Christmas in Dublin: 56 Magical things to do in Dublin at Christmas 2023

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Updated for Christmas 2023 (November 2023)

From the Christmas Eve Busk making a comeback in 2023 to the National Concert Hall’s Christmas Candlelit Carol shows, Dublin at Christmas is absolutely magical! The city that can sometimes feel a bit grey and wet due to the unexpected Irish weather, becomes magical with Christmas lights and Christmas decorations all over the city. 

Out of all the European cities you could spend the holidays in, Christmas in Dublin is definitely one you will remember. Although I grew up with French Christmas traditions, Eric and I have loved discovering more about all the things to do in Dublin during Christmas during the 4 years we lived there. Actually, we lived just a few steps from the Christmas projections at Custom House!

In this Dublin guide, you will find 56 things to do in Dublin at Christmas 2023. If you are coming to Dublin for a couple of days during the best time of the year, you will want to add some of those to your itinerary for sure!

Magical things to do in Dublin this Christmas

1. Grafton street’s Christmas decorations

Grafton street is one of the most bustling streets in Dublin. It is know as THE shopping street in Dublin. From makeup to clothes and food, Grafton street has lots to offer and if you like shopping, you will not be disappointed. Grafton Street is where you can do all of your Dublin late night shopping!

When Christmas comes around, Grafton street changes and turns into a Christmas magical place. If you look up, you will see Christmas lights lightening up the whole street. But the Christmas magic is not just in the air. 

Indeed, stores on Grafton street go all out to decorate for Christmas and ensure you have a great Christmas shopping experience! The stores to look out for are Brown Thomas and Marks and Spencer. 

The windows of Brown Thomas are truly beautiful with Christmas themed decor and lights all over the facade. At Marks and Spencer, you will be able to see several Christmas trees above the doors. 

All together, visiting Grafton street is one of the best Christmas things to do in Dublin. 

2. Henry Street’s Christmas decorations

Henry Street is the second big shopping street in Dublin. It is located on the north side of the Liffey. It starts at the Spire, this big pointy statue in the middle of iconic O’Connell street and end at the Church pub and restaurant. 

At Christmas, you will see lots of Christmas lights on Henry street. One special place on Henry street during Christmas is Arnotts. When getting to Arnotts you will not know where to look as there are lots of Christmas decorations there.

Look up and you will see Christmas lights and big nutcrackers looking at you. Look down and you will see Arnotts’ windows who are beautifully decorated with nutcrackers, snow, winter bears and moving parts. 

3. Dublin Castle choir and private Castle tour with Christmas trees and treats – Updated 2023 – Unconfirmed yet

Dublin Castle is one of the landmarks you must visit when coming to Dublin. The Castle is located right off Dame Street. During the day, you can visit the Castle, and the Chapel for a fee. The visit can take as long as you wish but at a normal pace, it would take about two hours. Behind the Castle, you will find the gardens. Entry to the Castle gardens is free. The gardens are a nice place to relax and worth visiting. 

At Christmas, the Castle organises a special event which takes place both at the chapel and at the Castle. Dublin Castle organises a Choir Christmas concert at the Chapel. The choir is different every other night. We booked tickets to that event a couple of years ago and we loved it a lot.

This event was perfect to put us in a Christmas mood! The Choir was really good and the concert the perfect length. Songs were a mix of traditional Christmas songs and more local songs. At the end of the concert, we got to have a closer look at the very detailed and beautiful nativity scene on the right of the stage. 

After the concert, we were invited for a private party with drinks and treats at the Castle. At this time of the year, Dublin castle is decorated for Christmas. When entering the castle, we were greeted by two nutcrackers and started seeing the different Christmas decorations.

When entering the different rooms, we saw Christmas trees in each room. All Christmas trees were decorated differently and were beautiful. We loved the Christmas decor! The treats were essentially sweet treats and there was a good choice of drinks. 

Tickets for that event were €20 per person and totally worth it to spend a great Christmas themed night! I would recommend dressing a bit fancy but warm as you will spend most of the night at the Chapel.

