16 Dog Friendly Christmas Markets 2022
Updated On: February 04, 2024 | Published On: November 10, 2022
It may only be the very start of November but it is beginning to look a lot like Christmas out there. The temperatures have dropped, festive lights are going up in the city centres, and Mariah Carey is back in the top 100.
To help get us in the festive mood, we have put together a list of dog-friendly Christmas Markets around Ireland. Many have modeled themselves after traditional Christmas markets and have your favorite seasonal food and drinks, lovely dog-friendly vendors, and some even will have 🎅🏻🐶 Santa Paws 🎅🏻🐶 stopping by.
Look out for our "Santa Paws" icons (🎅🏻🐶) to see which markets are bringing in the big guy! (We have found 12 so far!)
But, before you plan out where to visit these upcoming weekends, we suggest you and your pup sit down and create your Christmas wish list, that is if they are not on the naughty list. If you need a little inspiration, make sure to definitely have a look at our Ultimutt Holiday Gift Guide for Dogs and their Pawrents.
Look out for our "Santa Paws" icons (🎅🏻🐶) to see which markets are bringing in the big guy! (We have found 12 so far!)
But, before you plan out where to visit these upcoming weekends, we suggest you and your pup sit down and create your Christmas wish list, that is if they are not on the naughty list. If you need a little inspiration, make sure to definitely have a look at our Ultimutt Holiday Gift Guide for Dogs and their Pawrents.
Christmas Markets in Northern Ireland
🎅🏻🐶 Belfast Continental Christmas Market 🎅🏻🐶
From noon on November 19 - December 22
With over 100 chalets offering international and local products this is one holiday market not to be missed. Enjoy some festive favorites from around the globe including traditional European food such as mulled wine, Belgium chocolates, and French crepes. There is something there for everyone in the family, including a carousel, snow globe, and Santa's Grotto.
Santa Paws is coming to town too!
Pretty n Pink Breast Cancer Charity has teamed up with The Jeggy Nettle and The Chester. Have your pup's picture taken with Santa Paws for a small booking fee of £10 per dog. The price includes your four-legged friend's pawtrait, a doggie treat, and a puppuccino. Festive attire is highly encouraged (Christmas jumpers, hats, tinsel, festive collars, or harnesses) as there are prizes for the best-dressed dog (and human).
Pretty n Pink Breast Cancer Charity has teamed up with The Jeggy Nettle and The Chester. Have your pup's picture taken with Santa Paws for a small booking fee of £10 per dog. The price includes your four-legged friend's pawtrait, a doggie treat, and a puppuccino. Festive attire is highly encouraged (Christmas jumpers, hats, tinsel, festive collars, or harnesses) as there are prizes for the best-dressed dog (and human).
Santa Paws will be welcoming our large and small dogs on the following days.
- The Jeggy Nettle – Sunday 11th December 12:00 -17:00
- The Chester – Sunday 18th December 11:00 -15:00
- The Chester – Christmas Eve special Saturday 24th December 12:00 -16:00
Here is the contact info for Pretty ‘n’ Pink for further information: 02890 347780 or info@prettynpink.org
If you are looking to make a weekend trip to visit the market, Santa Paws, and get into the Christmas spirit with your pup, we recommend the following two hotels, which are both rated as SuPAW dog-friendly on our website.
🎅🏻🐶Craft Market at The Ballance House - Glenavy, Crumlin🎅🏻🐶
Santa Paws is stopping by for a day of fun at The Ballance House & Tea Barn. The House is run by the charity 'Ulster New Zealand Trust' and is the restored birthplace of John Ballance, 14th Premier of New Zealand.
On Saturday, November 26th, from 11:00 - 16:00, there will be a Craft Market featuring local crafters. They will have their 'Half a World Away From Here' Exhibition (at a reduced fee) and their Tea Barn will be open for soups, sandwiches, sweet treats, and entertainment.
Dogs are welcome to come and take their picture with Santa Paws from 10:45 - 11:00 and from 15:45 - 16:00. There is a small fee of £5 per dog, which includes a doggie gift, plus an adult entrance fee of £4. All fees will go towards the upkeep of the house.
Don't forget to bring your camera and dress your pooch up in their most festive apparel!
To book your pup's visit with Santa Paws you can email info@theballancehouse.com.
