If you’re planning festive days out this year, this is your essential guide to Christmas in Ireland 2025 — from Christmas markets to Santa visits, light trails to winter festivals across the country.

And because December driving, tolls and parking can be a bit of a minefield, this guide is built with Irish motorists in mind. Easytrip helps take the stress out of the journey so you can enjoy more of the magic (and less of the faff).

Let’s dive into the best things to do for Christmas in Ireland 2025.

🎄 1. Christmas Markets & Light Trails Around Ireland

Galway Christmas Market – Eyre Square

One of the biggest highlights of Christmas in Ireland 2025, Galway’s market brings big wheels, cabin stalls, food vendors, mulled wine and brilliant festive buzz.

Winterval – Waterford

Ireland’s largest Christmas festival with markets, ice skating, light shows and family attractions throughout the Waterford City. 

Yulefest Kilkenny

Weekends in December transform Kilkenny into a cosy Christmas village with markets, music and outdoor movies — ideal for families and couples. If you’re coming from Dublin or the Midlands, your Easytrip tag covers your tolls on the M7 and M9, and partner car parks help you avoid the December parking scramble.

Corkmas – Cork City

Cork’s own winter festival with lights, pop-up stalls, festive food and the big ferris wheel on the Grand Parade.

Where Easytrip helps:
Cork’s city parking is notoriously hectic in December. Use Easytrip-enabled parking for barrier-free entry, no tickets and no machines.

Belfast Christmas Market – City Hall

A festive favourite featuring global foods, handmade gifts, mulled wine and an unbeatable Christmas atmosphere. If you’re driving from the Republic, your tolls are automatically sorted with Easytrip — making the cross-border trip smoother. Plus we have off-street parking available at Victoria Square and Castle Court! One less thing to think about while you enjoy the market.

Adventure Lights Carlingford – Co. Louth

A magical illuminated forest trail with glowing displays, characters and winter scenery.

Where Easytrip helps:
Rural winter driving can be unpredictable. Easytrip Breakdown Assistance gives peace of mind during colder months, especially on darker routes.

Dublin Zoo Wild Lights

A sell-out every year, Wild Lights brings huge glowing animal lanterns and immersive trails.

Where Easytrip helps:
Heading into Dublin 8 in December can be stressful. Use Easytrip partner car parks across the city or on-street parking via the Easytrip app — no coins, no machines, no stress.

Swords Castle Christmas Market

The historic castle creates an incredible festive setting for local crafts, food and entertainment.

Where Easytrip helps:
Swords gets extremely busy. Easytrip helps you get in and out quickly so you’re not stuck circling the town.

Twinkle Town – Smithfield, Dublin

A modern urban Christmas experience with lights, artisan stalls, food trucks and festive music. Park in Easytrip-enabled car parks at ParkRite Smithfield or at Jervis, ILAC, Arnotts or other nearby locations.

⭐ Santa Visits in Easytrip Partner Car Parks

Huge advantage: easy parking + Santa = ideal family day.

Santa at Arnotts – Dublin City

A beloved Dublin tradition. Click here for more
Easytrip helps: Glide into Arnotts Car Park with no ticket or queueing.

Santa at Scotch Hall – Drogheda

A warm, family-friendly Santa experience.
Easytrip helps: Easytrip parking makes the visit smoother when juggling kids and shopping bags. Just drive, wait for the beep and go in and when you’re leaving, no need for a ticket, your tag does all the work.

Santa at ILAC Centre – Dublin City

A go-to for Dublin families every Christmas.
Easytrip helps: Park at ILAC with Easytrip, barrier up, barrier down, done.

Santa at Whitewater – Newbridge

One of the busiest Santa experiences in the country.
Easytrip helps: With barrier-free Easytrip parking, you avoid the worst of the Christmas rush.

⭐ Other Amazing Santa Visits Around Ireland

Santa’s House Express – Palmersontown Estate

Train ride, elves, the lot. More here!
Easytrip helps: Tolls sorted automatically.

Santa at Malahide Castle – Dublin

Beautiful outdoor experience. More here
Easytrip helps: Combine with Easytrip parking at nearby partner locations.

Magic of Christmas at Airfield Estate 

Sustainable, charming and very popular. More here
Easytrip helps: Dundrum’s Easytrip-enabled parking is near by and is a lifesaver during December.

Rathwood Santa Train – Carlow

One of Ireland’s most popular Santa events. More here
Easytrip helps: Long drive? Breakdown assistance gives peace of mind.

Bunratty Castle Santa – Clare

Old-world festive magic. More here
Easytrip helps: Tolls handled on your route so you can focus on the experience.

Winter Wonderland at Westport House – Mayo

A stunning West of Ireland day trip. More here
Easytrip helps: Perfect for long drives — tolls and assistance covered.

Oakfield Park Santa Express – Donegal

Another magical family favourite. More here
Easytrip helps: Ideal for travellers coming from afar — Easytrip smooths out the journey with parking available in Letterkenny University Hospital.

🚗 3. Why Easytrip Is the Secret to a Stress-Free Christmas Trip

When you’re travelling for Christmas in Ireland 2025, the journey matters just as much as the destination. Here’s how Easytrip keeps your festive plans running smoothly:

✔ Automatic Toll Payments

No remembering deadlines, no fines, no online logging in — just drive and go.

✔ Easier Parking at Shopping Centres and City Spots

Arnotts, ILAC, Jervis, Dundrum, Brown Thomas, IFSC and more — all with barrier-free entry and exit.

✔ On-Street Parking in Dublin

Pay straight from the app. No machines, no coins, no drama.

✔ Breakdown Assistance Nationwide

Winter is tough on cars — you’re covered for punctures, breakdowns, jump starts and tow-aways.

✔ Car Wash Discounts

20% off Maxol car washes Mon–Fri — perfect after muddy light trails and market trips.

✔ Keycare

If keys are lost during Christmas shopping (which always happens), you’re protected.

🎁 4. Ready for Christmas?

With so many incredible events happening across the country, your festive calendar is about to fill fast. Make every trip smoother with Easytrip — for tolls, parking, breakdown cover and all the little things that keep Christmas running smoothly.

Sign up or add services today — and make your Christmas journeys easier.