Best-of

20th Dec 2016

19 Magically Festive Things To Do In Dublin In The Lead Up To Christmas

niallharbison

It’s that time of year where festive feelings start to rise around the capital.

The lights are on, the trees are all decorated and people are crowding the shops and supping a few extra pints.

With so much on, we thought we’d share a bumper list of places to go and things to do.

We know that some of you are absolutely Christmas mad so why not find a friend and do every single one of these.

Dec 6. Smock Alley Christmas Fayre

Their second year running this event and it’ll take place on December 5 and 6 this year. You’ll find everything from arts and crafts to great books, clothes and food.

Dec 7. Santa at Arnotts

Here’s where you’ll get the best experience in town. Expect big queues, but kids young and old will have a blast.

Dec 8. See reindeer at Airfield

A wonderful place to visit their farm at any time of year but with Santa’s reindeer here up until December 16 and a full Christmas experience on offer, there can be no excuse not to visit.

Dec 9. Apres Ski Pop-Up Bar

If you’ve ever been skiing, you’ll know the craic there is in the bar afterwards. This venue recreates that in Dublin without the actual skiing and promises to be an absolute blast. Bring a group of friends.

Dec 10. Dún Laoghaire Christmas Festival

Swap the busy city centre for the seaside where they’ll have a mixture of Santa’s grotto, fireworks, lantern processions and all sorts of arts and crafts.

Dec 11. Jimmy Carr at The Olympia

Escape all the madness for a special Friday night out and experience a bit of comedy in the Olympia. The jokes and a few drinks will get you in the mood for the last week of work (for most) ahead and right into the Christmas spirit.

Dec 12. Mary Poppins at the BGET

A huge production that will leave you in awe and the perfect setting to hold an event like this. Grab some food in the area and make a real night out of it.

Dec 13. Christmas at Glasnevin

Santa, Christmas Market, and much more! Savour the festive atmosphere and experience the spirit of Christmas with a free visit to Santa and his helpers in his hideaway in the Gardens.

Dec 14. Pop-Up Christmas Film Project

In the Powerscourt centre over three nights (13, 14, 15). They’ll be showing classics like Elf, Love Actually and Gremlins with tickets only €15 and drinks served in Pyg.

Dec 15. ‘A Christmas Carol’ by Charles Dickens at Smock Alley

This is a show for all the family, but be warned… it will feature the biggest (and scariest) Ghost of Christmas Yet To Come ever to be seen on an Irish stage. Runs from the December 7 until 22 with weekend matinees as well.

Dec 16. The Moving Crib – Henry Street

Has been around for 60 years but this year has seen a huge renovation to make it bigger and better. A perfect place to bring young children to get their heads out of their iPhones.

Dec 17. I BELIEVE in Christmas Markets and the big tree

Loads of Christmas market stalls, food, the new big tree with the lights to look at and one of the main places to get into the Christmas mood.

Dec 18. Panto in The Gaiety

Little Red Riding Hood is the panto this year and running right through until December 29. A great day out for the whole family or even for a group of friends.

Dec 19. The Live Animal Crib at the Mansion House

One for the kids both young and old. Always busy but a great reminder about the actual story behind Christmas.

Dec 20. Go ice skating

If you’re ever going to go ice skating, this is the time to do it. Best spots are at Dundrum, Blanchardstown or Swords.

Dec 21. Elf – Light House Cinema

Don’t just settle for Elf on TV this year, pimp the experience out with a visit to the gorgeous Light House Cinema to see it in style and get right into the festive mood.

Dec 22. Have a drink in The Shelbourne Bar

Pop into one of the nicest bars in Dublin for an extra special tipple and to lap up the atmosphere with only a couple of days to go. Mingle with others on the same festive buzz.

Dec 23. Carols By Candlelight at the National Concert Hall

Celebrate in elegant style with this exquisite concert of carols and seasonal classics staged in full 18th Century costume in an evocative candle-lit style setting.

Dec 24. Listen to Bono and Glen Hansard at the top of Grafton Street

They make an appearance most years (although Bono had a bad back last year) and it really is the most magical time in the capital as you grab a last few bargains.