🎄 Dog-Friendly Christmas Events in Ireland 2025

Organised by Region: Dublin & Leinster, Munster, Connacht and Ulster

Christmas in Ireland is full of twinkling lights, festive markets and the kind of magic that brings families together. For those of us who consider our dogs part of the family, it’s only natural to include them in the celebrations. More venues than ever are opening their doors to four-legged visitors, making it easy to enjoy the season with your furry companion.

This is your complete, cross-referenced guide to Ireland’s dog-friendly Christmas events for 2025, organised by region and packed with Santa visits, winter markets, festive light strolls and charity fundraisers.

Dublin & Leinster

Santa Paws at Newbridge House & Farm (Donabate, Co. Dublin)

Dates: From 6 December 2025
Tickets: Newbridge House website

A festive favourite where your dog can meet Santa in a cosy grotto. With acres of parkland to explore and beautifully decorated surroundings, it’s a perfect family event.

Highlights:
• Meet Santa Paws
• Expansive outdoor dog-friendly grounds
• Fantastic Christmas photos
• Historically sells out quickly

Doggy Christmas Market at BrewDog (Dublin 2)

Date: 14 December 2025
Tickets: Eventbrite

A bustling one-day market designed for dogs and dog lovers. Expect stalls, treats, toys and a festive atmosphere.

Highlights:
• Dozens of Irish pet businesses
• Santa Paws photo booth
• Humans go free
• Supports animal charities

Enchanted Forest Christmas at Luggwoods (Saggart, Co. Dublin)

Dates: Late November to 23 December 2025
Tickets: Luggwoods site

A magical forest experience with twinkling lights, elves and festive installations. Dogs on leads are welcome for the full woodland walk.

Highlights:
• Outdoor, atmospheric forest trail
• Meet Mrs Claus, elves and festive characters
• Stunning views over Dublin
• Ideal for families with dogs

Meet Santa at Three Gates Garden Centre (Naul, North Co. Dublin)

Dates: Weekends until 21 December 2025
Tickets: Eventbrite

A relaxed rural Santa experience where dogs are welcome to join family photos.

Highlights:
• Traditional grotto setting
• Christmas trees and live crib
• Friendly farm animals
• Great for younger kids and shy dogs

Sants’ Enchanted Christmas – Santa Paws (Enniscorthy Wexford)

Dog-Friendly Christmas Markets in Leinster

• Dublin Flea Christmas Market
• Howth Weekend Christmas Markets
• Dún Laoghaire Christmas Markets

Outdoor sections typically welcome dogs on leads. These markets are perfect for a browse with your pup during off-peak hours.

Munster

Santa’s Magical Market – The Big Freeze (Marina Market, Cork)

Dates: 22 November to 23 December 2025
Tickets: Marina Market

An immersive Christmas world featuring snow scenes, an Ice Cave, Frozen Forest and the chance for both kids and dogs to meet Santa.

Highlights:
• Fully dog friendly
• Sensory-friendly and accessible
• Professional festive photography
• Huge indoor-outdoor experience

Santa Paws at Siamsa Tíre (Tralee, Co. Kerry)

Dates: Weekend mornings in early and mid-December
Tickets: Siamsa Tíre

Siamsa Tíre Theatre opens its doors for calm, joyful Santa Paws sessions. Now in its second year, this event was a sell-out success last Christmas. Each dog receives a Petmania-sponsored goody bag and a photo with Santa.

Highlights:
• Quiet, dog-friendly indoor setting
• Professional Santa photo area
• Free goody bag for every furry visitor
• Very popular — early booking essential

Santa Paws at Limerick Milk Market (Limerick City)

Date: Sunday, 30 November 2025
Time: 11am–3pm
Tickets: Walk-ins welcome (slots recommended)
Fundraiser: In aid of Deel Animal Rescue

Now in its 9th year, Limerick’s Milk Market hosts a beloved community Santa Paws and Christmas Craft Fair. Expect festive stalls, treats, photos with Santa Paws and a warm, bustling atmosphere — all while supporting a local animal rescue.

