Christmas in Dublin: 18 Festive Things to do in 2024

There are endless things to do in Dublin at Christmas.

Some, like the Christmas Eve busk, are steeped in tradition while others, like the various Christmas events in Dublin, change each year.

In an ideal world, there would be a mix of great markets on during Christmas in Dublin but, as you’ll discover below, that isn’t the case.

The best things to do in Dublin at Christmas

Christmas in Ireland is hard to beat – many towns, villages and cities are lit up with fairy lights and there’s an added layer of buzz about the place.

Below, you’ll find a clatter of Christmassy things to do in Dublin, from carols and unique Christmas attractions to pantos and more.

1. The Dublin Christmas Markets

Although there aren’t many Christmas markets in Dublin, there are several that have taken place consistently in recent years.

Arguably the best is the Dublin Castle Christmas Market which kicks-off at the end of November. In 2024, we also have the brand new Smithfield Christmas Market to look forward to!

There are many smaller markets that take place, like the Swords Castle Christmas Market, but the one in Dublin Castle is the only one that runs for a good chunk of time and that has stalls and the likes.

In years past, Dublin was set to get ‘Ireland’s biggest Christmas festival’. Annoyingly, Mistletown Dublin has been announced and then cancelled for several years.

2. Christmas shows

There’s a great line-up of shows taking place this December.

The most notable ones are:

• Fairytale of New York (The Gaiety)
• Christmas at the Movies (National Concert Hall)
• A Christmas Carol (The Gate)
• This Way to Christmas (National Concert Hall)

3. Christmas movies nights and drive-ins

One of the handier things to do in Dublin at Christmas is to book into one of the showings at Retro Drive In.

You’ll find Ireland’s biggest drive-in movie venue over in Leopardstown Racecourse and they have a jam-packed line-up every Christmas in Dublin.

Kick back in your car, tune in to the frequency and watch some classic Christmas movies like Home Alone, the Polar Express and plenty more.

There’s also a handful of festive movie performances taking place:

• Love Actually (with RTÉ Orchestra)
• Christmas at the Movies (St. Patrick’s Cathedral)

4. The Dublin Christmas lights

The Dublin Christmas lights switch-on became a farce a few years back. Traditionally, there would be a big event to mark the ‘switching-on’.

However, the organisers were unable to set it up in a manner that was safe for spectators, so there has been a gradual turning on of lights in recent years.

Some of the most impressive lights can be seen on O’Connell Street and Grafton Street. Here are some other places that are lit up each Christmas in Dublin:

1. Smithfield Square
2. Millenium Bridge
3. Wolfe Tone Square
4. GPO
5. Custom House
6. Georges Dock
7. Samuel Beckett Bridge
8. Seán O’Casey Bridge
9. Mansion House
10. Merrion Square Park

5. Elf Town

One of the newest Christmas events in Dublin is Elf Town, a 75-minute experience that’s running at the RDS.

In a nutshell, Elf Town immerses both kids and adults in the magical world of Santa.

Over the course of your visit, you’ll:

• Meet Santa Claus, Ms. Claus and Santa’s elves
• See Santa’s real reindeer
• Explore a very unique setting (hit play on the video above)

6. Festive pints in cosy pubs

There’s endless pubs in Dublin but not all of them are equal when Christmas comes around.

Arguably the most impressive pub in Dublin at Christmas time is the Hole in the Wall, pictured above.

Europe’s longest pub, these lads go all-in with their Christmas decorations.

Some other Christmassy pubs in Dublin are the Ginger Man, the Strawberry Hall and Johnny Foxes.

Related read: See our guide to 7 of the best Christmas markets in Ireland in 2024

7. Wonderlights

Wonderlights is another handy option for those of you looking for things to do in Dublin at Christmas with kids.

Ireland’s largest ever light show is returning to Malahide Castle (from Nov. 7th) and Marlay Park (from Nov. 14th).

It’s set to feature an illuminated walking trail that boasts a mix of lights, colors, nature, and sounds, suitable for families, couples, and friends of all ages.

8. Christmas tea on the Vintage Bus

If you’re looking for unique things to do in Dublin at Christmas time, give Christmas tea on the Vintage Bus a bash!

At Christmas, the popular Vintage Tea Trips bus transforms into a festive wonderland.

You’ll munch away on afternoon tea (with festive favourites), listen to Christmas carols and spin around the city.

Even if you don’t do this at Christmas, it’s worth sticking in your back pocket for the next time you fancy a day-out with a difference.

9. Carol services

Countless carol services take place during Christmas in Dublin, ranging from free to paid and big to small.

Two of the stand-out carol services are the one in Christ Church Cathedral and the one in St. Patrick’s Cathedral.

