October is almost over – means you can already start planning, what to do during Christmas time. Dublin is a beautiful city all year round. However, it can be especially cozy in winter with its Christmas decorations and markets. And it offers many seasonal events, setting the perfect atmosphere for your Christmas fairytale in the Irish capital. We’ll let you know about the best Christmas events in Dublin, so that you can plan ahead and don’t miss any dates or ticket sales.
Christmas Markets
Christmas markets are a must do at Christmas time and Dublin has quite a few of them. Dublin’s Christmas markets are a key part of the seasonal charm, offering everything from handmade crafts to delicious treats. These markets provide the perfect opportunity to pick up unique gifts while enjoying the festive buzz with your friends and family.
Dublin Castle Christmas Market
his market, held in the historic Dublin Castle, is a cozy and festive one filled with artisanal stalls, food trucks, and beautiful holiday decor. The market often features live choirs singing carols, adding an extra layer of magic to the atmosphere. Kids can enjoy a fun carousel ride and other family-friendly activities, while adults sip on mulled wine or hot chocolate.
Henry Street Market
One of the city’s most popular shopping streets, Henry Street hosts a charming Christmas market that’s ideal for finding locally made crafts, Irish woolen products, and decorations. The market here has a more intimate feel, and it’s a great spot to connect with local artisans. You’ll find a range of holiday foods here, too, from freshly baked mince pies to savory seasonal sausages.
Docklands Christmas Festival
Right along the waterfront, this festival offers a beautiful backdrop for a festive evening. The market at the Docklands is known for its variety of international foods and fun, often handmade gifts. From German bratwurst to Belgian waffles and Irish stew, the food stalls are a culinary adventure in themselves. There are also amusement rides and other entertainment that make it an ideal destination for an evening outing.
Festive Theatre
As it’s getting cold outside, indoor activities become more popular. And what’s better to get into the Christmas spirit than enjoying a festive play while sitting in a beautiful – and warm – theatre?
The Gaiety Theatre
Known for its beloved Christmas pantomime, the Gaiety Theatre offers an interactive experience where kids and adults alike are encouraged to participate. With high-energy performances, bright costumes, and plenty of comedy, this is a quintessential Christmas activity for families. Each year, the Gaiety presents a new show based on classic fairy tales, adding a fresh twist to favorite characters and stories. This years Gaiety panto will be Peter Pan, running from Sunday 24th November 2024 to Sunday 5th January 2025.
Abbey Theatre
Dublin’s national theatre often offers a more traditional approach to Christmas storytelling, with heartwarming and sometimes thought-provoking plays that resonate with the holiday spirit. Previous productions have included adaptations of classic stories like “A Christmas Carol,” bringing timeless tales to life in an intimate setting.
The Helix
This theatre, located on the DCU campus, is a go-to for family-friendly pantomimes with plenty of fun and magic. The shows are designed to be interactive and engaging, making it a great choice for kids who want to feel like they’re part of the action. Here, the pantomime will be a performance of Rapunzel, running from the 22nd November 2024 until 12th January 2025!
Other Special Christmas events in Dublin
Christmas at Farmleigh House
Located in Phoenix Park, Farmleigh House hosts a beautiful Christmas event each year, with activities that range from holiday-themed markets to live performances and carol singing. Families can enjoy the beauty of the historic grounds, explore local crafts at the market, or listen to festive stories. Farmleigh’s events are especially popular for those looking for a more traditional, cozy holiday experience.
Winter Funderland at the RDS
An annual winter carnival, Funderland offers fun and excitement for all ages with a variety of rides, ice skating, and fairground games. From classic carousels to thrilling roller coasters, Funderland has something for everyone. It’s an ideal spot for families or for groups of friends looking for an active and fun-filled day out. Food stalls offering holiday treats complete the fun festive experience. This years’ dates for Funderland in Dublin have not yet been announced.
Wild Lights at Dublin Zoo
This event is an enchanting spectacle where the zoo’s grounds transform into a display of illuminated sculptures and designs. Each year, the Wild Lights showcase a new theme, with intricate lantern installations that are as impressive as they are beautiful. Families can wander through illuminated pathways and not only visit the zoos animals, but marvel at the animals and nature-inspired designs—a truly magical way to celebrate the season.
Image Sources:
Title: Photo by Sebastian Schuppik on Unsplash
Other:
1 – Photo by Vladyslav Melnyk on Unsplash
2 – Photo by Kyle Head on Unsplash
3 – Dublin zoo on Instagram