Winter Holidays & Christmas Events in Dublin

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Ah, Dublin in December… It’s that time of year when Christmas parties spill out into lively pub crawls, and the streets of Dublin are alive with festive mayhem! While Ireland doesn’t share the same wintry traditions as the Nordics, Germany or Switzerland, the Irish capital has however embraced the holiday spirit with several Christmas Events in Dublin over recent years.

This year, Dublin will be buzzing with grandiose light shows, Christmas markets, and even an Ice museum.

Check out our guide to the best Christmas Events in Dublin. Whether you’re a local planning festive outings or a visitor soaking up Dublin’s unique holiday vibe, there’s plenty to enjoy this season. Wrap up warm, grab a hot chocolate, and explore everything the city has to offer!

Dublin Winter LightS Shows

Winter Lights Festival

Dublin knows how to sparkle during the holidays, and the Winter Lights Festival is proof. This city-wide display turns some of Dublin’s most iconic landmarks into glowing works of art, from the Ha’penny Bridge to Trinity College, all illuminated with eco-friendly LED projections.

It’s a perfect excuse for an evening wander, seeing all the best Christmas displays and snapping photos of Dublin’s skyline dressed in its holiday finest. This year, there are even a few new and free locations to explore like The James Joyce Bridge and the Liffey Boardwalk.

Oh, and it’s mostly free, which means more room in the budget for hot chocolate or a cheeky pint along the way! The only ticketed events are well worth the modest fee of €2 for 1 adult and 2 children! Keep reading as I detail these two events right below.

💡A fun and unique way to see this year’s Winter lights is to join an Afternoon Tea Bus tour! Yep… Enjoy a cosy vintage double-decker bus tour through the city’s most magical holiday light displays—all while being treated to a delicious afternoon tea.

Dublin Winter Lights at Merrion Square

This year, the Dublin winter-like returns to Merrion Square Park for an interactive light show which will transform the historic park into a dreamy wonderland.

For only €2 for 1 adult and two Children, you will get to stroll within giant illuminated sculptures, and a dazzling snow globe featuring a 30-foot hologram will in installed!

💡Bonus? The location is just a hop away from some of Dublin’s best pubs and restaurants, making it easy to wrap up your evening with a cosy drink or a hearty meal.

[Not happening in 2025] – Dublin Winter Lights at Collins Barracks

The second-ticketed event of the city’s annual Dublin Winter Lights Festival will take place at the Collins Barracks. The Museum facades will be transformed this year into a canvas of vibrant projections and immersive soundscapes.

The theme, “Immerse Yourself,” invites visitors to experience 360-degree video mapping in the historic Clarke Square, with eight international artists contributing stunning visuals accompanied by captivating audio.

Wonderlights at Malahide Castle

Malahide Castle and its beautiful grounds are stepping into the spotlight—literally—this winter once again! Wonderlights is back, and it’s bigger and brighter than ever.

Think dazzling tunnels of light, playful illuminations, and an atmosphere that feels like stepping straight into a storybook.

Perfect for families, couples, or anyone with a soft spot for sparkle, this magical trail winds through the gardens with stunning displays at every turn.

And when you’re ready for a break, the Alpine Food Village will warm you right up with hot drinks and seasonal nibbles.

💡 Malahide Castle is easily accessible with the DART from the city centre.

Wonderlights at Marlay Park

For those on the south side of Dublin, Wonderlights at Marlay Park offers the same wintery experience as its Malahide counterpart. The show will be open from November 14, 2025 – Website: Wonderlights Official Website – Opening Hours: 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM (last entry at 7 PM) – Fee: from €15-€25 per adult

Wild Lights at Dublin Zoo

Each winter, Dublin Zoo transforms into a luminous wonderland with its annual Wild Lights event. This year’s theme, “The Wild Kaleidoscope,” invites visitors through a series of captivating light installations.

As you wander the zoo’s pathways, you’ll encounter over a thousand handcrafted lanterns depicting scenes from Earth’s history.

💡 You won’t see any animals. The enclosures are left dark to respect their nightly routines.

