Christmas in Dublin is such a busy time of year. We have visitors exploring the city at a leisurely pace, busy shoppers picking up the last few bits and people in the city to soak up the festive atmosphere. Book a break in PREMIER SUITES serviced apartments in Dublin for a festive getaway you won’t forget.
1.Christmas Market
The Christmas Market in Dublin Castle is back this year showcasing the very best local Irish craft talent. Book your free ticket to this winter wonderland and browse 30+ stalls selling crafts, gifts, toys, textiles and local food and drink. Keep an eye in the local community for smaller pop-ups in cafes, church halls and community centres.
2.Christmas LightsÂ
Dublin takes its Christmas lights very seriously. Every corner, laneway and shop window is illuminated with Christmas decorations and lights. Take a stroll down Grafton Street and admire the giant Christmas tree, a delicious warming hot chocolate and marvel at the thousands of twinkling lights overhead. Stop to admire the Arnott’s and Brown Thomas Christmas displays that seem to get better every year.
3.Wild Lights
Take Christmas lights a step further this year with a visit to the already magical Dublin Zoo for their Wild Lights festival. This year the theme takes us on a journey around the world with illuminated lanterns depicting the world’s most impressive landmarks and symbols. It’s a fantastic evening out for the whole family and has become a new Christmas tradition for many households.
4.Visit the Reindeer in Phoenix Park
While you’re in Phoenix Park, why not heighten the Christmas excitement for the little ones with a visit to Santa’s reindeers. There is a large and very impressive herd of wild deer that call the park home. Their grace and beauty are fascinating to watch but make sure to keep your distance. Remember, the deer are wild and your visit will be unsupervised so don’t try to hand feed them!
5.Take a Dip
Believe it or not, sea swimming on Christmas morning has been a popular event for over 40 years. Head to the 40-foot in Dun Laoghaire and join hundreds of dippers jumping into the Irish Sea –many dressed as Santa. A word of warning –sea swimming in freezing is not for the faint of heart! If you don’t fancy getting wet, you can still join the festive atmosphere with a flask of tea.Â
6.Enjoy a Panto
Panto has been a tradition for families and friends for longer than we can imagine. We are spoiled for choice in Dublin with everything from community pantos to large-scale performances in theatres. Pantos tend to be high quality shows in the city with riotous comedy, impressive costumes, and plenty of ‘he’s behind you!’. Visit The Little Mermaid in The Gaiety Theatre, Olly Polly and The Beanstalk in the 3Olympia Theatre, Red Riding Hood in The Helix or Aladdin in the National Stadium.
7.Enjoy the Buskers on Christmas Eve
Busking on Grafton Street hits a peak on Christmas Eve with some of the country’s best performers taking to the streets to raise money for charity. In the past, we’ve seen famous faces like Glen Hansard, Imelda May, Hozier, and Bono singing some carols the This busy, unticketed event draws a crowd so if you’re planning to join, get there early.
8.Visit Santa
It wouldn’t be Christmas without a visit to the big man. Santa often shows up in schools, community halls, shopping centres and department stores but the most iconic visit of all is in Arnott’s on the busy shopping Henry Street area. Each visit includes a visit to Santa, a gift, and a picture so you can treasure the memory forever.
Christmas Accommodation Offers
PREMIER SUITES serviced apartments Dublin love bringing families together and we have the space to make it easy. Book our ‘Christmas is Better When Families are Together’ package so you can reconnect with your loved ones after a year of missing out. You’ll also enjoy some Christmas goodies and a late check-out.Â
Allow us to be part of your favourite Christmas memories when you book our ‘Making Memories’ package. Our location near the heart of the city is ideal for adventurers or explorers who’d like to experience Dublin like a local. Our special offers are only available on our website.
