If you find yourself in Dublin during Christmas time, you are in luck. The city offers an amazing range of Christmas activities, from traditional market experiences to unique shows and even movie nights. Christmas in Dublin is this magical time when the streets are adorned with illuminations, concert halls are transformed into winter wonderland, and regular stores turn into a scene from a Christmas story. Among the best things to do in Dublin at Christmas is certainly market browsing but there is more! The city offers numerous walking tours in Dublin, fun and exciting movie nights, breathtaking concerts, and light shows. In this article, we will explore this incredible city and provide you with 15 activities for the perfect Christmas in Dublin.
Dublin’s Christmas Markets
Browsing markets is arguably among the best free things to do in Dublin. Christmas in Dublin turns the already breathtaking city into a magical land of lights, music, and festivities. In this part, we will discuss the best Christmas markets the Irish capital has to offer.
Dublin Castle Market
From the end of November until Christmas Eve, the Dublin Castle becomes the centerpiece of the winter celebrations in the Irish capital. Located in the city center, the square near the historical building is dotted with wooden stalls showcasing local crafts and delicious holiday snacks. The castle itself transforms into a giant illumination creating a festive atmosphere of the Dublin Christmas season.
While browsing the stalls and sampling artisanal foods, you will be entertained by cheerful holiday music, talented performances, and traditional Catholic choirs. The air is filled with the scents of mulled wine and hot chocolate tempting visitors to indulge in their favorite winter drinks. If you’re visiting with children, check out the vintage carousel to complete the Christmas feel of your stay.
Stillgarden Market
The Stillgarden distillery hosts an annual Christmas market offering a lineup of handmade jewelry, arts and crafts, and homeware. This pet-friendly open-air market offers a more modern outlook on the tradition with its craft beer and artisanal goods. The industrial setting of the location is unusual yet vibrant and exciting.
Especially if you’re a beer enthusiast, you will enjoy this new take on Christmas celebration. Here, you can sample various craft beverages and even hop on the walking tour to learn more about the distillation process. Numerous pub crawl tours in the city will educate you on the endless nuances of the brewery and allow you to taste various types of beers. The market is complemented with live music shows and dance performances adding to the fun Christmas spirit.
Christmas Flea Market
On two weekends in December, a small Irish startup opens a Christmas Flea Market offering a large array of arts, designs, crafts, and antiques. If you enjoy treasure hunting at second-hand or vintage stores, this market was created for you. From rare collectors and vintage dealers to contemporary designs and clothing, here, you can find a unique present for your loved ones.
The flea market also provides a load of culinary delights, including homemade treats and hot winter beverages for any taste. The family-friendly market is adorned with Christmas decorations and filled with the scents of coffee and mulled wine as well as accompanied by beautiful caroling.
Sustainable Christmas Market
Against the backdrop of the National Botanic Gardens, you will find one of the most unique Christmas markets in Dublin. This sustainable market features a wide range of eco-friendly gifts, crafts, and decorations. From sustainable apparel and cruelty-free beauty products to recyclable household items and organic treats, the market is heaven for anyone concerned about the future of our planet.
The event also provides educational workshops teaching visitors on the issues of sustainability, how to reduce waste, and create green decorations and gifts. However, the atmosphere is not at all preachy or judgemental, on the contrary, it’s intended to unite guests and offer them insights on how to lower their carbon footprint without sacrificing the fun of the holiday.
Christmas Shows
Dublin at Christmas becomes the focal point of countless shows and performances created to blend the local folklore with traditional Catholic Christmas.
Fairytale of New York
Fairytale of New York is a successful production depicting the greatest Irish songs of all time paired with the oh-so-recognizable Christmas tunes. The show encourages singing along, especially during classics like White Christmas, Silent Night, and Oh Holy Night. The performances are delivered by local and international musicians recreating the magic of Christmas celebrations.
Between the numbers, narrators tell stories about the Irish traditions and the significance of these songs in their culture. The stories are captivating and illuminating allowing guests to expand their knowledge of the local folklore and history.
Celtic Nights
The Celtic Nights Christmas Show is a holiday special combining traditional elements with the Celtic heritage. Taking place in a historical Dublin venue, the performances include Irish line dancing, folk music, and crafty storytelling. The show is a perfect opportunity to bring your whole family and friends together to celebrate the Irish culture and learn more about it.
The show also features a wide array of tasty treats and delicious beverages allowing you to enjoy your holidays not just spiritually. While you’re sipping on a glass of hot mulled wine, you will hear stories about the ancient Celtic winter solstice and modern celebrations. The brave ones are encouraged to participate in the show to learn dancing steps from the best professionals in the country.
Elf Town Dublin
Travelers with children will most definitely enjoy the Elf Town Dublin Show, a 75-minute long Christmas experience full of music, dancing, and Santa time. Each family gets a chance to have a private visit with Santa himself and receive a branded present from the Elf Town. The interactive show takes place in a venue designed like the famous North Pole Village creating an immersive atmosphere for the little ones.
Children can even attend the Elf School where they can learn the basics of being the little helper and explore the nuances of Christmas present production. From decorating cookies and writing letters to Santa to trying their hand at gift-making, kids can have free reign in this magical wonderland.
Luggwoods Santa’s Enchanted Forest
Another Christmas experience takes place amid the Dublin Mountains offering a breathtaking background to the winter magic. Adorned with adorable decorations and beautiful Christmas lights, the entire setting will immediately transport you to a fairytale. The event captures the perfect blend of Irish folklore and Celtic mythology with modern Christmas traditions.
