A complete guide to a jolly good Christmas in Dublin

In the run up to Christmas on any year, a stroll through Dublin city is a lovely experience with the festive lights brightening up dark winter streets and good cheer enveloping the city. Dublin in December is indeed a magical place, a time for meet ups and celebrations and overdue catch ups with those you haven’t seen for the longest time.

Media captionSee Christmas lights throughout Dublin city.

And of course while you are in the city centre celebrating togetherness and being blinded by the lights, it would be remiss not to pop into a few shops along the way. Brown Thomas and Arnotts, in particular, have gone all in on Christmas – with window displays and decorations aplenty. 

Make your way up to Dublin Castle, which has been transformed into a winter market to rival the best on offer across Europe for Christmas at the Castle. This year's festival is free and unticketed, so you can wander in from November 28 to December 18 to sip on mulled wine, explore the traditional alpine stalls and sample delicious treats. If you're feeling particularly nosy, head on inside to the impeccably decorated State Apartments for a self-guided tour, or admire the 18th-century style Neapolitan Crib in the heart of the Chapel Royal. 

Media captionVisit Christmas at the Castle with friends.

From November 22 to January 2, Smithfield Square will be a hub for all things Christmassy with their Christmas Spectacular event. Browse the festive goods on offer in the European-style market before hitting up the ice rink. 

Gifted - The Contemporary Craft & Design Fair at the RDS in Ballsbridge will be back with Jingle Bells from December 4 to 8 with hundreds of designers, makers and artisan food producers setting up their stalls for your delight. The contemporary craft fair is the largest of its kind in Ireland, and tickets (€12) can be bought online or at the door.

Media captionTake in all the stalls at the Gifted - The Contemporary Craft & Design Fair.

On December 8, head to the Liberties for the Stillgarden Christmas Market, which will showcase handmade skincare, unique arts and crafts and homewares from Dublin 8 and beyond. While you're in the area, you may as well stop by The Digital Hub for their Christmas Flea Market, also on December 8. 

If you're looking to celebrate the holidays in an eco-friendly way, make your way to the National Botanic Gardens from December 14 to 15 for their annual Sustainable Christmas Craft Market. Shop for ethically-produced and sustainable gifts from the over 80 stalls set up throughout the gardens all weekend. Another ethically-friendly market to add to your list is the Sustainable Christmas Fair at the Rediscovery Centre, an annual event which is taking place on November 30.

Meanwhile in Dún Laoghaire, People's Park will host their own live music festival, Christmas in the Park. From December 5 to 7, immerse yourself in three nights of live music from acts like Anna's Number, Theo Fitzgibbon, Winnie Ama and more, and check out the goodies on offer in the Christmas market and the Wellness Zone. 

On Christmas Eve something will happen that you would simply not find anywhere else in the world. For many years, Bono, Glen Hansard and a host of their rock and roll friends gathered at the top of Grafton Street to busk in aid of the Simon Community. It returns to the top of Dublin’s main shopping thoroughfare, close to St Stephen’s Green. As in previous years there’s no actual guarantee as to who might show up, but the magic never fails to deliver.

While a Christmas dip in the sea might give many people nightmares, it is a wildly popular activity in Dublin (and increasingly around Ireland’s coast) with the Forty Foot at Sandycove Beach hosting the most popular Christmas Day dip again this year.

Media captionGo for a Christmas Day dip at the Forty Foot.

Away from the city centre, there is all manner of happenings in the Phoenix Park. Farmleigh House and Estate is hosting a series of Christmas markets and events over the first three weekends of December and will run from 10am to 5pm.

On your way to or from the market, you will want to check out the herd of fallow deer that roam freely about the park. There aren’t many cities in the world that are home to hundreds of wild deer, and spotting them is never more magical than it is in the run up to Christmas. As majestic as they are, it’s best if you don’t try to get too close; after all, they are wild animals who are also pretty shy and like to keep to themselves.

Media captionBe sure to give plenty of room when visiting the deer at Phoenix Park.

From wildlife to Wild Lights: the Phoenix Park is also home to Dublin Zoo, which hosts a nighttime spectacular that is a must in the run-up to Christmas. The zoo’s pathways are lined with oversized, illuminated creatures, both past and present. While it is primarily aimed at families, wandering the zoo at night on A Journey Through Time (this year’s theme) is a lovely way to pass a couple of hours. Adult tickets are priced at €24.50.

Media captionVisit Dublin Zoo to take in the Wild Lights.

From November 22 to January 6, the Guinness Storehouse is making a big fuss of Christmas and transforming the brewery's courtyard into a festive wonderland. This year's decorations will include décor designed by some of Ireland’s most creative minds, an immersive art installation, a festive food fair and the sounds of contemporary Christmas music throughout the building. Stop by for a pint of the black stuff and some good cheer, then take in the glow of the city from the panoramic Gravity Bar. 

Media captionWander through the festive wonderland at Guinness Storehouse.

