPs €10, and u16s free)
There will be 10% on the first day as well as free gift-wrapping and a shuttle bus to and from Simmonscourt car park to the RDS.
Weekend plans? Sorted.
2. Dublin Flea Market
Supporting Irish Made is so important and Irish entrepreneurial spirit is alive and buzzing so there’s no reason not to.
Set indoors at the Point Square over 6-9th and 13-16th December, this festive market showcases 280 of the most exciting up and coming Irish-based creative start-ups and small businesses.
Featuring 140 artists, designers and craft makers, retro vintage, antique collectors and artisan food producers it’s one of the most interesting ways to shop.
No two stalls alike and no mass produced manufactured goods are on sale so you could spend hours upon hours checking out every single stall.
3. Dun Laoghaire Christmas Festival
From Saturday November 24th to Sunday December 23rd, Dun Laoghaire will be turned into a twinkling Christmas market.
There will be a festive fare, handcrafted gifts and decorations, as well as the most iconic Ferris Wheel in the world.
The 55 ft Ferris Wheel was built in 1943 in Cincinnati, USA and is reported to have featured in the original ‘Grease’ movie. It’s since travelled from Nashville to New York and Liverpool to Dún Laoghaire. From the top, there will be amazing views of the pretty seaside village.
Expect aromas of gourmet sausages, Hungarian Beef Goulash Soup, German Gluhwein and steaming hot chocolate.
There will be over 280 retail outlets there, so why not swap city crowds and stuffy shopping centres and try something a little different.
4. Dundrum Christmas Village
The Christmas Village in Dundrum is filled with treats, festivities and Christmas cheer.
Most importantly, Santa’s grotto is there!
The grotto operates through a mobile queuing system, which means no queuing in the cold for hours, you can pop around the shops for a goo.
One of the best bits however, is the accessibility. All of Santa’s team have been trained to understand autism and special needs. From 12pm – 1pm weekdays and 10am-11am weekends the grotto will have the lights dimmed and the music low, at other times it can be requested to lower the lights or music.
Such a lovely idea so that Christmas can be a special time for every child.
5. MART Market Rathmines
This market is something totally unique and is now entering its sixth year. Held in the fire station, it’ll be host to vendors selling art, design, craft, knits, and jewellery.
6. Christmas At The Botanic Gardens
The stunning Botanic Gardens in Glasnevin will be transformed into a winter wonderland this Christmas.
Santa will be on hand to gather all of the Christmas lists and wishes along with a special Christmas market where you can stock up on seasonal goodies.
There will even be a choir to serenade you as you shop.
This will take place on December 9th from 10am-4.30pm.
7. Swords Castle Christmas Market
Christmas celebrations will be in full-swing at Swords Castle.
On site, you’ll find wooden chalets, snow machines and festive lighting.
There’ll be nibbles, drinks, crafts and a visit from Santy.
Looks like it’s going to be a fun Christmas!
Header: Dublin Flea and @guaranteed_irish
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