The highlights of the show include Mrs. Claus’s Kitchen, where you can hear captivating stories and drink hot chocolate; the Elf Workshop, where you can learn crafts; and the Post Room, where you can write letters to Santa. At the end of the experience, you will receive a personal meeting with Santa Claus paired with a generous gift and a professional photo to preserve the memories.
Christmas Movie Nights and Drive-ins
Among the unique Christmas things to do in Dublin are cozy and warming movie nights. Across several locations, you will be able to watch your favorite Christmas films surrounded by like-minded movie buffs.
National Concert Hall
The National Concert Hall is among the most impressive buildings in the city opening its doors to the public around Christmas to deliver some of cinematographic classics. From iconic Home Alone and adventurous Narnia to heartwarming E.T. and romantic Love Actually, the list of movies will not let anyone down.
The screenings are accompanied by a live orchestra adding more depth to the experience. The acoustics of the venue enhance the musical performances creating an immersive atmosphere. Before the show, you can partake in a carol signing and indulge in traditional beverages and snacks.
Rascals Brewing Company
Rascals Brewing Company is a popular brewery in Dublin City that transforms into a cozy cinema space during the Christmas season. The industrial feel of the setting offers an alternative venue for celebrating winter holidays. The best part is that you can enjoy a cold pint of delicious Irish beer while watching your favorite Christmas films.
This year, the brewery is screening one of the absolute classics, namely Die Hard. Paired with comfortable cushy seats with warm blankets and seasonal culinary specials, the event is a great way to celebrate this holiday surrounded by friends, other fellow travelers, and locals.
St. Patrick’s Cathedral
While St. Patrick’s Cathedral doesn’t screen actual movies, it focuses on bringing your favorite Christmas tunes to life. During the Christmas concert, you can listen to a wide range of holiday movie soundtracks performed by the professional orchestra amidst the breathtaking Christmas candlelit illumination. The song selection encompasses the most famous classics like Nightmare Before Christmas, It’s a Wonderful Life, and Polar Express.
The experience is supplemented by amazing acoustics, exquisite architectural elements, and abundant food and drinks. Throughout the show, you will also learn more about the spiritual themes of selected films and songs and their significance to the holidays and Irish people.
Christmas Lights and Window Displays
Other notable Christmas activities in Dublin include strolling through the city and watching stunning Christmas lights displayed on buildings, in windows, and even at the Dublin Zoo.
Brown Thomas
Located on Grafton Street, Brown Thomas is a popular designer brand store with one of the most remarkable window displays in the city. The building turns its usual clothing displays into elaborate scenes referencing traditional Christmas and local folklore. Starting in October, the stores are taking a festive look and spreading holiday joy to all their visitors and passersby.
Some displays go all out to astonish the spectators: from futuristic animatorics and custom-made props to tailored designer pieces. To see the entire story unfold, you need to walk along the whole building since they are usually told in a sequential order. Step inside to witness the magic in the store with its intricate decorations, massive Christmas tree, and high-end Christmas shopping.
Dublin Zoo Wild Lights
Every year, one of the oldest zoos in the world invites families, tourists, and locals to experience a magical winter fairytale. Dublin Zoo transforms into an illuminated wonderland featuring intricate lanterns in the shapes of wildlife and fantasy. From mythological creatures and endangered or extinct species to real animals, the Wild Lights installations are a sight to behold. The zoo also makes an effort to ensure that every installation is environmentally friendly.
To maximize the use of light, the experience begins after the sundown so it’s recommended to arrive after 4 or 5 pm. The entire show takes about 90 minutes to complete allowing guests to explore each piece and take a memorable picture.
Christmas in the Marlay Park
Another annual Christmas event, the Wonderlights Show takes place in Marlay Park. Each year, the celebration carries different themes telling a story through the means of lights, colors, and enchanting music. This award-winning event was even named the best entertainment and best community engagement by reputable sources.
Interactive elements allow children to partake in Santa’s workshop to meet Santa himself and enjoy traditional caroling and music performances. Here, your little ones can try to create their own decorations and sweets. You can also purchase some culinary delights from local vendors, including hot chocolate and mulled wine.
Guinness Storehouse
Starting in mid-November, the iconic Guinness Storehouse opens its doors to guests and locals to experience the Christmas festive installation. Set in an industrial setting, the event includes a light show: a seven-story tall Christmas tree crafted from illuminated Guinness barrels. The lights are positioned in a way that highlights the building’s unique architecture and tells stories from the brewery’s legacy.
The installations are also interactive mirroring your movements creating whimsical experiences for visitors of all ages. Here, you can of course treat yourself to a pint of delicious Guinness while touring the premises of these astonishing constructions.
Practical Tips for Visiting Dublin at Christmas
The Christmas season kicks off in mid-November spanning over the entire month of December and finishing in early January. However, some of the attractions are shut down during the actual Christmas days, from the 24th to the 26th, allowing locals to celebrate with their families and loved ones.
When visiting Dublin in the winter, make sure to pack warm clothes as the weather ranges from 3°C to 10°C (37°F to 50°F). The Irish capital also tends to be quite rainy during this time of year so don’t forget to bring a waterproof jacket, an umbrella, warm sweaters, and comfortable winter shoes.
To save some money during the expensive holiday season, consider booking some Christmas events in Dublin in advance, especially dedicated Christmas shows. Similarly, make a reservation at the restaurants before you arrive to guarantee your delicious fancy dinner. Check out our guide on the best brunch in Dublin to get the best deal.
