21 Magical Christmas Treats To Enjoy In Dublin This Year

I refuse to give into Christmas in November but by fucking god will I embrace it when it comes to December. It makes us all so happy and if I had my way I’d do it every month. Sure don’t the retailers, pubs and restaurants need it badly! So this year I wanted to put a little list of 21 things to do in the build up to Christmas to get you in the mood. People always say there is bugger all to do in this city but flick through this list, tick as many off as you can and come back to me and say that again! We have fucking loads to do. The only problems I can see is finding the funds, getting a bigger pair of trousers and possibly applying for a liver transplant after it all! Get involved….

3rd December – Christmas Markets At The Gibson

The Gibson is fast becoming one of the coolest spots in Dublin and they’ve added something extra special this year with a Christmas food market. I’d go for the pig on it’s own.

4th December – Enjoy The New Clerys

Clerys have had a tough year with getting flooded but why not head down and support this iconic store as it is full of lovely stuff for Christmas. Maybe meet under the clock for extra bonus points.

5th December – Lunch In Rolys Bistro

Rolys has been around for years and nowhere is better at getting a bit of seasonal food in front of you and having a long boozy lunch.

6th December

If you have never had a white hot chocolate from Butlers then you are missing out. If ever a drink was made for Christmas.

7th December – Temple Bar Food Market

Always a great spot throughout the year but the food in here at Christmas is extra special and you can also find some great alternative gifts away from all the large chains and stores.

8th December – Shopping With The Country Folk

There is a special atmosphere in the city on this traditional day where everybody floods in from the country. The shops might be a little busier than normal but great old craic and a good day to have a pint down round Henry Street.

9th December – Powerscourt Center

One of the most iconic places for shopping in the city with quirky little boutiques and great food they make extra effort at Christmas with their design and live music.

10th December – Get Your Funky Christmas Jumper

With all the parties coming up you will want to make sure you look your best so head into Funky Christmas jumpers on South William street and pick something nice up.

11th – December – Go To Mass Christchurch Cathedral

Lets not forget that this time of year is actually all because of a little baby in the bible. You may not be into religion but mass in the lead up to Christmas is always special especially in a place like this.

12th December – Dublin Docklands Christmas Festival

Running for the last couple of years this is our own version of the wonderful Christmas markets in the likes of Vienna. great for getting you in the mood with a bit of mulled wine.

13th December – 12 Hipster Pubs Of Dublin

We covered this alternative 12 pubs last week and a great way to get in the mood for the party that lies ahead with a spot of hipster beer drinking.

14th December – Smithfield Flea Market

This is a wonderful 2 day flea market that is perfect for picking up a load of bargains this Christmas and adding something really unique to the stocking.

15th December – Ice Skating At Dundrum

Nothing makes it feel more like Christmas than a spot of ice skating. There are tons of places around town but why not team it up with some shopping at Dundrum.

16th December – Santa Claus At The Aviva

Santa seems to be able to get around a lot of places these days but rather than seeing him in a boring old shopping centre why not make things extra special and see him in his Irish HQ at the Aviva.

17th December – Dame District Market And Music

One of the liveliest places to be this Christmas will be down in the Dame district where their market seems to be about getting people drinking and listening to music which is fine with us.

18th December – Panto

Probably more for the kids than anything but getting down to the panto is the best way to get in the mood for what is in store. Plenty on around town and we suggest Jack and the beanstalk

19th December – Hot Port In Keoghs

One of the most iconic pubs around the busy shopping area of Grafton Street and with those bags weighing you down you might as well head in and get a warm port to give you some extra energy.

20th December – Johnnie Foxes Pub Seafood Platter

Is it all getting a little too much for you in the build up to Christmas. Why not go for a long walk up in the Dublin mountains and top it off with a lovely big seafood platter.

21st December – Food Shopping Fallon And Byrne

You’ll be thinking about the big day itself now and what you are going to be eating so why not go into what I would consider the finest food shop in the country and pick up some little treats.

22nd December – Crib On Dawson Street

An institution at this stage the live animal crib over on Dawson Street is a perfect spot for children and even adults.

23rd December – Drink In The Shelbourne Bar

Only a couple of days to go now and nobody does Christmas better than the Shelboure Hotel. Go in and have a dirty big pint or a nice glass of wine and let it all sink in.

24th December – Listen To Bono Singing

He doesn’t show up every single year but he does more often than not pop up with celebrity friends in and around Grafton Street on the evening of the 24th. Hang around and get ready to run when you see Twitter lighting up with tweets about him.