Today’s the 1st of December and it’s only 24 sleeps till Christmas!! Still can’t believe how time flies when you get older. When I was a kid a whole year felt like an eternity. Some of you will probably travel and spend Christmas far away from our lovely capital, however, for those that are staying at home, we’ve put together a list of 10 magical things to do in Dublin this Christmas, check them out below!
1. Love Actually Live Concert Tour With Full Orchestra
Who would say no to tickets to Love Actually in concert? I know I wouldn’t! The price is a bit steep but I’m sure there are loads of fans out there willing to pay that much to see this beloved romantic Christmas comedy in concert. It’s on next Friday, the 8th of December at Bord Gáis Energy Theatre, featuring full orchestra that will accompany the film screening. Christmas season is officially open 😉
2. Naughty or Nice at Lighthouse Cinema
Naughty or Nice Christmas Season at Lighthouse Cinema never disappoints. This year we will have a great choice of Christmas inspired films that will undeniably make everyone excited about the upcoming holidays. Come along with your friends and family and soak up some magical Christmas cheer. Choose either a classic, like Home Alone, White Christmas or go to Elf Fancy Dress Karaoke Party (with cocktails!).
3. Christmas Shopping at Brown Thomas
If you are caught up in the Christmas shopping frenzy you definitely need to check out Brown Thomas. It’s an unforgettable festive shopping experience, with a blend of ingeniously beautiful Christmas decorations, gift services and live Christmas music. Brown Thomas has a huge range of luxurious products so if you’re stuck and running out of ideas what gifts to buy, you might find your inspiration inside the store. You can even ask the omnipresent ‘Christmas concierge’ service located in the shop for help, they’ll be able to locate a perfect gift within seconds. You can also contact them via email at [email protected]! You’re welcome :). However, in case you prefer to do all your Christmas shopping online, check out christmasland.ie, they offer free nationwide delivery for all orders over €95!
4. Dún Laoghaire Christmas Market
Dún Laoghaire is probably one of my favourite places to hang out outside Dublin city centre. You can hop on Dart and escape the madness of the city, looking forward to some chillaxing time near the sea. If you’re in the mood for a journey down south, check out Dún Laoghaire Christmas Market. It’s open from the 18th of November till 23rd of December. It’s one of the best Christmas markets around Dublin, with festive treats, handcrafted gift stalls, yummy Christmas goodies and a funfair!
5. Winter Funderland
RDS in Ballsbridge will be buzzing this year, with iSkate-on-Ice, funderland thrill rides and a traditional Christmas market. It’s opening its doors from the 14th December till the 14th of January. iSkate-on-Ice boasts a 1000 Sq. metres outdoor ice-skating area and will delight anyone looking for some fun activities during Christmas. Take your mates and show off your skills on the rink! If you need a bit more of a thrill, check out a myriad of exhilarating rides in funderland. After some outdoor fun, head to the Christmas market village to try some delicious, traditional Christmas food.
6. Christmas Panto at the Olympia
Panto has always been a traditional part of Christmas season and now you can enjoy it in its full glory at the Olympia Theatre. The Applegreen Christmas Panto POLLY & THE BEANSTALK will feature Rory Cowan, Ryan Andrews, Dustin the Turkey and the rising X factor stars Sean and Conor Price. The show starts on Friday the 15th of December and runs till the 14th of January 2018. Grab your tickets at ticketmaster!
7. Dublin Christmas Flea Market
If you want to go somewhere more local, without venturing too far out, have a browse at Dublin Christmas Flea Market. Located at Point Square, Dublin 1, Christmas Flea Market is open on Thursdays & Fridays from 1 till 8 pm and Saturdays and Sundays from 11 am till 6 pm. With over 145 stalls filled with designers, craftspeople, collectors and artists, you are sure to find that unique gift for someone special.
8. Chamber Choir Ireland’s Dublin Christmas Event
In case you want to listen to some quality Christmas carols sang by a professional Choir, head to the Christ Church Cathedral on the 9th of December. The Chamber Choir Ireland will delight you with a selection of beautiful festive music, including ‘Christmas Story’ by Hugo Distler as well as contemporary carols by Irish composers, Rhona Clarke, Eoghan Desmond, Gerald Barry and Eric Sweeney.
9. Apres Village
That’s not all! Plenty more exciting things are happening during Christmas in Dublin. Discover Apres Village in chq building. Every year, they are putting up a festive event open to the whole family. Eager to try some mulled wine or browse through some beautifully crafted handmade gifts? Apres Village will surprise you with a selection of Christmas treats, Christmas show pop-ups, a virtual reality ski experience, inflatable snow globe and Christmas choir sing-a-longs.
10. Green Christmas Market
Another Christmas Market that should get on your list is Green Christmas Market located in the MART Gallery, Old Fire Station, Rathmines Road Lower. This Eco-friendly market features designs, crafts and jewellery from recycled material. Get inspired by this environmentally friendly alternative and check out some cool handmade and locally produced gifts.
If that’s not enough, you can always find fun things to do in dublin on yourdaysout.com, they have plenty of interesting ideas you could explore!
Merry Christmas !