If you want to feel like you're in Lapland without having to leave Dublin, head over to Alpine Skate Trail Dún Laoghaire for a day on the ice. Running from November 1 all the way to January 12, you have plenty of time to visit Ireland's newest and biggest ice rink located right on the harbour. If you're an undiscovered Olympic ice-skater, don't worry, with two separate rinks for various skill levels you won't be slowed down by children or complete newbies. Alternatively, if you fear you'll be like Bambi on ice, there are plenty of adorable penguin skate aids to help you find your glide. 

On December 18, the Choristers and Lay Vicars of St Patrick's Cathedral will belt out festive classics in celebration of A Saint Patrick's Cathedral Christmas, where the marvellous acoustics make for the most magical of experiences. Tickets start at €35; booking in advance is essential.

Kicking off their annual festive concerts on December 11 and 12, Christ Church Cathedral will become a hub for Christmas cheer. Book your ticket in advance and watch in awe as the talented cathedral choir sings their rendition of some classic Christmas songs (tickets €32.50).

Not to be outdone, the National Concert Hall is hosting its own season of Christmas concerts. From December 9-11, Our Lady’s Choral Society and the RTÉ Concert Orchestra will take on Handel's  Messiah. The next night, the Goethe Choir will perform a cantata featuring Bach's Christmas Oratorio (tickets €25).

Media captionHead into the National Concert Hall for an evening of Christmas concerts.

On December 15 the NCH is at it again, although this time it will be hosting an evening at the movies filled with timeless classics from the most Christmassy of films, proving that it is indeed a most wonderful life and giving you no excuse to stay home alone.

One day later the NCH brings joy to the world with a sublime concert of Candelit Carols and seasonal classics, staged in an evocative candle-lit style setting. There will be two concerts – one in the afternoon and one in the evening – with prices from €30.

Fans of opera and of Christmas should keep December 16 free and head to Celine Byrne's Christmas Celebration. The Bord Gáis Energy Theatre welcomes the accomplished soprano, alongside the RTÉ Concert Orchestra, as she performs beloved Christmas carols, songs from festive films and musicals, as well as some operatic favourites.

Starting the festive off in a slightly unconventional direction, Rascals Brewing Company in Inchicore are bringing 90s action to the big screen with their own screening of Die Hard 2 on December 1. Or listen to the whimsical festive songs in Tim Burton's classic The Nightmare Before Christmas on December 15. So wear your favourite Christmas jumper and yippee ki-yay the night away with a complimentary drink and popcorn.

Media captionEnjoy a film and a drink at Rascals Brewing Company.

If you want to enjoy a night at the cinema without sacrificing the cosiness of a movie night in, the Stella's modern twist on a 1920s-style theatre offers old world glam with that extra bit of comfort. Put your feet up in one of their leather armchairs and enjoy their heartwarming selection of Christmas films throughout December, from Polar Express and Elf to It's a Wonderful Life . You can even order a delicious cocktail and dessert directly to your seat so you don't miss a ho ho ho.  

Why settle for a simple drink in a pub when you can craft your own? Take part in the Whiskey and Warmth Irish Coffee Class at the Pearse Lyons Distillery and learn from the whiskey experts how to make the perfect Irish coffee. Or wait until nightfall and follow a knowledgeable tour guide on an after-dark exploration of the distillery, set in the former St James' Church, before finishing your tour with a warm whiskey tasting session.  

Media captionFind your unique festive flavour at Pearse Lyons Distillery.

For those that are looking to create something that'll last a lifetime, you'll love the variety of workshops on offer at Silverworks on Drury Street. With the help of expert jewellery makers, you can forge your own traditional Claddagh ring or make a festive-themed pendant, either for someone you love or as a small Christmas gift to yourself. 

Media captionCraft your own Christmas decoration at Silverworks.

Want to create a bespoke gift for someone special while treating yourself to a unique experience? From November 15 to 22, hop onboard the Vintage Tea Trips bus for their Paint Your Own Teacup sessions. Munch on warm scones with all the trimmings and sip on a cup of tea while you design your teacup. After, all teacups will be professionally glazed and fired in the kiln at Dublin's Pottery. There may be a four-week wait to get your personalised cup back, but it's worth the wait. 

Dublin will be going big for New Year’s Eve with the New Year’s Festival, which will take place across two stages around Dublin city. There’ll be DJs, street entertainment and all kinds of foodie delights to keep the crowds happy. Dublin-born artist Aby Coulibaly, dance music prodigies Kabin Crew and Lisdoonvarna Crew, and Irish busker Saibh Skelly will take to the stage for the Countdown Concert Matinee at Dublin Castle, but as the curtain comes down on 2024 you can expect Cian Ducrot to take you into a world of his own. To add even more dazzle and flare to the night, there will also be an incredible fireworks display lighting up the skies above Dún Laoighaire Harbour and Howth Harbour. 

Media captionLet Cian Ducrot bring you into the new year at the New Year's Festival.

To really make the most of Dublin over Christmas, check out our guide to all that's on over Winter in Dublin.