Christmas Markets

[Not opening in 2025] – Dublin Castle Christmas Market

Nestled within the historic walls of Dublin Castle, this Christmas Market is the most popular amongst locals and tourists. As you enter, you’ll be greeted by rows of wooden chalets adorned with lights, each offering a variety of crafts, gifts, and seasonal treats.

The market features over 30 stalls, where local artisans showcase handcrafted goods, from intricate jewellery to bespoke decorations. As you stroll around the market, indulge in a selection of festive delights, including mulled wine, artisan cheeses, and sweet confections.

Live entertainment will also add to the merry atmosphere, with performances ranging from carol singers to local bands.

💡 For families, there’s a traditional carousel and storytelling sessions.

[NEW in 2025!] – Twinkletown at Smithfield Square

Let’s introduce the new addition to Winter in Dublin 2025: Twinkletown at Smithfield Square!

It features a European-style Christmas market (free entry) where you can buys hot drinks such as mulled wine, Hot chocolate but also food (churros, hot dog, loaded fries, and more). The drinks and food are much cheaper than last year when Smithfield square hosted Christmas Spectacular.

The market also hosts many stalls are run by small Irish businesses, a very welcome initiative. You can find some great craft and farm products from locals at an affordable rate.

For thos looking for a fun activity, book a ticket to go Ice Sakting on the large ice rink or join a Santa Panto (weekend only). Both of these are paid attractions and booking head is recommended especially from Friday to Sunday.

If you were to choose one Christmas market this year, we can only recommand this one!

[NEW in 2025!] – Dublin Loves Christmas at the RDS

Launching on November 15 and running until December 23 at the RDS in Ballsbridge, “Dublin Loves Christmas” invites visitors into a lively festive wonderland with free entry.

The event is a mix of a traditional Christmas market and fun fair. There is a full-size undercover ice rink, a giant ferris wheel and thrilling rides. There will be live entertainment every weekend (ticketed), while Bavarian-style bars and cosy food stalls will serve some christmassy snacks & drinks.

First feedbacks from this market is that nothing is local… It is ran by the same people from last year even in Smithfield and most of the stalls, drinks and food have been imported from the UK. However, following some backlash online, the organisers have opened new stalls to irish businesses.

Christmas at Farmleigh House

In the heart of Phoenix Park, Farmleigh House will transform this holiday into a festive haven. The Christmas Food & Craft Markets are a highlight, featuring artisanal delights and unique crafts from local artisans.

Beyond the markets, Farmleigh offers a variety of seasonal events. The Royal Irish Academy of Music presents a Competition Winners’ Concert, showcasing outstanding musical talents.

Rathfarnham Castle Christmas Market

Set against the backdrop of the historic 16th-century Rathfarnham Castle, this Christmas market offers a delightful blend of history and festive cheer. The castle grounds will host over 40 stalls featuring unique crafts and gifts.

💡Entry to the market is free.

Swords Castle Christmas Market

The Swords Castle Christmas Market takes place on the historic castle grounds and will offer a delightful array of artisan food and crafts stalls.

I heard Santa Claus will also be present each day (Santa Grotto entry: €6 per child – which includes a small selection box and an emailed photo).

💡No booking is required

My Goodness! It’s Christmas – at the Guinness Storehouse

This Christmas, the Guinness Storehouse transforms into a festive celebration with its spectacular “My Goodness! It’s Christmas” experience. The entire seven-floor attraction is filled with seasonal installations, twinkling lights, live music and warm winter ambience, offering visitors a magical twist on the classic Storehouse tour.

Guests can explore the history of Guinness, enjoy festive flavours, and take in breathtaking views of Dublin from the Gravity Bar, beautifully decorated for the season. Special Christmas-themed food and drink experiences, joyful performances and immersive displays make this event one of Dublin’s most atmospheric holiday highlights, perfect for locals and visitors alike.

Holiday activities

Pantomime

Dublin’s pantomime season is a cherished tradition, bringing festive cheer to audiences of all ages. Here’s a roundup of the city’s most anticipated pantos for the 2025 holiday season:

• The Gaiety Theatre: Beauty & The Beast
• The Helix: The Snow Queen
• Liberty Hall Theatre: Jack & the Beanstalk
• 3Olympia Theatre: Olly goes to Oz – A wicked Panto

Holiday shows in Dublin

Dublin’s 2025 Christmas season is brimming with a variety of shows and performances to delight audiences of all ages.

