There’s something special about a Christmas market. Twinkling lights, the smell of mulled wine and stalls packed with handmade gifts make them a joy to wander. Kildare’s markets are full of local character, from busy town squares to small community fairs where you’ll find gifts you won’t see anywhere else.
Here are six Christmas markets in Kildare to add to your festive calendar, plus where to relax afterwards at Moyvalley Hotel & Golf Resort.
1. Maynooth Christmas Markets
Just a short drive from Moyvalley, Maynooth’s Christmas markets are one of the county’s festive highlights. They’re held on Court House Square on Saturdays in December, and the regular market stalls are joined by extra seasonal vendors. You’ll find organic produce, baked goods, pottery, knitwear, jewellery and original artwork.
- Where: Court House Square, Maynooth
- When: Saturdays in December, usually 10am–5pm
2. Kildare Town Christmas Twilight Market
As darkness falls, Kildare town’s Market Square comes alive with a festive twilight market. Sip mulled wine as you browse stalls of artisan food, crafts and art from across the county, all under the glow of the town’s Christmas lights. While you’re there, visit St Brigid’s Cathedral and Round Tower, just steps from the square.
- Where: Market Square, Kildare town
- When: An evening in December
3. Newbridge Christmas Market
Newbridge’s community groups come together each year to host a Christmas market in the heart of the town. It’s a great spot to support local traders, with crafts, gifts, food and local produce under covered tents.
- Where: Market Square, Newbridge
- When: A Sunday in early December, usually 12pm–5pm
4. Clane Christmas Market
Organised by a local candle maker, Clane’s Christmas market brings together more than 40 tables of local crafts, handmade decorations, cards, candles, jewellery and cakes. With face painting for the kids and a performance from the Clane Ukulele Strummers, it’s a lovely family day out.
- Where: Clane, Co. Kildare
- When: Late November, usually 11am–4pm
5. Kilcullen Camphill Christmas Market
Run by Camphill The Bridge in Kilcullen, this community Christmas market is known for its handmade crafts and warm, welcoming atmosphere. It’s the perfect place to pick up thoughtful gifts while supporting a local community.
- Where: The Bridge Community Centre, Kilcullen
- When: Early December
6. Athy Christmas Market
Down in south Kildare, Tír na nÓg’s annual Christmas market in Athy promises festive fun for all the family, with local stalls and plenty of seasonal cheer.
- Where: Athy Rugby Club, Athy
- When: Early December, usually afternoon into evening
Bonus: Christmas Shopping at Kildare Village
Not a market as such, but no festive shopping trip in Kildare is complete without a visit to Kildare Village. With over 100 designer boutiques covering fashion, beauty, homewares and jewellery, it’s ideal for tackling a long gift list, and the village is beautifully decorated for the season. If you’re shopping on a gift budget, a Moyvalley gift voucher is one present you can tick off without leaving home.
After a day of browsing the markets, unwind at Moyvalley Hotel & Golf Resort. Gather friends or family for a festive lunch or dinner in our Sundial Bar & Bistro, with live music every Saturday night. Planning something bigger for work? Our Christmas party nights in the Royal Canal Suite or Balyna House come with a three-course dinner, DJ and a late bar with live trad in our Dungeon Cellar Bar.
Want to make a weekend of it? Turn your market day into a festive break with an overnight stay at Moyvalley, and wake up to a winter walk on the estate.
Frequently Asked Question
What is the best Christmas market in Kildare?
Maynooth’s Christmas markets on Court House Square are among the county’s biggest, running every Saturday in December. For evening atmosphere, Kildare town’s twilight market on Market Square is a festive favourite.
When are the Maynooth Christmas markets on?
The Maynooth Christmas markets run on Saturdays in December, usually from 10am to 5pm, on Court House Square.
Are there Christmas markets in Kildare in November?
Yes. Clane’s Christmas market takes place in late November, with over 40 tables of local crafts. Most other Kildare markets, including Newbridge, Kilcullen and Athy, run in early December.
Where can I stay near Kildare’s Christmas markets?
Moyvalley Hotel & Golf Resort is a short drive from Maynooth and Kildare’s market towns. Make a weekend of it with a festive stay at Moyvalley, with dinner in the Sundial Bar & Bistro.
