There is something very special about Dublin at Christmas time. is retail building materials a good career path The streets are illuminated with thousands of twinkling lights, carols emanate from shops and pubs and the streets are filled with excited children and busy shoppers. Christmas in Dublin is one for every Irish bucket list.
This year, having missed out on a lot of in-person events for the past couple of years, Dublin is set to be buzzing with a packed Christmas schedule including pantos, markets, parties and some very impressive festive lighting.
1. CHRISTMAS IN THE CITY
The city centre of Dublin is illuminated from mid-November until January with thousands of lights. There are multiple Christmas trees dotted around the city, some traditional some modern, and shop windows are adorned with decorations.
As soon as the lights come on, the buskers on Grafton Street start to sing our favourite carols and festive menus grace restaurants, cafes and pubs. Christmas shoppers are out in full force, roaming the streets trying to fill that space under the Christmas tree & Santa’s grottos appear in shopping centres.
There is something magical about Christmas in Dublin and a trip should be on every Irish bucket list.
2. WILD LIGHTS IN DUBLIN ZOO
We’re delighted to see the return of Wild Lights to Dublin Zoo for 2022. What started as a pilot program has grown to be one of the most popular and beloved Christmas traditions every year. Hundreds of handmade paper lanterns in various shapes and sizes illuminate Dublin Zoo, within Phoenix Park – a jewel in Dublin’s crown.
This year, the theme centres on biodiversity and sustainability, fitting for its location and the growing environmental crisis. It’s a fun evening for couples, families, and groups of friends. You’re sure to remember a trip to Wild Lights for many years to come. This popular event sells out every year so be sure to buy tickets soon if you’re planning a visit.
3. ICE SKATING IN DUBLIN
After a couple of years of missing out, we are delighted to see the return of ice skating to Dublin! Dundrum on Ice is located in Dundrum Town Centre, a 20-minute tram ride from the city and promises to be bigger and better than ever this year. Doors open on 18th November and families, friends and brave solos can take to the ice enjoying some unique exercise, often with hilarious results! They give you everything you need for a 50-minute skating session including skates and children’s aids and when you’ve had enough you can watch from the viewing platform.
Dundrum has so much more than skating too. There are over 120 shops, dozens of restaurants and a high-tech cinema for a great day out for all the family
4. CHRISTMAS PANTO IN DUBLIN
It wouldn’t be Christmas without a bit of ‘He’s Behind You!’ and Dublin is a mecca for all things Panto. As the nation’s capital, we are spoiled for choice with theatres big and small hosting a unique show every year. Some of the major shows this year include;
- The Jungle Book in The Gaiety Theatre
- Hansel & Gretel in The Helix Dublin
- Aladdin in Liberty Hall Theatre
- Snow White at the National Stadium
- Little Red Riding Hood at dlr Mill Theatre
- Olly, Polly and the Beanstalk, 3Olympia Theatre
- Sleeping Beauty at The Civic Theatre, Tallaght And many more!
5. CHRISTMAS MARKETS IN DUBLIN
Unlike many European cities, Dublin doesn’t have one main Christmas Market, we have many! Depending on when you’re here you can follow the trail of Christmas markets around the city into the suburbs and finally find that unique gift you’ve been looking for.
Mistletown is set to return to the old fruit & veg market in Dublin 7 this year and is one of the largest in Dublin. The Dublin Castle Christmas Market is also scheduled in December featuring a performance tent and some vintage fairground rides. Dun Laoghaire Christmas market is one of the oldest in Dublin and the main event there is usually the fantastic range of local and artisan food. You’ll also find smaller, community events like the markets in Richmond Barracks in Inchicore or the Digital Hub market in Dublin 8.
Author Bio: Katie McGarr is a daytime writer for Premier Business Centres, one of Ireland’s longest running providers of professional serviced offices, virtual offices, and meeting rooms. When she’s not browsing Pinterest for home decor ideas, she enjoys writing tips about career and office design.
