World-famous as the capital of the Republic of Ireland, Dublin is a splendid city located at the mouth of charming River Liffey on the country’s east coast. It’s home to several historic structures, such as Dublin Castle, National Museum of Ireland, and St. Patrick’s Cathedral, and amazing attractions such as Dublin Zoo housed in sprawling Phoenix Park, lush St. Stephen’s Green, and many more. It also features plenty of amazing budget hotels and hostels, as well as hotels with free parking. More so, Dublin leads in celebrating the festive spirit of Christmas and hosts numerous Christmas special events, decorations, and activities for families and kids. From winter lights, zoo lights, caroling, movies, ice skating, to fun-filled winter-themed parks, Dublin offers you all the excitement to make your Christmas holiday special. So, with Christmas around the corner, if you are planning to visit Dublin for enjoying the holiday spirit, fun, and celebrations, think no further. Check out some of the best things to do at Christmas in Dublin, Ireland, to make your holidays memorable.
1. Head to the Christmas Experience at Airfield Estate
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Embrace the festive spirit at Christmas Experience at Airfield Estate this December when holidaying in Dublin. Know the true values of Christmas i.e. happiness, family, goodwill, and charity on this occasion which encourages environmentally-friendly recognition. Kids will enjoy writing a postcard to Santa, enjoying tales with Elves, and exploring the beautiful Airfield House. Make lovely memories with your family and kids here.
Christmas Experience at Airfield Estate
Address: Overend Way, Dundrum, Dublin 14, Ireland, D14 EE77
Website: Christmas Experience at Airfield Estate
Opening hours: 9:30am - 4:30pm (daily)
Price: 6 - 25 USD
2. Watch your kids have fun at Winter Funderland Theme park in Dublin
Open until 9pm today, our final weekend here in the RDS Dublin don’t miss out
Posted by Winter Funderland on Friday, 12 January 2018
Are you looking for fun and adventure this Christmas? Plan to visit Funderland Funfair which is organized at RDS, Dublin, every year. Visit this adventurous theme park with your family and kids. Some of the best thrilling rides such as a roller coaster, a haunted house, and exciting Dodgems await you to add excitement to your festive holidays. Put on warm clothes and head out to explore this fun-filled attraction during your Christmas vacation in Dublin.
Winter Funderland Theme Park
Address: Simmonscourt Rd, Dublin 4, Ireland
Website: Winter Funderland Theme park
Opening hours: 26th December - 12th January: 10am - 10pm
3. Immerse yourself in the festive wonderland that is the Guinness Storehouse
The Guinness Storehouse is one of the most popular breweries in Ireland, and every holiday season, it becomes a festive wonderland that attracts visitors of all kinds. The Christmas celebration at the Guinness Storehouse lasts for about five weeks, and it usually includes a bright and show-stopping Christmas tree, musical entertainment, festive menus, and many more.
If you visit this market during Christmas, you shouldn’t miss their Plum Pudding Porter or the limited edition holiday-themed pints of their beers. You can find even more food and souvenirs to buy in the many restaurants and stores in this market.
The Guinness Storehouse
Address: St. James’s Gate, Dublin 8, D08 VF8H, Ireland
Website: The Guinness Storehouse
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 10am - 7:45pm; Sat: 9:30am - 8:45pm; Sun: 9:30am - 7:45pm
You might be interested in these Airbnbs!
4. Attend Carols By Candlelight at the National Concert Hall
Posted by Raymond Gubbay on Tuesday, 25 September 2018
Wondering what to do in Dublin at Christmas? Celebrate this Christmas by attending the praiseworthy musical event called Carols by Candlelight in Dublin. The sublime concert, which will be featured at the National Concert Hall, comprises carols and amazing seasonal classics which are sure to delight you. Admire the performances of the Mozart Festival Orchestra which will be staged in 18th-century costumes. Be amazed to watch the performances in the splendid candle-lit setting. So, make it a point to attend this melodious magical night to enhance your festive experience in Dublin.
