I really want to be enthusiastic about the new Dublin Loves Christmas event, but, like many Dubliners, I’m wary of any new festive attraction that pops up in the capital, as most fall short of the mark.
I’m especially cautious when there’s a “Bavarian market” tagged onto it as, more often than not, it’s there to draw a crowd while the likes of an ice rink and ferris wheel take centre stage…
That said, I’m going to stay optimistic. The RDS has the space, the history, and the setup to actually make this one work. Here’s what we know so far!
About the Dublin Loves Christmas market
As Dublin Loves Christmas has just been announced, information is pretty light to put it mildly. Here’s what we know so far:
1. Dates and location
Dublin Loves Christmas takes place at the Royal Dublin Society, Merrion Road, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4 (D04 AK83). It runs daily from November 15th to December 23rd, closing only on Mondays. Opening hours are 12pm – 9pm Sunday, Tuesday and Wednesday, and 12pm – 10pm Thursday to Saturday. Entry is free.
2. Attractions and rides
The RDS grounds will be filled with seasonal attractions, including a full-size undercover ice rink (€13 child / €18 adult), an Observation Wheel with views across Dublin, and thrill rides such as an 80-metre Drop Tower and 50-metre Starflyer. Younger visitors can enjoy gentler rides and family attractions.
3. The market and food area
A traditional-style Christmas market will showcase local crafts, food, and gifts, alongside Bavarian-style bars serving mulled wine and festive bites. While details on stall numbers haven’t been released, organisers say it’ll feature a mix of artisan traders and local producers.
4. Entertainment
At the centre of the event sits the Spiegeltent, which will host a programme of live acts and festive shows throughout the season (full line-up still to come).
5. Tickets and booking
Entry to the main event is free, but ice rink and Spiegeltent tickets should be booked in advance at dublinloveschristmas.ie. Dublin residents can use the code DUB10 for a 10% discount, with proof of address shown on-site.
My thoughts
Photos via The Hole in The Wall on FB
I want to stay positive about Dublin Loves Christmas – it’s great to see something new arriving to shake up the city’s festive scene.
That said, from what’s been announced so far, it does sound heavy on fairground rides, so right now it sounds a bit more like a festive version of Funderland than anything else.
Still, every new event deserves a chance to find its feet. Dublin is one of the few capital cities in Europe without a standout Christmas market, so if this manages to strike the right balance between fun and festive, it could be the start of something the city’s been missing for years.
Other markets in Dublin
Note: The Dublin Castle market is no longer taking place
There are a number of other Christmas Markets in Dublin scheduled for the 2025 season:
- The Dublin Castle Christmas Market
- The Swords Castle Christmas Market
- More here
Keith O’Hara has lived in Ireland for 35 years and has spent much of the last 13 creating what is now The Irish Road Trip guide. Over the years, the website has published thousands of meticulously researched Ireland travel guides, welcoming 40 million+ visitors along the way. In 2022, the Irish Road Trip team published the world’s largest collection of Irish Road Trip itineraries. Keith lives in Dublin with his dog Toby and finds writing in the 3rd person minus craic altogether.