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20th December 2016
12:10am GMT
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 celebrate Christmas 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....
If you have never had a white hot chocolate from Butlers then you are missing out. If ever a drink was made for Christmas.
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.
Rolys has been around for years and nowhere is better at getting a bit of seasonal food in front of you for a long boozy lunch.
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.
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 in a place like this.
Take a break from all the shopping and head over to Wolfe Tone Square for some Festive Family Fun! Free admission to this mini fair.
There are more Santas in town at this time of year than you could ever see in one day. While he has to draft in many doubles to be everywhere at once we have been told it is actually the real one in Arnotts.
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 at the weekend and top it off with a lovely big seafood platter.
An institution at this stage, the live animal crib over on Dawson Street is a perfect spot for children and even adults.
Nothing is going to get you in the Christmas spirit faster than some ice-skating at the rink in Dundrum
We covered this alternative 12 pubs last week and a great way to get in the mood for the party that lies ahead is with a spot of hipster beer drinking.
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 Peter Pan which has been running since 1st December.
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 hot port to give you some extra energy.
Only running from the 12-14th of December and happening down in the iconic Smithfield Square, this is the perfect place to get those extra special gifts.
Christmas Cracker Flea Market 2014 from BLOCK TV on Vimeo.
For one day only on Sunday December 14th, Smock Alley Theatre will open its doors for a spellbinding seasonal celebration with a little of something for everyone. 6 Euros in and a perfect way to get the whole family in the mood with everything from Christmas readings to a Muppet Christmas carol.
This time of year is all about sport as well and Leinster are playing in the Aviva this Saturday so join the large crowds and get into the festive sporting spirit early.
An absolute dream place for the kids to spend half a day and they have a load of special classes and activities on throughout the month. Christmas is that little bit more special when you are young as well.
Nothing quite as exciting and sure to get you in the mood than a good carol and this will be running every evening between the 10th and the 24th up at Christchurch.
December is the one month of the year where you can put the diet well and truly to one side and let the hair down. Head in here and pick up some high end food and kick the month off with the best of everything.
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.
He might have taken a bad fall this year but he is in Dublin getting better as we speak and who would bet against him and Glenn Hansard popping up on the 24th as they always do to sing an old tune.