• Vladimir’s Viennese Christmas: December 6 & 7th
• Gate Theater: play A Christmas Carol from November 14th until January 18th

Christmas by Candlelight

The soaring acoustics of St. Patrick’s Cathedral provide a breathtaking backdrop for an evening of carols. The cathedral’s renowned choir fills the space with rich harmonies, creating a truly moving and memorable Christmas performance. – December 3 at 8 pm

Christ Church Cathedral Christmas Concerts

Christ Church Cathedral hosts a series of seasonal concerts featuring traditional carols, choral arrangements and atmospheric candlelight.

National Concert Hall Christmas Series

Throughout December, the National Concert Hall presents a programme of holiday classics from orchestral suites to sing-along carols and festive film music.

Fever Candlelight Christmas

Beautiful classic christmas music in the middle of hundred of candles. You can book your ticket online.

Festive Film Night at Rascals Brewing Company

Rascals Brewing Company brings holiday cinema to its brewery space, pairing festive films with great food and craft beer. It’s a relaxed, cosy night out with a fun atmosphere and plenty of Christmas spirit.

Light House Cinema Christmas Quiz & Screenings

The Light House Cinema embraces the holidays with themed film quizzes and seasonal classics on the big screen. Its vibrant atmosphere and creative line-ups make it a favourite spot for cinephiles during Christmas.

“Evening at the Movies” – National Concert Hall

This special event blends the magic of cinema with live orchestral music, performing beloved film scores that capture the warmth and charm of Christmas. It’s an elegant, uplifting celebration of movie magic.

Christmas Eve Busking on Grafton Street

Every Christmas Eve, Dublin’s Grafton Area transforms into an open-air stage for one of the city’s most heartwarming traditions. Local and international artists, including big names like Bono and Glen Hansard, gather for a night of festive busking, with all proceeds going to Dublin Simon’s charity.

Keep an eye out for announcements about the exact location for this year (last year was at the Gaiety Theatre) but one thing is certain—it’s an event not to be missed.

Christmas Day Swim at the Forty-Foot

On Christmas morning, Dubliners gather at the Forty Foot in Sandycove for a bracing dip in the Irish Sea—a tradition that has been embraced for over 250 years.

This invigorating plunge is not just about the thrill; many participants use the occasion to raise funds for various charities.

The atmosphere is electric, with swimmers donning festive attire, from Santa hats to full costumes! If you don’t feel like taking the plunge, you can still join the celebrities by cheering on the brave souls!

New Year’s Festival Dublin

As the year winds down, Dublin pulls out all the stops to ring in 2026 with its spectacular New Year’s Festival. Spanning three days, this celebration promises music, fireworks, and festive cheer in iconic locations around the city.

The heart of the event is the Countdown Concert at Dublin Castle, headlined this year by the talented band Inhaler.

Earlier in the day, families can enjoy a lively Matinee Concert, also at Dublin Castle, featuring homegrown talent and rising Irish artists, perfect for all ages (BIIRD, Florence Road & DJ Shelly Gray)

For those on the coast, the Fireworks Spectacular returns to brighten the skies over Dún Laoghaire Harbour and Howth Harbour, offering breathtaking views and a magical atmosphere — completely free to enjoy.

The celebrations continue into January 1st with New Year’s Day performances in locations such as Meeting House Square and Dublin Castle, showcasing a mix of local musicians, cultural acts, and upbeat performances to set a joyful tone for the year ahead.

Other winter-themed guides you might like!

• Where can I see the Christmas lights in Dublin?
• Where to Take Stunning Winter Photos in Dublin
• Winter Holidays & Christmas Events in Dublin

Dublin will truly shine during this year’s winter holidays, offering a little something for everyone. From mesmerising light shows that illuminate the city’s landmarks to charming Christmas markets filled with handcrafted treasures and seasonal treats, the festive spirit is impossible to miss.

Add in the laughter of a family panto, the magic of a candlelit concert, or the thrill of ringing in the New Year with fireworks over Dublin’s skyline, and you’ve got a holiday season brimming with unforgettable moments.

Happy holidays! 🎄✨

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