There’s something for everyone in Dublin this Christmas

Christmas in Dublin is a magical experience, where the charm of Ireland’s capital is amplified by festive lights, rich cultural traditions, and a welcoming atmosphere that embodies the true spirit of Christmas. From the cobbled streets of Temple Bar to the elegant Georgian squares, Dublin transforms into a winter wonderland, offering a unique mix of modern celebrations and old-world charm.

From markets to theatre, visits to Santa, carol singing, Winter Lights walking trails and more…there’s something for everyone in Dublin this Christmas.

Event Highlights

What's on

Dublin City Council Dublin Winter Lights

Dublin

The ‘Dublin City Council Dublin Winter Lights’ festival transforms the city centre with epic light features on iconic landmarks, buildings, bridges, trees, statues and Merrion Square Park. It is a festive experience like no other where people of all generations can experience specially commissioned dynamic, colourful and imaginative light projections by leading artists throughout the city centre. The locations are: National Museum of Ireland Collins Barracks (NEW Ticketed Event: From Nov 29th – Dec 15th inclusive) GPO (General Post Office) Merrion Square Park (Ticketed Ev

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Christmas Spectacular at Smithfield Square

Smithfield Square

Make Christmas Spectacular at Smithfield Square with Ice Rink, Ireland’s First Ice Museum, Christmas Market, Big Wheel and picture-perfect Nutcracker Snug. Welcome one and all to Christmas Spectacular Smithfield Square, Dublin’s newest and most exciting festive experience located right in the very heart of the city. A magical new event on the calendar, and the perfect spot to make lasting memories and create new Christmas traditions with family, friends and loved ones. Supported by Dublin City Council, Christmas Spectacular Smithfield Square opens November 25th through to January 2nd, f

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Wonderlights - Malahide Castle & Gardens

Malahide Castle

Following on from the huge successes of previous years, we will return to our North Dublin location of Malahide Castle & Gardens for our 4th year. 'A Light Spectacular 'will bring a radiant display of over one million lights to the historic estate! This year’s theme will be brought to life with two new impressive tunnels of light. The Cathedral Tunnel, standing 5 metres tall and stretching 30 metres long, will immerse visitors in a dazzling passageway, while the Portal of Light Tunnel, 5 metres high and 10 metres wide, will extend 20 metres in length. The enchanting light installations wi

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Wild Lights at Dublin Zoo

Dublin Zoo

Wild Lights, the spectacular, night-time experience at Dublin Zoo, is back with an exciting new theme which will bring you on a ‘A Journey Through Time’. From Earth’s creation and the dawn of dinosaurs to the rise of civilisations and empires as well as first inventions, discover the history of our planet through the ages. As you journey through the immersive experience, over a thousand breath-taking, magical lanterns will tell the story of evolution and life on earth. Embark on a magical adventure like no other, where you will be transported across time through mesmerising and col

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Alpine Skate Trail Dún Laoghaire

Harbour Road

Dublin’s first ice skating trail, Alpine Skate Trail, comes to Dún Laoghaire in 2024! An ice skating trail and a separate practice ice rink! It will be located at the harbour in Dún Laoghaire and can be easily accessed by the DART.

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Wonderlights - Marlay Park

Marlay Park

Get ready to be dazzled and mesmerised in Marlay! Ireland's largest light show is coming to south Dublin as we showcase the beloved Marlay Park by Night. This theme will transport visitors into a realm of illumination, celebrating the park’s natural beauty after dark. The Wicklow Way Wildlife installation will feature large golden sculptures of animals that have roamed the Wicklow Way, including rabbits, foxes, deer, squirrels, and even brown bears from times past. The Night Sky will be projected onto a 30-metre hydro screen over the lake, offering an awe-inspiring display of the moon

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Elf Town Dublin

RDS

‘Elf Town Dublin is a magical 75-minute Christmas experience for all of the family to enjoy! Meet the band of the wondrous Elves and explore the exciting world of Elf Town! Including Santa’s two real reindeer Comet and Cupid! During each visit, every family will have a private visit with Santa himself – the children will be amazed when he knows a little secret about each child! This year, you have the option to receive an Elf Town branded gift pack that includes our unique Golden Tickets, a personalised invitation to Elf Town from Santa, a map of the Elf Town journey and a personalised p

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Christmas at the Castle

Dublin Castle

Christmas at the Castle will run from November 28th to December 18th. Set in the heart of the nation’s capital, Christmas at the Castle will have something for everyone, with a boutique open air Christmas Market and an array of festive offerings. The historic courtyard of Dublin Castle will be filled with traditional Christmas market stalls featuring an array of decorative crafts and inspiring gift ideas. Come and indulge in traditional fare sold by artisan producers and soak up the festive atmosphere. There will be also be a vintage carousel on site for children. In addition to the

Christmas at Farmleigh 2019 - Puppet Shows, Storytelling, Horse & Carriage Rides, Crib, Carol Singing, Christmas Markets and more @ Phoenix Pk, Dublin.