When arriving to Christmas Castle, simply follow the alley of Christmas trees to your right where you will see the Chapel. After the choir concert, someone will direct you to get to the castle. This is definitely one if the best things to do in Dublin for Christmas!

Update for 2023

It seems that the indoor event as described above has so far not been renewed. However, this year, Dublin Castle is organising a magical Christmas event in the historic courtyard with complimentary access to the State Apartments. And as this is one of the ten things to do in Dublin Christmas season offers, we have some more information for you.

At Dublin Castle you will find a Christmas market with 30 stalls selling crafts and unique gift ideas, several choirs such as the Dublin Gospel Choir and a vintage carousel for kids. Among the stands featured in past years, you’ll find Inna Design, Precious Amber and Allypals.  The dates haven’t been released yet but we will make sure to update this section as soon as they are.

4. Get a hot chocolate at Butlers Chocolate Café

Butlers Chocolate Café is THE place to get a hot chocolate in Dublin for the Holidays. It was founded in 1932 in the heart of Dublin and the chocolate is made in Ireland. It is definitely one of the locals’ favourite place and there is often a line when trying to get in. Regardless of the wait, I recommend trying it at least once!

5. Temple Bar decorations

Temple Bar pub is iconic and if there is one pub you must visit when you are in Dublin for Christmas, this is the one. Temple Bar is located in the heart of the city which is very suited since Temple Bar will make you feel like you are at the heart of Christmas in Ireland. 

When Christmas approaches, Temple Bar pub changes and transforms into a magical Christmas pub. The famous facade lights up and if you look up, you will see a big Christmas tree hanging above the street.

I highly recommend stepping into the pub for a Guinness, or a snack and to listen to live music. The music, the decor and the locals singing and cheering will put you in the Christmas spirit in a second!

If you’re not sure as to which bar is the actual Temple Bar Pub, its Dublin Eircode is D02 N725. You can enter this code in your map app and it will guide you to it.

6. Christmas Markets Dublin Docklands – Updated 2023

The Dublin flea Christmas Market features 280 stalls of artists, craft makers, designers, artisan food producers and more. It is located at The Point Square on the Docklands.

It is only open a few days during December, so you’ll want to check the exact dates every year when they come out. Admission is free so I recommend going and checking it out!

7. Christmas markets at Phoenix Park – Updated 2023

Phoenix Park is Dublin’s iconic park, bigger than Central Park, NY and the perfect place for a break from the city. It is especially known for its herd of hundreds of deer. If you have never seen them, I recommend visiting the park to find the Phoenix Park deer.

Every year Farmleigh House and Estate in Phoenix Park organises a series of Christmas events for everyone. The Estate organises a Christmas market but also Christmas shows, Christmas carol concerts, and horse and carriage rides. Those events were cancelled last year due to the health situation but I will let you know what the craic is for this year. 

Update for 2023: This year, the Farmleigh House and Estate is coming back with a few Christmas events that will make your visit to Phoenix Park magical. There you will be able to listen to a Christmas choir, embark on a self-guided visit of the House to admire the Christmas decorations and visit the Christmas crib. These events will take place on Saturday and Sunday the first 3 weekends of December 2023. You can click here for the event calendar for 2023. The visit of the house is allocated on a first come first served basis. You can find more information here.

8. Christmas lights on the Custom House

The Custom House is located a few minutes from the city centre on the north side of Dublin along the Liffey river. 

It is a neoclassical 18th century building whose construction started in 1781. Nowadays, it is home to the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.

In December, the city installs projectors in front of the custom House which project beautiful Christmas lights on the building. It is truly beautiful and poetic and I would highly recommend stopping by to feel the Christmas spirit. 

9. Christmas trees at the EPIC museum

The EPIC museum is located in the IFSC about 15 minutes from the city centre. Although this isn’t usually a very touristy district of the city, there are a few things that are worth seeing during Christmas, including the EPIC museum. The EPIC museum is a big gallery with shops and cafés and tables in the middle to relax, chat or have a snack. 

