Dublin city centre at Christmas is special. From strolling through streets festooned with festive lights and twinkling trees to listening to the chorus of music from Carol singers and buskers, the city has an atmosphere like no other.
Grab a festive bite with old friends or family in one of Dublin’s cafés and restaurants. From sweet to savoury, with tasty treats and gourmet delights around every corner there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
You’ll find lots of great present ideas in the many Christmas markets and in the shops with their extended opening hours – you’ll be spoilt for choice.
With Christmas so near, there is no better time to come into the city. Check out some of the fabulous events taking place all in the city this Christmas.
Dublin City Council Dublin Winter Lights
With great city centre locations, spectacular lights and interactive activities, see Dublin like never before. Iconic Dublin buildings like the GPO, Custom House, Hugh Lane Gallery and City Hall have had the Dublin City Council Dublin Winter Lights makeover with magical and colourful light projections. Marvel as you walk along the River Liffey and see how lights dance across the Samuel Beckett Bridge, James Joyce Bridge, Ha’penny Bridge and Millennium Bridge.
The Dublin City Council Dublin Winter Lights has also taken over Merrion Square Park. Every evening from 5pm to 9pm until the 21st December, the park becomes an interactive light experience, with lighting installations that the whole family can enjoy. This year in you can step inside a giant kaleidoscope! Tickets for Merrion Square Park are great value at just €2 per adult, with 2 children free.
You can find the full list of locations here.
Dublin City Council TwinkleTrail
Running until December 31st, TwinkleTrail takes you on a light-filled journey through Dublin city centre. With colourful light cubes, shooting stars, stunning displays and inspired illuminations, the city centre really twinkles this festive season. Walk along O’Connell Street to see colourful story cubes and sparkling festive shooting stars, perfect for photo ops!
At the Mansion House you can expect to find Carol Performances filling the courtyard along with the city’s iconic IFA Live Animal Crib, where you can say hello to l donkeys, sheep, and goats.
Barnardo Square is alive with light – grab a selfie at the giant star, admire the huge children’s art gallery of Christmas drawings and countdown to Christmas with the giant advent calendar light projection.
The full trail can be found here.
TwinkleTown in partnership with Dublin City Council
Smithfield Square becomes a magical Christmas experience this Christmas as it becomes TwinkleTown. Packed with fun activities, great food and wonderful entertainment, it’s a great place to find that festive feeling.
The vintage fairground has a beautiful carousel and a wonderful ferris wheel. From the top of the ferris wheel you can see the sparkling lights and breathtaking sights. When back on the ground, lace on your skates and take a spin around the ice rink.
Looking for some great value entertainment for the children? Join Santa and his team of mischievous elves on an epic journey of music, magic and Christmas cheer at the fun-packed ‘Santo Panto and the Magic Present Machine’. Tickets are just €5 per person (plus booking fee). All the little ones who attend Santo Panto get a special present from Santa’s workshop!
While you’re at TwinkleTown visit the Christmas Market, the perfect place to pick up some last-minute presents. TwinkleTown is open until January 4th. Plan your visit to this festive wonderland.
To discover what’s happening in the city visit DublinCity.ie