Here are several others worth a look:

• A Dublin Gospel Christmas (Draíocht)
• Christmas by Candlelight (St. Patrick’s Cathedral)
• Christmas with the NSO (National Concert Hall)

10. Pantos

Pantomimes (or ‘Pantos’) are stage performances that take place from late November to early January each year.

They take place in everywhere from the Liberty Hall Theatre and the Gaeity to the National Show Centre and more.

Keep in mind that pantos are one of the more popular things to do in Dublin at Christmas time, so you may need to book in advance.

Here are the main ones for 2024:

• The Gaiety Panto: Peter Pan
• The Helix Panto: Rapunzel
• The National Stadium Panto: Beauty and the Beast
• The Civic Theatre Panto: Tickles and the Beanstalk
• The Liberty Panto: Cinderella

11. The Dún Laoghaire Christmas Festival

Home to the largest ice rink in Ireland, the Dún Laoghaire Christmas Festival runs from around the second week in November (date TBC).

The festivities take place across Dun Laoghaire Harbour, The National Maritime Museum, the Harbour Plaza and the new Myrtle Square.

Arguably the main attraction is the Ireland’s largest ice rink (at Dún Laoghaire Harbour). However, you can also visit Santa at the National Maritime Museum.

If you’re looking for unique things to do in Dublin at Christmas, climb aboard the Ferris Wheel from the movie Grease!

12. The famous Christmas Eve busk

One of the most popular things to do at Christmas in Dublin is to head in for the busking on Grafton Street.

It takes place every Christmas Eve and it was started by Irish musician Glen Handsard.

In years past, everyone from U2 and Dermott Kennedy to Hozier and the Coronas have taken to the stage.

Now, a word of warning – this is a free performance and the result is that the area can get fairly packed, so keep that in mind.

13. The moving crib

Christmas in Dublin wouldn’t be the same without the now-iconic Moving Crib, which is entering its 68th year.

It first opened in 1956 and, since then, generations of families have made it one of their Christmas traditions.

It takes place in Parnell Square West usually from around 28th November – 7th January from 11am – 5.30pm.

If you’re looking for nostalgic things to do in Dublin at Christmas, this is well worth dropping by!

14. Christmassy afternoon teas

While plenty of places offer afternoon tea in Dublin, some do it a fair bit better come Christmas time!

If you’re after a very festive experience, the likes of The Shelbourne (pictured above), The Merrion and The Westbury are worth considering.

Each of these hotels goes all-out come Christmas time, providing a very festive setting in the heart of the city for a bite-to-eat.

15. The traditional Christmas dip

The Christmas morning swim is one of the more traditional things to do in Dublin at Christmas.

Although it takes place on many beaches in Dublin, two of the more famous Christmas swim spots are the Vico Baths and the Forty Foot.

Come hail, rain or snow you’ll find locals and tourists alike hopping into the chilly Irish sea. Some wear costumes while others head in bare-skinned!

You’ll catch footage from the swims on the likes of RTE with many Christmas morning dippers raising funds for local charities.

16. Gifted at the RDS

Next in our guide to festive things to do in Dublin at Christmas is Gifted.

Gifted – The Contemporary Craft & Design Fair is back again in 2024, running from December 4th – 8th in the RDS.

Gifted is Ireland’s premier event for craft and design enthusiasts. Showcasing over 400 Designers, Makers, and Independent Retailers, it offers a selection of unique independent brands and artisan food producers.

 The fair also caters to diverse dietary needs, featuring a vast range of gluten-free, vegetarian, vegan, and health-conscious options.

17. Festive head-clearers

Christmas in Dublin can get a bit chaotic, with many people overindulging in food, drink and social gatherings.

If you feel like you need a bit of a head clearer, there are plenty of walks in Dublin that’ll bash away the cobwebs.

Some of our favourites are the Howth Cliff Walk, the Ticknock hike and the Poolbeg Lighthouse Walk.

18. Christmas at the Guinness Storehouse

There’s always something festiveish taking place during Christmas at the Guinness Storehouse.

2022 saw a multi-media art installation over seven floors, including a 16-metre projection Christmas tree in the Atrium.

In 2023, there’s an 8.5 metre tree with 1759 lights and a tunnel running beneath it. There’s also a ‘cinematic experience’ curated by artist Farouk Alao.

In 2024, the Guinness Storehouse offers a festive experience from November 22 to January 6, featuring a cinematic journey, interactive installations, and a striking 8.5-meter Christmas tree with 1759 lights.

Explore beyond Dublin during Christmas

Now you’ve an idea of what’s taking place in Dublin during Christmas, it’s time to explore beyond the capital:

• Christmas markets in Ireland
• The best day trips from Dublin