🎅🏻🐶Charity Christmas Market & Santa Paws🎅🏻🐶
On Saturday, December 10th from 13:00 - 17:00 there will be a charity Christmas Market at the Saintfield Community Centre outside of Belfast. The market will be full of local dog-friendly businesses and there will be local crafts stands, a bouncy castle, food and drinks, face painter, music, and more.
The best part is that Santa Paws will be stopping by and there is no need to pre-book a time slot. They will be raising funds for Paws and People, The Barn Animal Rescue Newtownards, Animal Connexions, and Henry Wee Wheels.
The best part is that Santa Paws will be stopping by and there is no need to pre-book a time slot. They will be raising funds for Paws and People, The Barn Animal Rescue Newtownards, Animal Connexions, and Henry Wee Wheels.
Christmas Markets in the Republic of Ireland
🎅🏻🐶 Marina Market 🎅🏻🐶 - Cork
Marina Market is a daily dog-friendly market only 10 minute's walk from the city centre of Cork. Every week Top Barkz, a canine education centre, is at the market full-time with social play dates on the weekend and classes during the week.
For the Christmas Market there will be plenty of dog vendors coming, so make sure you have your credit cards ready! Clothing, accessories, and treats will all be for sale and make great unique gifts for any pup this holiday season! If you need more gift ideas for your pup or a pup pawrent, have a look at our Holiday Gift Guide where most of the businesses featured are local to Ireland.
For the Christmas Market there will be plenty of dog vendors coming, so make sure you have your credit cards ready! Clothing, accessories, and treats will all be for sale and make great unique gifts for any pup this holiday season! If you need more gift ideas for your pup or a pup pawrent, have a look at our Holiday Gift Guide where most of the businesses featured are local to Ireland.
This winter Marina Market has brought the north pole down to Ireland. A visit to Santa's Magical Market will start with a walk through the magical woods, next head to the stables and say hi to the Reindeer while they rest before their big night. You then will see Santa's Elves hard at work on Santa's sleigh and head over to his post office to send your letter. Finally, end with a treat from Mrs. Claus' bakery before heading to meet Santa in his grotto.
We all must be on the nice list this year as the entire Santa's Magical Market is dog-friendly!
We all must be on the nice list this year as the entire Santa's Magical Market is dog-friendly!
There is a printed picture included in the booking price, so make sure your pupper has their most festive harness, sweater, and even antlers on as this will be a card to send out to all your family and friends!
Opening Hours
Monday - Sunday 08:00 - 20:00
You will need to book your tickets well in advance to visit Santa Paws. You can reserve your time here.
If you and your family want to visit Santa Paws in Cork, the following two hotels allow dogs.
🎅🏻🐶 The Milk Market 🎅🏻🐶 - Limerick
The Milk Market is a weekly dog-friendly market and outdoor cafe. Each week (Friday - Sunday) they bring you festive treats and beautiful crafts. There are live local bands and a large seating area, making it the perfect place to go with the family.
On Sunday, November 20th Santa Paws will be making an appearance! Get into the perfect Christmas spirit by putting on your favorite holiday outfit, and coming down with your pup for a family picture. Santa Paws will be there from 13:00 - 17:00 and it is €10 per picture. All proceeds will go to Clare Animal Welfare.
Walk-ins are welcome or you can book a preferred slot by emailing santapaws.event2022@gmail.com.
Weekly Market Hours:
Weekly Market Hours:
Friday 11:00 - 15:00 – Outdoor Café
Saturday 8:00 - 15:00 – Famous Food and Craft Market
Sunday 11:00 - 15:00 – Outdoor café and monthly special fairs
For anyone wanting to stay and visit the Limerick market, we would suggest staying at Castle Oaks House Hotel.
🎅🏻🐶 Farmers Market at Mountain View 🎅🏻🐶 - Kilkenny
A great way to do some local Christmas shopping is by visiting the farmers market at Mountain View Kilkenny. There is delicious food, gorgeous gifts, luxury hot chocolates, baked goods, and the Santa Experience.
Santa Paws and his Elves will be stopping by for a dog-friendly brunch and Christmas photo. You must book the brunch ahead of time, which you can do here.
Market Hours
November 27th, December 5th, 11th, and 18th from 10:00 - 15:00.
Market Hours
November 27th, December 5th, 11th, and 18th from 10:00 - 15:00.