In December, the EPIC museum becomes a beautiful Christmas themed space. If you stop by the EPIC museum during Christmas, you will see lots of big Christmas trees in the gallery and some additional Christmas decorations on the side of the museum. 

Additionally, there are decorations outside the museum by the restaurants. The Arch by the museum also lights up with Christmas themed lights. 

10. Christmas lights on Trinity College

Trinity College is the most iconic university in Ireland. Located on the southside of Dublin, it is only a couple minutes from the Temple bar district and right by Grafton Street. Trinity College’s architecture is definitely one to visit if you are passing through Dublin. The university is also home  to the Book of Kells, one of the most iconic libraries in the world. 

When Christmas approaches, you will want to visit Trinity College university to see the projection of Christmas lights on this beautiful architecture.

Admission to Trinity College is free but check in advance whether the gates will be opened on the day of your visit. You can pre-book online. I recommend getting the tour with the audio guides for more information on the books and the library.

11. Wear an ugly Christmas jumper

Christmas jumpers can be cute and fun. However, the tradition in Dublin is to wear an ugly Christmas jumper. Whether it be to meet up with friends or visit the city, you should definitely wear an ugly Christmas jumper at least once!

12. 12 pubs of Christmas tradition

The 12 pubs of Christmas tradition became very popular in the past few years among young adults and whether you want to take part in it or just watch groups taking part in it, it’s definitely part of the Christmas traditions in Dublin. 

The 12 pubs of Christmas tradition is a game played by groups of young adults who will make their way through 12 pubs in one night. The game, of course, comes with rules:

• 12 pubs of Christmas rules: At each pub, there is a different rule. Such rule can be that you are not allowed to hold your glass with your right hand or that you must drink a shot before your drink. Rules are decided by the groups so they can vary quite a bit. 
• If you don’t drink alcohol, pubs are still fun to visit, especially during Christmas as they become all cozy and festive. I’d recommend visiting a few and maybe even trying that tradition for yourself!

Best pubs in Dublin Ireland at Christmas

• Temple Bar: Temple Bar is THE pub you must visit when passing through Dublin no matter the time of the year. The pub is iconic for its history, its facade and live music. At the Temple Bar, you will find live music usually at any time of the day or night. The stage is quite small but musicians and singers are really good and will definitely make you feel like you are in Ireland. If you’re lucky, you might catch a table right by the stage so you can enjoy the show. I’d recommend ordering their pizza if you are looking for a snack.
• Hole in the Wall: Known as ‘The Most Christmassy Pub In Dublin’, this pub is located near Phoenix Park (where you can see the herd of wild deer). It is known for its gorgeous “Ho, ho, ho” façade.
• The Quays Irish Restaurant: The Quays is located a few meters away from Temple Bar and is another iconic pub. Live music plays loud at the Quays and crowds sing loud! This very popular pub is often packed which gives you a good idea of the ambiance!
• The Auld Dubliner: The Auld Dubliner is another pub located in the Temple Bar district. It is a bit bigger than the Quays and has a second floor for more entertainment! 
• The Merchants Arch Bar and Restaurant: Located right by the Liffey and Ha’Penny bridge, Merchants Arch is one of the locals favourite pub. The downstairs will welcome you with drinks and live music while the upstairs will welcome you for dinner. 
• The Harbourmaster Bar and Restaurant: Located in the IFSC, about 20 minutes walking from Temple Bar district, the Harbourmaster has got a cozy and warm vibe that will give you all the Christmas feelings. We go there regularly and love the service and the vibe. If you are looking for a snack, I would recommend the chicken wings. 
• O’Neills Pub: O’Neills is one of my favourite pubs in Dublin and is a great place to go to at Christmas time in Dublin. O’Neills is located by the statue of Molly Malone close to Trinity college and Grafton street. When visiting O’Neills, I recommend ordering their Irish breakfast which is delicious and definitely filling. If you are spending the day exploring Dublin Christmas markets and Dublin Christmas lights, you will need some energy which this breakfast will give you. If you are visiting for lunch or dinner, then try out their kitchen food which is delicious and is canteen style. 