Carols By Candlelight at the National Concert Hall
Address: Earlsfort Terrace, Saint Kevin’s, Dublin, D02 N527, Ireland
Dublin (Region) Tour Guide
Dave Kavanagh
Hello, My name is Dave and I am a local and national licensed Tour guide in Dublin, I operate walking tours taking you to some of Dublin's most iconic landmarks and buildings while discussing our great heritage and culture, we are known here in Ireland for our storytelling so expect lots of great stories on this tour.
Tours by Dave
Dublin (Region) Tour Guide
Diana M
Hi there! I am Diana :) My passion in life (next to my loved ones) is travelling and meeting new people, showing others the beauty of the world, art in various forms. My private guided day tours are experiences that are unique and are a great way to do an interesting activity without being overwhelmed. You get to do something only few other travellers would get to do and a chance to gain a local perspective. As your guide, I want to open you the door to Ireland's untouched beauty, from scenic cliffs to fairytale like forests and would point out many details you wouldn’t uncover on your own. You might also like to do an activity which can be difficult without local knowledge, like hiking or horse riding, - I am here to help and guide you. I’ll handle all the planning and the driving on the left hand side of the road, so all you have to do is sit back, relax, and soak in the beautiful sights and compelling stories. Ireland won’t leave you untouched and I will be delighted to be your guide and ‘local expert’ here. Hope to see you on one of my trips to the heart and soul of our beautiful country!
Tours by Diana
Dublin (Region) Tour Guide
Anne Browne
Hi - I’m Anne - a native Dubliner. I love this ancient city and am passionate about sharing the history and hidden gems. We have cathedrals, Georgian architecture, castles, distilleries, museums, libraries. Let me show you where the Vikings arrived and founded Dublin 1000 years ago. I also like to visit Wicklow and Newgrange - prehistoric sites an hour from Dublin. I always ensure visitors have a fun day out - and when you have earned it - shopping is option or a pint of Guinness. Contact me for any questions or requests.
Tours by Anne
Dublin (Region) Tour Guide
John Ducie
Dublin (Region) Tour Guide
Katherine Mc Cartney
5. Take your kids to The Snowman Special at Bord Gáis Energy Theatre
Plan to watch The Snowman Special at Bord Gáis Energy Theater, with your entire family, when holidaying in Dublin this Christmas. Your kids will love to watch the film which features the story of James and the flying snowman, on the big screen. To add to the festive excitement and spirit, it also features seasonal favorites. Spend a fantastic time, immerse yourself in the holiday spirit, and ensure that you book your tickets early.
The Snowman Special at Bord Gáis Energy Theatre
Address: Grand Canal Square, Docklands, Dublin, Ireland
Website: Bord Gáis Energy Theatre
Opening hours: 6th December: 3.20pm & 5.30pm; 7th December: 11.30am, 1.30pm, 3.30pm & 5.30pm; 8th December: 1.30am, 1.30pm, 3.30pm & 5.30pm
Price: 17 - 99 USD
6. Have fun ice skating at Dundrum On Ice
Experience the magic of Christmas when vacationing in Ireland, by gliding on the ice at Dundrum On Ice, the best ice-skating rink in Dublin. Have fun exploring the ice rink with your family and kids. Whether you are an amateur or an experienced ice skater, you can enjoy skating on the frozen surface. The presence of handrails around the sides ensures your safety if you are trying ice skating for the first time. The availability of lovely penguin skating aids for children encourages and supports them to enjoy ice skating. The sound system also enhances your skating experience.
Dundrum On Ice
Address: Building 5 Dundrum South Dundrum Town Centre, Sandyford Rd, Dundrum, Dublin 16, Ireland
Website: Dundrum On Ice
Opening hours: 25th October - 12th January: Mon - Fri: 3pm - 9pm; Sat - Sun: 10am - 7pm (closed on 25th December)
Price: 19 - 63 USD
7. Watch a Christmas special performance at Light House Cinema
Another fantastic Christmas activity in Dublin is watching a special performance at Light House Cinema. This is especially true if you’d like to catch a Christmas-special ballet. Bolshoi Ballet: The Nutcracker, features an interesting and recreational story where an enigmatic Drosselmeyer, gifts his goddaughter, called Marie, a Nutcracker doll on Christmas Eve. The doll comes to life at midnight and combats the Mouse King with the determination to save Marie from him.