🎅🏻🐶 Nore Valle Christmas Experience 🎅🏻🐶 - MacDonagh Junction Shopping Centre - Kilkenny
Now, this is not a Christmas Market per se, but the MacDonagh Junction Shopping Centre has organized a Santa Paws day!
The Nore Valley Park elves have set up a winter wonderland where your pup can visit Santa and let him know that they have been an extra good boy (or girl) this year. Don't forget to share which pawsome gifts they would like.
Santa Paws will only be available for furry friends on December 6th.
The Nore Valley Park elves have set up a winter wonderland where your pup can visit Santa and let him know that they have been an extra good boy (or girl) this year. Don't forget to share which pawsome gifts they would like.
Santa Paws will only be available for furry friends on December 6th.
🎅🏻🐶Christmas Market Galway - Galway🎅🏻🐶
The most wonderful time of the year has arrived to Galway and laughter, light and joy will fill the streets with over 50 wooden chalets linking Eyre square. Make sure to enjoy the yummy seasonal treats and crafts.
Dogs are allowed while visiting the market but they must be kept on leads. Please be careful over the weekends, as the market does get very busy with lots of people. There are no specific Santa Paws days, however, we have been told that if you call and book over the phone you should be able to make an appointment to have your pup's photo taken with Jolly Old Saint Nick.
More info about the price, hours, and booking an appointment with Santa is here.
Market Hours:
November 11 to December 22
Monday to Wednesday: 12:00 - 20:00, bar until 22:00
Thursday to Saturday: 10:00 - 22:00
Sunday: 10:00 - 20:00
If you do not live near Galway and want to visit this holiday market, we would suggest the following hotel, which we have rated as SuPAW dog-friendly.
🎅🏻🐶 Waterford Winterval - Waterford🎅🏻🐶
Has your pup been a polite poodle and is on the "Nice List" this year? Why not bring them down, and let them tell Santa Paws what they would like, whether it be a new frisbee, a squeaky toy, or a big tasty bone?
For every weekend between November 19th - December 18th, Santa Paws will be at the former Sorting Office the Quay Waterford (Right beside the GPO). Tickets are €16.50 (plus booking fee) per dog and family and it is the entrance fee for your doggie to see Santa, a small gift for your pup, and 1 family photo. Extra dogs are €10 per family.
Hours of Market
Saturday 19th November from 13:00 - 16:00
Saturday 26th & Sunday 27th November from 10:00 - 18:00
Saturday 3rd & Sunday 4th December from 10:00 - 18:00
Saturday 10th & Sunday 11th December from 10:00 - 18:00
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🎅🏻🐶Sage and Stone Christmas Market - Duleek, Co. Meath🎅🏻🐶
Duleek, The Farm, Newlanes House, Blackditch, Duleek, Co. Meath, Ireland
Saturday, November 26 from 09:00 – 18:00 there will be a Christmas Market with over 35 food and craft stalls. Bring the whole family down to enjoy live music, a ballet show, and Santa (for children). You can book your tickets here.
On Sunday, November 27th Santa Paws will be in his grotto to meet pups and their owners between 12 - 16:00. There will be some doggie apparel stalls for your Christmas shopping as well as Dogs Trust. All puppers must be kept on a lead.
On Sunday, November 27th Santa Paws will be in his grotto to meet pups and their owners between 12 - 16:00. There will be some doggie apparel stalls for your Christmas shopping as well as Dogs Trust. All puppers must be kept on a lead.
🎅🏻🐶Indoor Doggy Christmas Market - Dublin 🎅🏻🐶
Coco and Juno from TheDailyCavalier and Brewdog Dublin Outpost will be hosting an indoor dog-friendly Christmas Market where you can not only do a bit of pet-friendly shopping, but your pup can also meet Santa Paws!
The market will take place at Brewdog Dublin Outpost on Sunday, December 11 from 14:00 - 17:00. The market is free to attend but for only €3 (per dog) you can reserve a timeslot for your pup to meet Santa Paws. Make sure to dress them up in their most festive outfit and bring your own camera to snap all the photos. You can reserve your spot here.
Santa Paws Hours
December 11th from 14:00 - 17:00
The market will take place at Brewdog Dublin Outpost on Sunday, December 11 from 14:00 - 17:00. The market is free to attend but for only €3 (per dog) you can reserve a timeslot for your pup to meet Santa Paws. Make sure to dress them up in their most festive outfit and bring your own camera to snap all the photos. You can reserve your spot here.