13. Christmas Concert at Christchurch Cathedral, Dublin – Updated 2023

Christchurch Cathedral is located at the end of Dame street on the south side of Dublin. It is a beautiful Cathedral that you should definitely visit regardless of the time of the year.

The Choir of Christchurch Cathedral will be singing Christmas carols on Wednesday 13 and Thursday 14 December at 6pm and 8.30pm. The concert lasts one hour. Tickets are €30 this year (€25 last year) and seating is open. Due to the current health situation, there are some specific requirements to be allowed entry. You can check and book everything here. 

Christchurch Cathedral also installs a nativity scene which we would recommend visiting as well. 

14. Listen to Christmas songs by buskers on Grafton street

Buskers are a symbol of Ireland and you can’t possibly come to Dublin and miss them. The word busker is used to describe singers and musicians who play live music on the streets of Dublin and other cities like Cork and Galway. 

One busker who is really famous is Allie Sherlock. Allie played often on the Grafton street and became really famous on YouTube by posting videos of her busking. She has a beautiful voice and totally deserves the fame! In recent years, she has been signed by Ryan Tedder (lead singer of One Republic) and has flown to the USA to record her first original songs.

Allie still plays almost every week in Dublin so you will probably see her if you come for a few days. Usually, there is a huge crowd around her so you’ll be able to notice her very easily. I’ve actually gone up to her for a photo once and she was super nice!

Her friend Saibh Skelly is also very talented and often on Grafton street as well. You can find both on social media too. 

During Christmas time, you will find lots of buskers on Grafton street but also Henry street. They’ll be singing their usual set of songs but also Christmas carols. One Christmas song you’ll hear by buskers in Dublin is O Holy Night.

It definitely makes everything special to have live Christmas music and people gathering to listen to the artists! That live music will definitely make your Christmas shopping more magical.

15. Take a Christmas Wreath Making class, one of the things to do at Christmas in Dublin with your partner – Updated 2023

What’s more Christmasy than taking a class to make your own Christmas Wreath. First, that will make a perfect souvenir from your trip to Dublin, Second, it will definitely put you in the Christmas spirit. All the material will be provided along with creative tips and guidance. You can book classes for the 2nd of December here at Kays Flower School or November and December 2023 here.

16. Visit the Guinness Storehouse Winter Village (Unconfirmed yet, unlikely)

Last year, the Guinness Storehouse organised a Christmas winter village on their premises. Entrance was free but booking was necessary due to health restrictions. The Guinness Storehouse Winter Village was on the floor area and featured local craft vendors, food trucks and artists.

The winter village was opened from the 4th of December to the 23rd of December. It is unknown yet if the winter village will be opened again this year but I will update this post if it is.

For information, some paying tickets included entrance to the Winter Village and to the Guinness Storehouse. It was only possible to order a pint of Guinness and alcoholic beverages with a paying ticket.

Update for 2023 – Unconfirmed (and unlikely at this stage)

17. Christmas Dublin Food Market at the Royal Dublin Society -Updated 2023

The RDS is located in Pembroke in the south of Dublin. Every year, it organises Christmas events. Last year, it organised a Christmas market outside in accordance with the local health guidelines.

The Christmas market was small but nice with some local craft vendors and some food vendors. We bought some homemade pasta sauce, and a homemade shampoo bar. We also ordered homemade burgers at a food truck and ate them on the RDS grounds by the horse stables. 

This year, the RDS is coming back with its Christmas fair from December 1st to December 5th. This is known as the best place to buy your Christmas presents as it features over 500 designers, makers and artisan food producers and Ireland’s largest collection of sustainable Christmas gifts. It welcomes about 35,000 people in five days which shows how popular it is!

Update for 2023: This year, the RDS is coming back with its Christmas Craft fair from Wed 6th to Sun 10th December 2023. This is known as the best place to buy your Christmas presents as it features over 500 designers, makers and artisan food producers and Ireland’s largest collection of sustainable Christmas gifts. It welcomes about 35,000 people in five days which shows how popular it is!