Light House Cinema
Address: Market Square, Smithfield, Dublin 7, D07 R6YE, Ireland
Website: Light House Cinema
Opening hours: 15th December: 3pm
Price: 12 - 22 USD
8. Marvel at illuminated story characters at Wild Lights at Dublin Zoo
Dublin offers plenty of kid-friendly things to do, and one of them involves taking your young ones to Wild Lights at Dublin Zoo this Christmas. By featuring a new theme called Stories, Myths and Legends, Wild Lights offers a spectacular illuminated experience that is sure to enchant your kids. Watch magical scenes from popular tales, such as Peter Pan, world-famous Jungle Book, and the popular Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland: brought to life by sparkling, hued silk lanterns. Feast on warm and savory treats with your kids.
Wild Lights at Dublin Zoo
Address: Phoenix Park, Dublin 8, Ireland
Website: Wild Lights at Dublin Zoo
Opening hours: November: Thu - Sun: 5pm - 9pm; December: Mon - Sun: 5pm - 9pm; **1st January - 5th January: 5pm - 9pm (daily) (closed on 25th & 26th December)
Price: 14 - 23 USD (free for kids age 3 and under)
9. Attend Carols by Candlelight at Christchurch Cathedral
The sweet sounds of carolers are all over Dublin… We Irish are a musical people, and never need much of an invitation...
Posted by Visit Dublin on Monday, 9 December 2013
Thinking of what to do in Dublin in December? Do not miss the popular Christmas concert called ‘Carols by Candlelight’ during your excursion in Dublin, this Christmas. Organized in the magnificent candle-lit setting of Christchurch Cathedral, it features a great variety of classic carols, old and modern favorites, and a well-known choir. Immerse yourself in the musical festive spirit of the season by attending this event.
Carols by Candlelight at Christchurch Cathedral
Address: Christchurch Place, Wood Quay, Dublin 8, Ireland
Website: Carols by Candlelight at Christchurch Cathedral
Opening hours: 10 December - 12 December: 5:30 pm
Price: 28 - 39 USD
10. View spectacular Winter Lights in Dublin City
If you’re looking for more fun things to do at night, here is your chance to watch Dublin like never before. Take a tour through the city while gazing at Winter Lights during your Christmas holidays. Admire 13 iconic landmarks that are animated and illuminated from the sunset to 2 am every night for 31 nights in this festive season. City Hall, Hugh Lane Gallery, Liberty Hall, The Mansion House, Trinity College, and GPO are some of the sites which are usually illuminated during the Winter Lights.
Winter Lights Dublin City
Address: Dublin, Ireland
Website: Winter Lights Dublin City
Opening hours: Sunset - 2am (daily)
11. Visit the Live Crib in Phoenix Park
We are all set up in the Phoenix Park for our live crib. We will be here every weekend till Christmas
Posted by Agri Aware on Saturday, 2 December 2017
Visit live Christmas Crib in the festive season, at Phoenix Park Visitor Center. The event features carol singing at the Christmas crib. View the crib on display during the visiting hours. The local farmers who have supplied the animals will answer your queries. Have a great time watching the live Christmas Crib.
Live Crib in the Phoenix Park
Address: Phoenix Park Visitor Centre, Phoenix Park, Dublin, Ireland
Website: Live Crib in the Phoenix Park
Opening hours: December: Sat - Sun: 9:30am - 5pm
Price: Free
A splendid Christmas holiday in Dublin
Dublin is indeed an enchanting city full of life and exciting activities, including food tours and Christmas markets. Spending your Christmas vacation here with your family is sure to gift you a wonderful holiday experience. So, make no delay, plan your winter vacation and have fun enjoying all these things to do in Dublin for Christmas.
Frequently asked questions about the best things to do at Christmas in Dublin, Ireland
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