It's almost December, so the time has come to start making Christmas plans. 

Sometimes it may seem tempting to go away for Christmas, whether to the markets in Germany or South to get away from the winter cold. 

But if you were to go away, you’d be missing out. 

Dublin is the best place to be at Christmas. FACT.

Here's why...

We're OBSESSED with Christmas

Everywhere you go in Dublin, you’ll find Christmas displays in shop windows, lights hanging and trees lit up on the main streets. Towns and villages put up ice-skating rinks, not to mention Christmas markets and fun fairs. Surrounded by all this, it’s hard not to get into the Christmas spirit.

We have great traditions

The idea of jumping into the freezing Irish Sea on Christmas Day sounds insane. And yet, every year, dozens of people make the jump at the 40ft while a crowd cheers them on. 

Loads of people climb up the Sugar Loaf Mountain or go to the Leopardstown races on Stephen's Day. The IFA joins with Dublin City Council to bring donkeys and sheep over and back every day for the live animal crib at the Mansion House. Famous singers come back home to Ireland and sing for free on Grafton Street on Christmas Eve. We shouldn't take these things for granted.

It’s cold but not too cold

The cold provides the perfect excuse to wrap up warm and cosy, drink hot beverages and sit around the fire. Bars and restaurants even have fires to add to the atmosphere. BUT, it’s not so cold that you risk frostbite or have to wear thermals. Perfect.

We have a great culture scene

Want to go to something fun with the family? Why not check out the Christmas carols at Christ Church Cathedral, or go see one of the pantos in the various theatres around Dublin? Tons of pubs have live music. The Lighthouse Cinema is showing classic Christmas movies. And the Winter Solstice Festival will also be taking place in Smithfield. There's literally something for everyone.

We have fantastic food

Want some figgy pudding? How about mulled wine or festive cocktails? Everywhere you go in Dublin, you’ll find some seasonal options to choose from, whether a turkey and cranberry sandwich or a full Christmas roast. There's nothing we won't put a festive spin on, even doughnuts.

You’re part of a community

We all come together to watch and tweet about the Late Late Toy Show. We all show up to Midnight Mass a little tipsy. Christmas means spending time with your family, hanging out with your workmates at office parties, and catching up with friends you haven’t seen in forever at the local on Christmas Eve. 

Some things just aren’t the same when you’re not at home.

Hands down, it's the only place in the world you'd want to be.

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