18. Christmas tree at the Spire

The Spire is located at the centre of O’Connell street, the main avenue in Dublin. At night the top of the Spire lights up and you can see it from anywhere in the city. 

The city installs a big Christmas tree at the bottom of the spire. Don’t forget to check it out while on your way to Henry street!

19. Christmas Dublin lights at the Samuel Beckett Bridge

The Samuel Beckett Bridge is a big white bridge between the north side and the south side of Dublin located in the IFSC by the Convention centre. During Christmas time in Dublin, the Samuel Beckett Bridge lights up and becomes animated with Christmas lights and Christmas scenes. The best place to watch those poetic scenes is the side of the Liffey by the Jeanie Johnston boat. 

Watching the Christmas lights on Samuel Beckett Bridge is one of the best Christmas things to do in Dublin.

20. Eat some hot roasted chestnuts

In my family, roasted chestnuts are a Christmas statement. Whether it is to eat them on the go or to accompany a winter meal, when I think about roasted chestnuts, I think about Christmas. 

Funny enough, they are also a thing in Dublin. You will find them around the Spire and Henry street. 

21. Ice skating at South Dublin on ice

Dublin at Christmas wouldn’t be Dublin at Christmas if there wasn’t ice skating rinks. Ice skating is a Christmas statement and it is no different in Dublin. South Dublin on ice comes back every year at Tallaght stadium with an ice rink. Tickets are €15 for adults and €13 for children and student. You can book online or by your tickets at the box office beforehand.

Update for 2023:  A return in 2023 hasn’t been confirmed yet.

22. Ice skating in North Dublin – Updated 2023

Swords on ice is coming back in December 2023. The rink is 500m2 of real ice to make your experience the best possible. There is food and drinks available on site and parking is free for the first two hours.

Tickets prices vary depending on whether it is off-peak or peak time but overall tickets are around €18 for adults excluding the booking fee. We recommend booking your session in advance!

Pre-launch tickets are available for €12 up to October 25th and updates are posted on their social media channels. 

Update for 2023: Swords on Ice returns on December 22nd 2023 to January 7th 2024 and will be open during the Christmas Holidays. You can find more information here.

23. Swords Christmas Market – Updated for 2023

The Swords Christmas Market offers a mix of food, drinks, and crafts at Swords Castle. Entrance is free.

Update for 2023: Swords Christmas Market will take place from November 24th to December 3rd.

24. Mistletown (to return in 2024)

Mistletown is a Christmas event organised every year and supported by Dublin City Council. It is an indoor Christmas experience with food, crafts and more. It is set up at the City Fruit & Veg Market in Dublin.

Updated for 2023: It has unfortunately been confirmed that Mistletown is not to return in 2023. They’re hoping to come back in 2024.

25. National Concert Hall Christmas shows – Updated in 2023

This Christmas shows organised at the National Concert Hall are a mix of choir concerts, Holiday movies with a live orchestra performance and Candlelit Carols shows.

These events start in November and follow through in December. You can book tickets here.

26. Airfield Estate Christmas Experience – Updated in 2023

Airfield Estate organised a full on Christmas Experience for Christmas 2022 in Dublin. The experience has now been paused to give them time to reinvent the event.

However, in 2023, Airfield Estate organises a new Winter Wonderland Trail throughout December 2023. On this new trail, you’ll find twinkling lights and installations that create a magical ambiance, perfect for a romantic Christmas experience or for families and kids who just want to experience some magic.

In addition to the Winter Wonderland Trail, the estate will also offer alternative festive activities including sustainable food workshops, craft and floristry events, and cooking classes. This event will take place from Wednesday to Sunday from 4 pm to 7 pm throughout December 2023.

27. St Patrick’s Cathedral Concert – Updated in 2023

Come listen to Christmas carols, watch Christmas movies with a live orchestra or other Christmas concerts performed at St Patrick’s Cathedral. The Christmas Concerts Dublin’s cathedral offers will take place during the month of December. Tickets need to be booked in advance here.