Highlights:
• Long-running “howliday” tradition
• Supports Deel Animal Rescue
• Walk-ins usually allowed even if booking fills
• Indoor market with dog-friendly vibes

GLOW Cork Christmas Festival

Outdoor areas of the festival are dog friendly, making it a great place to soak up festive vibes with your pup.

Waterford Winterval

Dogs are welcome in the open-air market areas. Ideal for a few hours of strolling, enjoying lights and browsing food stalls.

Ulster (Northern Ireland)

Santa Paws at Montalto Estate (Ballynahinch, Co. Down)

Date: 14 December 2025
Tickets: Montalto Estate

A scenic dog-friendly Santa event set in the historic Carriage Rooms.

Highlights:
• Puppuccino and toy included
• Bring-your-own-camera photos
• Beautiful estate walks nearby

Santa Paws at The Courtyard at Breckenhill (Co. Antrim)

A warm and rustic dog-friendly Santa visit traditionally held each December. A great alternative for those based near Belfast.

Belfast Continental Christmas Market

Dogs on leads are usually welcome in the outdoor food and stall areas. A festive and lively experience in the heart of the city.

Other Ulster Dog-Friendly Markets

• Hillsborough Christmas Market
• Bangor Christmas Market

Both offer spacious outdoor setups ideal for dogs.

Connacht

Santa Paws at Loughwell Farm Park (Co. Galway)

Date: TBA (mid-December)
Tickets: Loughwell Farm Park

A cosy, adults-only dog event where your dog gets a gift from Santa in a relaxed farm setting.

Highlights:
• Designed for adults and their dogs
• Low-key and calm atmosphere
• Festive farm walk
• Outdoor marquees and warm drinks

Galway Christmas Market (Eyre Square)

One of Ireland’s best-known festive markets, and dogs on leads are welcome in the outdoor areas.

Perfect for a winter wander with mulled wine and your pup.

Other Dog-Friendly Connacht Markets

• Westport Christmas Market (Mayo)
• Ennis Christmas Market (Clare)
• Strandhill People’s Market – festive edition (Sligo)

Most allow dogs in outdoor sections.

Dog-Friendly Christmas Light Walks (Nationwide)

Enjoy magical winter evenings with your dog along some of Ireland’s best Christmas light routes.

Recommended Spots:
• Grafton Street, Dublin
• Henry Street and O’Connell Street, Dublin
• Shop Street, Galway
• Patrick Street, Cork
• Belfast City Centre and Cathedral Quarter

Perfect for relaxed, no-ticket festive walks.

Charity & Community Christmas Events

Christmas is also a time for giving back, and many animal welfare charities organise festive dog-friendly events.

Dogs Trust Christmas Fair

Festive stalls, raffles and sometimes even a Santa Paws grotto. All proceeds support rescue dogs.

Local Shelter Santa Walks

Held across the country by SPCAs and rescue centres.
Check your local rescue’s social media for December dates.

Planning Tips for Dog-Friendly Festive Events

What to Pack

• Reflective or high-visibility gear
• Non-retractable lead and secure harness
• Collapsible water bowl
• High-value treats
• Poo bags
• A comfort blanket or toy if your dog is easily overwhelmed

Event Etiquette

• Keep your dog leashed at all times
• Assess your dog’s comfort in busy environments
• Give space to other dogs and families
• Choose quieter times for markets
• Ensure your dog is well-socialised for Santa visits

Final Thoughts

Ireland is full of magical dog-friendly Christmas events just waiting to be explored. Whether you’re visiting Santa Paws, strolling through sparkling markets or warming up in a cosy pub, the festive season is even brighter when shared with your dog.

Grab the lead, wrap up warm and make unforgettable Christmas memories with your furry best friend.

Happy Howl-idays from Dec’s Pets!