European-style Christkindlmarkt announced for Riverside Crossing Park this holiday season

Dublin families looking for an affordable holiday outing will have a new option this year: Christkindlmarkt Dublin, a European-style market planned for Riverside Crossing Park. The market will run from Saturday, Nov. 21, through Thursday, Dec. 24, 2026. Admission will be free.

The monthlong event will pair a public park gathering place with holiday shopping, food and entertainment. Its practical connection to the wider downtown district starts with access: Visitors may park on downtown streets or in the Bridge Park, Bridge Park West and Rock Cress garages.

Food, gifts and traditions

Modeled on centuries-old German Christmas markets, Christkindlmarkt Dublin is planned to feature artisan vendors, handcrafted gifts, seasonal food and drinks, live entertainment, and collectible mugs and ornaments.

The German-inspired menu is expected to include pretzels, sausages, schnitzel and Käsespätzle. Glühwein, the warm spiced wine associated with Christmas markets, also is planned.

A collectible 2026 Glühwein mug will begin a series of limited annual designs, with each mug available only during its season.

When to go

Regular hours are scheduled for 4 to 9 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, noon to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and noon to 8 p.m. Sunday. The market generally will be closed Monday and Tuesday.

Special hours are noon to 9 p.m. Nov. 25 and Dec. 21 through 23. The market will be closed on Thanksgiving, Nov. 26, and will finish its season from noon to 4 p.m. on Christmas Eve. A full day-by-day calendar is available on the market’s published schedule.

Riverside Crossing Park is at 6625 Riverside Drive. Its upper plaza, pavilion and lower plaza have public restrooms, Wi-Fi, seating and event power.

Who can sell

The city’s feasibility planning envisioned an initial lineup of 40 to 50 booths, including 15 to 20 local vendors. That was a planning target, and the market’s product standards limit what can be sold.

Goods vendors generally must offer European brands and products made in Europe. The operator may consider exceptions for traditional European crafts authentically performed in the United States. A product therefore will not qualify simply because it was made locally.

Food and beverage products must have European heritage, and food vendors must undergo a taste test before receiving final menu approval.

Applications for the 2026 market have closed. Prospective vendors may submit their information for consideration in 2027.

Plans beyond 2026

Resolution 32-26 authorized a lease agreement with Friends of Christkindlmarkt Dublin Inc. to use Riverside Crossing Park for the 2026 market.

The operating arrangement looks further ahead. Resolution 62-25 authorized the city manager to enter an agreement with Christkindlmarkt Consulting LLC to manage the event and its day-to-day operations. That contract runs for five years and includes an option for another five.

The first season will show whether a free holiday gathering at Riverside Crossing Park can grow into a lasting downtown tradition.