28. Civic Theatre Play – Updated in 2023

From 19th to 21st of December 2023 at 7pm, you’ll find the A Christmas Visit By Stewart Roche play at the Studio Theatre. Tickets start at €18. You can book tickets here.

29. Enjoy a Christmas Vintage afternoon tea – Updated in 2023

Come meet Santa and enjoy some scones and tea on board a bus and admire the city sights on a tour. This is one of the funnest and ‘so Irish’ Christmas activities Ireland has to offer in the capital. Tickets start at €54.50 and the Christmas themed experience is set to last from 1 December to 23 December. You can find more information here.

30. Ice Skating in Blanchardstown – Updated in 2023

Ice skating in Blanchardstown in the North of Dublin is back in 2023! You will need to book tickets on the website to book your slot. Ice Skating Blanchardstown will be open from November 17th, 2023, to the end of January 2024. Early bird tickets are available at €14. You can find more information on their social media.

31. Merrion Square Winter Lights Dublin – Updated in 2023

This year, a new set of winter lights is being set up at Merrion Square Park. To access this event, you must register in advance here but admission is free.

Updated 2023: This event is to take place throughout December.

32. General Post Office – Updated in 2023

Right by the Spire and Henry Street, this year, you will find the General Post Office illuminated with Christmas themed projections. You will also be able to admire the Christmas themed windows!

33. Dublin City Council

Dublin City Council also offers magical Christmas lights and you’ll even find a Christmas tree there. This is a much quieter spot than Grafton street and is away from the crowds.

34. The Westbury Hotel

The Westbury Hotel is located just off Grafton Street. In the Winter, it turns into a beautiful and magical place with lots of lights for Christmas. Worth a quick look if you are passing by.

35. Christmas at Malahide Castle – Updated in 2023

Listen to Christmas stories, meet characters and see the Castle like never before, while enjoying a Christmas themed tour of Malahide castle in the North of Dublin. You can book tickets here. This event is set to take place from November 24th to December 23rd 2023.

36. The Night Sky at Malahide Castle and Gardens, one of the best Christmas lights Dublin shows – Updated 2023

Discover the Malahide Castle gardens like you’ve never seen them before! This events embarks you on a journey to the Northern Lights. From scenes of Meteor Showers to stunning light statues, this is a show for couples but also families!

The Night Sky event is on from  the 10th of November 2023 to the 2nd of January 2024 with entry times every 15 minutes from dusk. Tickets start at €22 per adult and you should book them here. this is probably the best new Christmas experience Dublin offers this year!

37. Christmas Market at Barretstown ‘s Winter Wonderland – Updated 2023

Check out the Christmas market Dublin offers in Barretstown to shop for gifts and get into the Christmas spirit! The event takes place at Barretstown Castle at the end of November every year.

38. Cuore Chamber Choir Christmas Concert 2023

On Saturday, December 16th, 2023 at 8:30 PM, in the beautiful acoustic of St. Andrew’s Church, you’ll be lucky to listen to this magical concert. During this Christmas concert, you’ll have the opportunity to listen to Christmas music from all over the world and for all ages.

Early bird tickets are available and otherwise cost between 10 and 20 euros. You can book tickets here.

39. Visit Anderson Christmas Tree Farm – Updated 2023 

If there is one thing you should do for Christmas in Dublin 2023 it is to visit Anderson Christmas Tree Farm. Even if you don’t want to pick a real tree, you will get to enjoy petting the farm animals like llamas and Highland cows and take in the scenery over the Dublin Mountains. The farm will be open daily from Saturday 19th November 2023 and you can find more information here. 

40. Christmas Market at Stillgarden – Updated 2023

Another Christmas Market to visit in Dublin for Christmas in 2023 in the Stillgarden Christmas Market. From craft, jewellery, art and literature to food trucks and hot drinks, this is a wholesome market! While you wander around the stalls, you’ll hear live Christmas music sang by a choir.