What's on

Christmas at Farmleigh

Farmleigh House & Estate

Christmas at Farmleigh is back again this year. We will be celebrating for three weekends leading up to the big day itself. Each Saturday and Sunday we will have our Food and Craft markets selling great produce and handmade items, making ideal Christmas gifts. The markets will be full of Christmas cheer with live music and festive displays. Farmleigh House itself will be open to the public and dressed in holiday style. The ballroom will have a variety of choirs performing Christmas songs each weekend. There will be storytelling, puppet shows, horse and carriage rides and much more. Farml

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Christmas by Candlelight

St Patrick's Cathedral

Christmas by Candlelight returns to St Patrick’s Cathedral, Dublin! Monday 16th, Tuesday 17th & Thursday 19th December 2024 at 8pm A spectacular West End Cast and incredible live band perform your favourite Christmas Hits, as you have never heard them before! ‘It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas’, so, join us at St Patrick’s Cathedral, for this magical evening of best loved festive songs, performed live by Candlelight. Featuring sing-along classics such as ‘White Christmas’, ‘Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!’, ‘Santa Baby’, ‘O Holy Night’ and

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Willa's White Christmas

The Ambassador Theatre

WILLA’S WHITE CHRISTMAS Plus Very Special Guests - 6th, 7th, 20th & 21st December 6th and 7th December • Willa White • Mike Rice • Eric Lalor • Joe Dowlin • Aideen McQueen 20th and 21st December • Willa White • Danny O’Brien • Eric Lalor • Joe Dowlin • Aideen McQueen 27th and 28th December • Willa White • Enya Martin • Eric Lalor • Joe Dowlin • Jim Elliot Following his performance last Friday to a sold-out 3Olympia Theatre show and after becoming the first comedian since Billy Connolly to headline a show in The Gaiet

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Retro Christmas Drive-In at Leopardstown Racecourse

Leopardstown Racecourse

**DRIVE-IN MOVIES ARE COMING BACK TO DUBLIN** Get Ready, Dublin! Retro Drive-In Movies Christmas Spectacular is rolling into Leopardstown Racecourse from December 6th to 22nd! Experience the Christmas season with an unbeatable lineup of classic festive films and mouth-watering food options. Here’s what’s showing: Home Alone – Laugh along with Kevin’s antics! Die Hard – The action-packed Christmas classic! Elf – Get into the holiday spirit with Buddy! The Grinch – Watch as the mean one discovers the joy of Christmas. Love Actually – Feel the love in thi

Pantos

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Mary Poppins

Bord Gáis Energy Theatre

Cameron Mackintosh and Disney Theatrical Group are delighted to announce direct from the West End, the spectacular full production of the classic multi award-winning musical MARY POPPINS returns to Dublin, this Christmas season. Acclaimed Australian stars, Stephanie Jones and Jack Chambers reprise their roles as Mary Poppins and Bert, having both received critical acclaim and nightly standing ovations for their performances in the recent Australian production. Based on the stories of P.L. Travers and the Walt Disney film, the story of the World’s favourite nanny arriving on Cherry Tree

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Peter Pan

Gaiety Theatre

The Gaiety Theatre will set sail on a spectacular journey to Neverland, announcing Peter Pan as the 2024 Gaiety Pantomime, from Sunday 24th November 2024 – Sunday 5th January 2025. The Gaiety Panto, directed by Daryn Crosbie, brings to life and “Panto-ifies” this classic adventure about the free spirited and mischievous young boy, who never grows up. Join Peter and the Lost Boys as they swashbuckle their way through Neverland and strive to outwit the dastardly Captain Hook and his brutal band of pirates, with a sprinkling of fairy dust help from Tinkerbell of course. Don’t mis

