What’s On December: Dublin Events, Festivals & Activities

It’s coming up to the most wonderful time of the year and everyone’s got the same question: what Dublin December events are taking place? To help you get into the festive spirit, we’ve compiled a list of the best things to do in Dublin in December. P.S. — make sure to book your tickets in advance to avoid disappointment!

Wonderlights

Location: Malahide, Co. Dublin
Tickets: Adult from €22pp| Children from €20.50pp
Dates: 1st December – 2nd January

Behold the magical spectacle of Wonderlights at the enchanting Malahide Castle. In a wonderful blend of light displays, projections, interactive pieces as well as festive, cheery music, this is an absolutely captivating activity for the whole family. A feast for all of your senses, there’s nothing like Wonderlights to get you feeling festive this Christmas season.

For tickets and further information: wonderlights.ie

Christmas Classics by Candlelight

Location: Howth, Co. Dublin
Tickets: €25
Dates: 8th December

Immerse yourself in a world of Christmas Classics led by the incredible pianist Frank McNamara as well as some very special guests. Taking place in St. Mary’s Church, become enraptured in the holiday spirit with your favourite Christmas songs in a sensational candlelit venue in Dublin’s beautiful seaside town of Howth. Whether you’re looking for festive family activities or a cosy date night, this is the perfect setting!

For tickets and further information: eventbrite.ie

Christmas Festival at Leopardstown Races

Location: Leopardstown, Dublin 18
Tickets: From €35pp
Dates: 26th to 29th December

The famous Leopardstown Races are back with their Christmas Festival in Leopardstown, Dublin 18 to carry you through party season. With National Hunt racing from the 26th to the 29th of December, the festival promises seasonal cheer with 7 Grade 1 races as well as some cracking entertainment including DJ Lance West and music from Body Funk, Pogueology and the Conor Mckeon Band. Get planning your post-Christmas days out now!

For tickets and further information: leopardstown.com

Christmas at Farmleigh

Location: Farmleigh House & Estate
Tickets: Free
Dates: 9th, 10th, 16th, 17th of December

Immerse yourself in a Winter Wonderland with Christmas Markets at Farmleigh House & Estate in Phoenix Park, Dublin 15. Their gorgeous craft markets with fabulous entertainment make for a fabulous family day out in Dublin over Christmas. There’s something for everyone with outdoor horse and carriage rides, live music, puppet shows, and children’s storytelling.

For tickets and further information: farmleigh.ie

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Live in Dublin

Location: Docklands, Dublin 2
Tickets: From €26.50
Dates: 5th December – 7th January

It doesn’t get more magical than a night out at the theatre and for Charlie and The Chocolate Factory, no less! The Classic stage show based on the book written by Roald Dahl is gracing the stage at Bord Gáis Energy Theatre in Dublin 2, across the festive period, making it the perfect show for families and friends alike to kindle that Christmas spirit.

For tickets and further information: bordgaisenergytheatre.ie

Gifted: Contemporary Craft Fair

Location: RDS, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4
Tickets: €12 Adults | €10 OAP (available from the box office at the fair) | Children under 16 free
Dates: 6th – 10th December

Get into the festive spirit with Gifted at the RDS in Dublin 4. Explore the stalls in this covered marketplace filled with trinkets, crafts, and delicious food. As Ireland’s biggest Draft & Design fair, sustainability, artisan food, and handmade creations are a focus. Get your tickets and find the perfect gifts for your loved ones.

For tickets and further information: giftedfair.ie

Movies @ the Stella

Location: Rathmines, Dublin 6
Tickets: Time/Age dependent
Dates: Multiple

Indulge in your favourite classic Christmas films (and some new ones!) across a range of dates over the festive period with The Stella in Rathmines. Choose between vintage films like Miracle on 34th Street, Wonka, Paddington, The Holiday, Love Actually, and many more suitable for family Christmas nights in Dublin as well as adult-only outings. This setting is a next-level cinema experience with a range of pricing based on your age, choice of matinee or evening show, and seat — comfy armchairs, a sumptuous sofa, or a cosy bed.

For tickets and further information: stellacinemas.ie/rathmines/

Christmas at the Castle

Location: Dublin Castle, Dublin 2
Tickets: Free, non-ticketed
Dates: 6th – 19th December 2023, from 12:00 – 21:00

Everyone’s favourite Christmas market is back this year with a bang at Dublin Castle in the city centre. Christmas at the Castle will feature its classic open-air markets, with sensational craft and food vendors including The Seaweed Skin Company as well as The Crepe Box and Mani Pizza. Grab yourself a cup of mulled wine and shop the gorgeous trinkets stall, immersing yourself in a festive wonderland.

For tickets and further information: dublincastle.ie

Sip & Sleigh: Crafting Christmas Cocktails

Location: Pearse Lyons Distillery
Tickets: €75
Dates: 1st – 20th December (while tickets last)

Enjoy a 90-minute festive cocktail crafting experience at Pearse Lyons Distillery in Dublin 8 which will no doubt get you in the Christmas spirit with your favourite Christmas spirits! With the help of a cocktail-making master, you will have the chance to make three cocktail creations paired with delicious bites, as you sit back, craft and learn.

For tickets and further information: pearselyonsdistillery.digitickets.ie/event-tickets/15527

Winter Wonderland with Emilie Conway Quartet

Location: Grafton Street, Dublin 2
Tickets: €19.74
Dates: 2nd December

There’s nothing like a bit of live music, especially around the festive season, which is why Bewley’s on Grafton Street is proud to host the Emily Conway Quartet. This Dublin-born vocal jazz artist promises a magical night of music in the cosiest setting in the city. With a medley of compositions, spoken word and poetry, as well as improv, this is certainly set to be a night of unique enchantment.

For tickets and further information: eventbrite.ie

Searching for News Years Events in Dublin? Stay tuned to our VenueSearch Instagram for a curated list of the best things to do in Dublin for New Years coming soon!