41. Christmas Party – Updated 2023

The Christmas Party is coming back on December 1st and December 2nd at the Workmans Cellar. You can head to the Workman’s Club in Dublin for a crazy Christmas Party called “Saved by the 90s”! From Backstreet Boys to Christina Aguilera, this is a great party to dance your hearts out for this Christmas Special! Find more information here.

42. Littlepace Christmas Market – Updated 2023 – Not yet confirmed

Located in Dublin 15, the Littlepace Chritsmas Market made a comeback in 2022 on the 4th of December. You’ll find the market in the Littlepace Shopping Centre starting at 1:30pm. 

43. Retro drive-in movies

From Home Alone to the Polar Express, come watch Christmas classics at this drive-in cinema! Located in Leopardstown Racecourse, this event will take place from the 1st of December to the 15th of December 2023. You can find more information on their website. 

44. Enjoy a food tour

If Christmas doesn’t rhyme with food, then you’ve lost me! Why not take the opportunity to be in Dublin during the Christmas period to try some local foods and discover the city from a different perspective. You’ll get to see all the Christmas lights and be immersed in the Dublin Christmas spirit while tasting delicious specialties! You can book your food experience here. 

45. Malahide’s Magical Winter Ball – Updated 2023

If you’re looking for a fancy Christmas event in Dublin, this might be just what you’re looking for! At the Malahide’s Magical Winter Ball, you’ll enjoy delicious food, drink and live music in a magical festive Christmas atmosphere.

In addition to enjoying a lovely evening, you’ll be helping a local charity which is right in the Christmas spirit.

The event will take place on Friday 1 December 2023 at 7pm at The Grand Hotel Malahide. You can book tickets here.

46. Dun Laoghaire ice skating rink

This is a new ice rink that will be open from November 10 2023 to January 21, 2024. Early Bird tickets are already available for €12 per person and will remain available until October.

This will be the largest ice rink in Ireland. It will have two ice rinks which allows beginners to practice a bit more comfortably.

47. Doggy Christmas Markets

Calling all dog lovers (us included) to this 2023 Christmas Market focused on dogs. You’ll be able to find tons of dog themed Christmas gifts along with presents for your fur babies.

If you’re tired of regular Christmas markets, this is a nice twist on it! The event will take place on Sunday 17 December 2023. You can get tickets here.

48. Mornington Singers Christmas Concert 2023

On Saturday, 16 December 2023, you’ll be able to attend this Christmas choir concert at famous Christ Church Cathedral. you’ll listen to wonderful Christmas carols that became famous throughout centuries.

You can find more about this event here.

49. Hallelujah Christmas Concert

This Christmas concert will take place on Thursday 7 December 2023 at Howth Parish Catholic Church. This event will bring some old-fashioned Christmas spirit vibes and features very talented singers.

You can book tickets here.

50. Christmas Drag Brunch

On December 10th 2023, you’ll be able to attend a Drag Brunch, one of the out of the box Christmas activities Dublin offers. If you’ve never been to one, these lunch are absolutely festive and fun! On the menu, you’ll find jokes, music, singing, and more!

The event will take place at 79 West Street Drogheda and you can get tickets here.

51. A Christmas Comedy Show

June Rodgers comes back to Dublin to offer you a three-course meal along with an evening filled with comedy, jokes and funny characters.

The event will be running from December 27th to December 31st, 2023. The show lasts about 2 hours with a 15 min interval. Tickets are priced at €65 and you can book them here.

52. Mistletoe and Wine Christmas Wreath Workshop

On December 7th 2023, you can attend this wonderful wreath workshop to make your own Christmas wreath. All material is included so you just has to show up and get to work.

This is perfect for a Christmas date or to do with family. The event will also provide some festive snacks and beverages to make sure everyone gets into the Holiday Spirit.

You can get tickets here.