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Jack and the Beanstalk

dlr Mill Theatre

“Fee, fi, fo, fum! I smell the blood of the kids in Dundrum.” The Dundrum village dairy is feeling the pinch as rents have skyrocketed and Dame Trott, determined to make ends meet, has set herself up as a Personal Trainer. If posing on treadmills for Insta content was a sport, she would be a winner. Meanwhile, her hapless son Jack, is sent on a mission to sell their prize cow and bestie ,Winnie the Moo. What could possibly go wrong? Join Jack and Jill, the girl of his dreams, in a zany adventure of magic beans and an enormous beanstalk, as they go on a whirlwind adventure high into t

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The Liberty Panto - Cinderella

Liberty Hall Theatre

Liberty Panto - Cinderella 2024 Join us this December for the "Fairy Godmother of all Pantomimes" Cinderella at the Liberty Hall Theatre Dublin from December 19th to 30th, starring X-Factor's Mary Byrne as the 'Fairy Godmother' and Tik Tok sensation Stuart Mackey as 'Dandini', plus Cinders, Buttons, a handsome Prince and the ugliest stepsisters EVER! in the age old fairy tale that tops them all - Cinderella. Will Cinders get to the Ball? Only one way to find out! Book your seats today to the most magical traditional family panto in Dublin this December.

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Freezin' - The Panto

3Olympia

This year marks the 20 Year Anniversary of Pat Egan & Spotlight’s panto run at 3Olympia continuing the over century long tradition at the theatre! Their time has seen panto at 3Olympia Theatre reach new heights with a reputation for thrills, big laughs and big surprises. Whether it was One Direction’s Niall Horan singing to Polly, Saoirse Ronan soaked by a water gun , Jedward’s hundreds of fans storming the stage, Johnny Logan’s ballad belting cameo, Louis Walsh exec producing (and his wacky video link) or the many other hilarious cameos from Mattress Mick to Nathan Carter, PJ Gallaghe

What's on

The Liberty Panto - Cinderella

Liberty Hall Theatre

Liberty Panto - Cinderella 2024 Join us this December for the "Fairy Godmother of all Pantomimes" Cinderella at the Liberty Hall Theatre Dublin from December 19th to 30th, starring X-Factor's Mary Byrne as the 'Fairy Godmother' and Tik Tok sensation Stuart Mackey as 'Dandini', plus Cinders, Buttons, a handsome Prince and the ugliest stepsisters EVER! in the age old fairy tale that tops them all - Cinderella. Will Cinders get to the Ball? Only one way to find out! Book your seats today to the most magical traditional family panto in Dublin this December.

What's on

Tickles and the Beanstalk

Civic Theatre

A Giant of a Panto Tickles might not always have the brightest ideas, but with his Ma Dottie by his side, they can conquer anything. BUT! They're facing a big challenge: the Evil Baroness wants to take their home away.... What's a family to do? Sell their hilarious all-singing, all-dancing pet cow, MOOTilda? Maybe Jill, the Baroness's niece, can help change her aunt's mind about being so mean? Or perhaps a giggly fairy will swoop in, sprinkling magic dust to ensure Tickles and Dottie find their happily-ever-after? Find out at TICKLES AND THE BEANSTALK this years spectacular and hilari

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The Lark Christmas Panto - Cinderella

The Lark Concert Hall

The Irish Institute of Music & Song and Sean Gilligan bring you their New Panto – CINDERELLA. Join the kindest heroine of them all Cinderella and her best friend Buttons, in the greatest fairytale of them all. Joined by the whacky stepsisters Glammy and Whammy, she meets the brave and dashing Prince Liam and his loyal companion Dandini. But when her wicked stepmother Lady DeVille prevents her from getting to the ball, who will save the day? Find out this year at The Lark Panto! Filled with singing, dancing, live music, spectacular costumes and scenery, this is the number one show for fami

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The Stadium Panto - Beauty & the Beast

The National Stadium

Johnny Ward is reunited with panto favourites Alan Hughes, who will once again play the iconic Sammy Sausages and Rob Murphy who has been called Queen of Dames, returns as man-mad Buffy. They will be joined songstress Susan McFadden as Fairytaler Swift, West End star Niall Sheehy as the Beast/Prince and Caoileann Woodcock, who won the coveted role of Belle from over 100 hopefuls. The hilarious script will once again be penned by Karl, Ireland’s leading panto writer. Beauty and The Beast, A Sammy and Buffy Adventure will be Alan and Karl’s biggest and most exciting production to date�

What's on

The Axis Panto - Stuffy and the Chocolate Factory

Axis Ballymun

Come and lose yourself in a “World of Pure Imagination” this festive season! Dame Stuffy returns to Panto this January in ‘Stuffy & The Chocolate Factory’ at the Axis Ballymun. Stuffy along with her friend Willy team up to bring joy to the village of Hershey heath and fulfil their dreams of opening the most magnificent chocolate factory but, danger lurks from the snivelling chocolate maker Slugworth as he tries to foil their plans. A treat for the whole family so come along & grab your golden ticket now.

Various Christmas Events

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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

Ice Skating Blanchardstown

Blanchardstown Centre

Ice Skating Blanchardstown returns in 2024 to Millenium Park, with access to the park behind the McDonalds Drive-Thru. We can’t wait to welcome the same fantastic skaters who join us year after year with a completely new theming and world-class decoration!

What's on

Leopardstown Christmas Festival

Leopardstown Racecourse

The Leopardstown Christmas Festival runs from 26th – 29th December with four days of exciting National Hunt racing. It is a hot-spot for post-Christmas get-togethers, offering an exhilarating day out. The impressive racing programme guarantees seven Grade 1 races. Racegoers can enjoy course wide entertainment, and live music in the festival marquee every day.

What's on

Hallelujah Christmas in Concert

Various Locations

The hugely popular Christmas concert, Hallelujah Christmas, is back for it’s 3rd year. December 2024 sees Hallelujah Christmas performing 10 concerts throughout Dublin and Meath. Starting December 4th in Ballygall, Dublin 11, then, the 5th in Swords, 6th in Howth, 8th in Dún Laoghaire, 13th in Crumlin, 15th in Donore Avenue, Dublin 8, 17th in Donnybrook, 18th in Skerries, 19th in Dunshaughlin, Co. Meath, and finishing off the festive season on December 20th in Clontarf. What it is A wonderful traditional Christmas concert experience is in store for you and all your family. Whether it be

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Swords on Ice

Pavilions Shopping Centre

BMG's second Ice Rink Swords on Ice remains in North Dublin to this day! Set against the backdrop of the country's capital, Swords on Ice is guaranteed to be the perfect spot for all festivities this holiday season! Bring in the cheer with North Dublin's favourite ice skating experience. Looking for the perfect group outing this winter? Swords On Ice has you covered! Whether it’s a work event, a day out with friends, or a family gathering, our rink is the ideal spot for some festive fun. Enjoy a premium ice skating experience and make lasting memories together.

Christmas Markets and Craft Fairs

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Henry St/Mary St Christmas Market

Henry Street/Mary Street

For 75 years, Dubliners have enjoyed the Henry Street Mary Street Christmas Market. This year, the market invites locals and visitors alike to relive and create new memories, as it becomes the epicentre of Dublin’s festive shopping once more. Over 50 vendors will offer great choices in gifts, toys, decorations and much, much more. Enjoy the unique and welcoming Dublin banter while you choose the perfect gift! It’s a Christmas atmosphere like no other. The Market starts on 24th November and runs until 24th December.  As part of our market we are hosting a Santa’s Grotto on 14th &am

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Doggy Christmas Market & Santa Paws

BrewDog Outpost

There will be lots of amazing Irish dog companies who will have a variety of dog related items for sale - just in time to get an amazing Christmas present for your pooch! Dogs will have the opportunity to get a photo with SANTA PAWS and browse some of the market stands. Humans can also get a bite to eat or a drink in this amazing dog friendly venue! Please note: it is extremely unlikely you will get a santa paws photo for your dog unless you prebook it on eventbrite. You can arrive before your time slot to browse the market. The market will end at 5pm. Each owner is responsible for their

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Merchy Christmas

The Grand Social

Merchy Christmas is back! A real-life merch market where all your favourite artists flog their wares directly to you, their fans. Established during the Christmas lockdown in 2020, it was the brainwave of Conor Cusack (Saint Sister’s manager) and Saint Sister. Chatting about ways to create a personal connection with their listeners and thank them for their support over the difficult year, they had the idea of a communal merch stall mixed with a Christmas market. Working with Keiron Black and the folks at The Grand Social (longstanding champions of the independent music community) they