What’s your favourite Christmas tradition?

We took to the streets of Dublin to find out exactly what people look forward to most during the festive season in the city.

From the annual traditions like sipping pints of Guinness in festive Dublin pubs decked out in Christmas decor, to new traditions like checking out some of our 14 locations for this year’s Winter Lights festival, the city comes alive this time of year.

With a buzzing atmosphere, twinkling lights, incredible restaurants and cafés and all of your shopping needs catered for, walking around the city is sure to put you in the festive spirit.

If you’d like to learn more about some of the amazing Christmas events happening around the city this December, head over to our What’s On section.

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On the hunt for a Christmas gift with a difference? Dublin has a wealth of markets and independent traders, making it the ideal shopping hub for alternative gifts this Christmas. There are a plethora of options so even if you’re buying for the most difficult people you’re sure to find something unique and thoughtful. We spoke to three small, independent and sustainable Irish businesses that you will find in the city centre this Christmas. Sheelin, owner of The Kind Co., has teamed up with eco-friendly kids’ store Jiminy.ie to create 

blue sky and sea at forty foot

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The Forty Foot

It’s an addiction. It’s life threatening. It’s awesome. Huddling together in the bitter cold, on Friday the 13th, under a weak and feeble January sun, they all argue that there’s nothing better. Sure, there’s dramatic stories of nearly dying, but the group is adamant that the buzz is worth it. Great, they say, for the mental health. “It’s the perfect anti-depressant,” photographer Barry Delaney says. Listening to these Dublin swimmers, you hear the language of addiction, love and even religion. The perpetual appeal of Dublin’s Forty Foot Welcome to Sandycove’s famous Forty Foot and its crew of year-round swimmers.

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Vintage at The Harlequin

Dublin’s vintage scene is thriving. With more vintage stores opening in the city centre, the competition is hotting-up, but so is the demand. So, why the sudden increase in vintage fashion? The inclusion of vintage inspirations by current fashion designers and the media has driven a change in people’s attitudes towards wearing second-hand clothes. You could say the recession has had an impact too. People are more resourceful because of it. They’re more likely to buy second hand now and generally the clothes are longer lasting than high street fashion. There’s also the fact that, thanks to a recent surge in bohemian and hipster trends, Dubliners are striving for mor

What's On

What's on

Dundrum On Ice

Dundrum Town Centre

Dundrum on Ice was and remains the first Blue Martini Group Ice Rink. Opened in 2013 in the infamous town centre of Dundrum, it sets a standard that is carried throughout all of our rinks to ensure an unforgettable experience. Now in its thirteenth consecutive year, Dundrum on Ice offers a magical experience for all ages. Whether you're looking for the perfect family outing, date night or just a fun night out with friends Dundrum on Ice is the next stop on your list!

What's on

The Nutcracker

Bord Gáis Energy Theatre

Accompanied by RTÉ Concert Orchestra, this production brings Tchaikovsky’s enchanting score to life with breathtaking precision, wonder and heartwarming emotion. Audiences will be transported to a dreamlike world of dancing snowflakes, the Sugar Plum Fairy, and the brave Nutcracker Prince, with dazzling choreography and stunning costumes. The State Ballet of Georgia’s world-class dancers, combined with the rich, live music of RTÉ Concert Orchestra, create a truly unforgettable experience. From the iconic “Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy” to the vibrant “Waltz of the Flowers,” e

What's on

A Christmas Carol

Gate Theatre

For Christmas 2025, the Gate will present a new production of family favourite A CHRISTMAS CAROL by Neil Bartlett, based on Charles Dickens’s beloved classic. The production will be directed by Claire O’Reilly. Over the course of a misty Christmas night, miserly Ebenezer Scrooge is visited by three haunting visions, the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future, that urge them to change their skinflint, lonely ways and embrace the magic and possibility of the festive spirit before it’s too late. Featuring Dickens’s beloved characters, this will be an unmissable family festive tr