53. Christmas movie showings

On top of the ones we’ve mentioned above, this year, you can also see:

• Love Actually in Concert at the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre in the Docklands. You’ll be able to watch Love Actually on the big theatre screen while a live orchestra will be playing the movie soundtrack! The showing is on 29 November 2023 at 8pm.
• The Gremlins will be showing in Inchicore by the Rascals Brewing Company. The showing will take place on December 3rd at 7pm. On the 10th of December, they will be showing festive SitComs episodes as well. You can check out the schedule here.

Christmas Eve in Dublin

Christmas Eve in Dublin is actually usually quiet. While there are a couple of events during the day, most people spend the day at work and at home. Shops will usually also close earlier than usual. 

54. Christmas Eve Busk, one of the Christmas events Dublin 2023 offers!

The Dublin Simon Community has announced that the famous Christmas Eve Busk is back in 2023! Last year, it included Dermot Kennedy and Gavin James. Years before, it welcomed Bono and Sinead O’Connor. The line-up hasn’t been announced yet but it will for sure be a show to remember!

55. Christmas day dip at Sandycove beach

Every year Sandycove welcomes a line up of Santa Claus who jump into the ice cold waters of Ireland on Christmas Eve for the famous Forty Foot. If swimming into freezing waters isn’t your thing (we’re with you on this one!), it’s still a fun event to witness!

56. Christmas Eve dinner

If you are looking to get a Christmas Eve dinner in Dublin in 2023, The Ivy Dawson is one of our favourite restaurants in Dublin!

Christmas weather in Dublin

The weather in Dublin in December is usually cold and temperatures will be between 0°C and 15°C depending on the day! This means it will be cold but we are far from the type of winter regions of the world like Quebec get. Dublin is in Ireland and in Ireland, the weather is quite unpredictable.

The Irish weather changes quickly and we often say that we get four seasons in one day so don’t be surprised if you are cold in the morning and okay in the afternoon. Ireland actually gets quite a bit of sunshine in the winter so even though it will be cold, you might experience beautiful sunny days.

Of course, the rain is never fully out of the question so you also need to plan for this. When visiting Dublin December time, we suggest dressing warm, see more information on this below.

You might wonder Does it snow in Dublin at Christmas? The answer is yes sometimes but Dublin is never covered in snow. If it does snow, it will lasts for about 5 minutes and will stay on the ground for about 30 seconds. Nothing too exciting we must admit! 

Where to eat in Dublin at Christmas

While you are exploring Dublin at Christmas, there is no doubt you will get hungry and thirsty. Rest assured that Dublin isn’t short of cafés, restaurants or brunch places. Actually, you probably won’t have time to visit them all if you’re staying just for a couple of weeks. Here are our favorite places:

• For brunch: the Ivy Dawson on Dawson street. Between the fried zucchini fried, the shrimps salad and the pancakes, brunch at the Ivy will not disappoint. You will need to book a table in advance as this place is very popular. 
• For a snack: the bubble waffle place in Merchants Arch. 
• For dinner: Chez Max by Dublin Castle is a great option. I would recommend ordering the steak with peppercorn sauce and fries. Service is good and the restaurant has a very cozy vibe which makes it a great place to have dinner at Christmas time.
• If you fancy tasting some delicious local food accompanied by a local while wandering the city surrounded by Christmas lights, we recommend you book this great Dublin food tour!

What to wear for Christmas in Dublin

The key for comfortable outfits when coming to Dublin is layering. Layer a tank top, a sweater, a coat , a scarf and a hat. That way, you can easily adjust your outfit as the weather changes during the day. Because, yes, the weather can completely change in the span of a few hours! When coming to Dublin, always bring a rain jacket to be safe.

Dublin is a very walkable city but it’s not that small. At the end of the day, you will probably have walked around 10km. So bring good comfortable shoes whether that be city shoes or hiking shoes. 

If you are coming to Dublin in the winter outside the Holiday season, we recommend reading our post on everything to do and know about Dublin in the winter instead!

If you are looking to move to Dublin, we wrote a complete guide on what it is like living in Dublin.

Any questions on Christmas in Dublin? Drop them in the comments or on insta and we will get back to you asap.