Santa Paws Hours
December 11th from 14:00 - 17:00
🎅🏻🐶Bonus Santa Paws - All across Ireland 🎅🏻🐶
I know this is not a Christmas Market, however, it is definitely worth mentioning for any puppers that would like to get their photo with Santa but will not be able to make it to any markets.
On December 10th from 12:00 - 16:00, ALL MaxiZoo Ireland stores will have Santa Paws stopping by. There is no need to book an appointment, just come with your pet and a camera!
There are 29 different store locations across Ireland!
Yulefest Christmas Market - Kilkenny City
Get into the festive season by visiting this medieval city and strolling down the streets lined with twinkling lights with your four-legged friends with a hot chocolate in hand. The festive event kicks off with the Santa’s City Cycle and the turning on of the lights on Saturday, November 26th
All dogs are welcome at the Yulefest Christmas Market or the Yulefest Bandstand as they are both in the open air with plenty of space. The holiday market will also be selling dog-related gifts. Fur Fox Sake will make an appearance, with gifts that any pet parent would love. They are one of the local businesses featured in our Paws Approved Ultimutt Holiday Gift Guide for Dogs and their Pawrents.
Make sure you check their website for a full list of everything going on from Medieval Mile Run, Yulefest Movie Night; Elf Village, and the Yulefest Bandstand.
Dates and opening times for Yulefest Kilkenny Christmas Market:
Weekend 26th/27th November: 13:00 - 18:00
Weekend 3rd/4th December: 10:00 - 18:00
Weekend 10th/11th December: 10:00 - 18:00
Weekend 17th/18th December: 10:00 - 18:00
Christmas Week 20th to 23rd December: 10:00 -18:00
We do not have any dog-friendly hotels yet in Kilkenny, however, you could always stay at any of the SuPaw dog-friendly hotels in Dublin and make the drive down for the afternoon.
Wicklow Christmas Market - Leitrim Place, The Murrough
Deck the halls, hang the stockings and head on over to the beautiful seaside town of Wicklow for their annual Christmas Market. This Christmas time head on down to the market where all of the wooden booths are filled with over 50+ craft stalls to get your holiday shopping complete. Their Eco-Ice rink is back and bigger than last year!
The outdoor market is dog-friendly and all dogs must stay on a lead. Have a look around some of the dog-themed stalls to finish your holiday shopping for your four-legged friends.
Wicklow Market Hours
November 19th, 20th, 25th - 27th from 10:00 - 19:30
Wicklow Market Hours
November 19th, 20th, 25th - 27th from 10:00 - 19:30
December 2nd - 4th, 9th -11th, 16th - 18th from 10:00 - 19:30
For visiting Wicklow, River Valley Holiday Park and Coach House both allow dogs.
Swords Castle Christmas Market
From November 26-27, the Swords Castle Christmas Market will be welcoming all puppers. They market will be focused on local produce and artists with 3 vendors selling pet items.
Dún Laoghaire Christmas Market
Get into the holiday season by wandering around the unique atmosphere of this seaside Christmas Market with classic family attractions such as the vintage carnival (at Moran Park). Stroll around the local vendors while you search for the perfect Christmas present, from handcrafted gifts and decorations, jewelry, clocks, knitwear and hemp products and more for both people and our pets.
The market is dog-friendly but dog owners are to keep their pups on a lead at all times.
Don't miss Santa kicking off the festive fun at this dog-friendly event when the big man switches on the Christmas lights on Saturday, November 30th. The event starts at 16:00 and the lights will be switched on at 17:45.
Market Hours:
November 30th to December 23rd
From 11:00 - 19:00
More details about the market can be found here.
The great news is that you can take a family trip up to Dublin and spend a weekend enjoying the festivities of the city. We recommend staying at any of these SuPAW dog-friendly hotels.
Zanzibar Locke Ha'penny Bridge
If you are planning on taking a weekend getaway to visit some festive European Christmas Markets with your furry friend, you can find all pet policies about each dog-friendly accommodation on our website, www.pawsfriendly.com. Make sure to stay tuned for next week, as we will share dog-friendly Christmas tree farms across this wonderful island!
If you are planning on taking a weekend getaway to visit some festive European Christmas Markets with your furry friend, you can find all pet policies about each dog-friendly accommodation on our website, www.pawsfriendly.com. Make sure to stay tuned for next week, as we will share dog-friendly Christmas tree farms across this wonderful island!
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