Christmas in Dublin
Traditions old and new make Dublin a special place to spend Christmas. From carols and candlelight to food and festivities, discover how the city celebrates.
Tradition has it that Christmas in Dublin begins on December 8th. The Feast of the Immaculate Conception once marked the day when people would arrive from all over the country for Christmas shopping. These days, the decorations go up almost as soon as Halloween is over, and the tills are in full swing soon after. Other traditions continue, such as the Crib at the Mansion House, the Forty Foot Sea Swim, and the Black Santa appeal outside St Ann’s Church on Dawson Street, with school choirs and collections for charity. The name Black Santa comes from the dark overcoats, donned by the clergy for warmth on the chilly December streets. So what else is on offer?
Light and magic
Christmas coincides with the much earlier pagan festivals of light, marking the darkest time of the year. Winter Lights appear across the city, with illuminations on the façades of Dublin’s iconic buildings, as well as on bridges and in the parks, including at Merrion Hotel neighbours, Merrion Square.
At the Phoenix Park, Wild Lights at Dublin Zoo has become an annual favourite, and this time the theme is The Wild Kaleidoscope, looking at nature’s colours. Added this year, the Winter Glow Village, brings mulled wine and other festive flavours to your outing. Until the end of January, tickets from €26.
Wonderlights takes you on illuminated trails at Marlay Park and Malahide Castle. Discover projections, a light tunnel, and imaginary worlds in the woodlands until December 28th. Admission from €15.
Shopping and gifting
Just along Johnson’s Court from Grafton Street, Powerscourt Townhouse must be one of the world’s most beautiful places to shop. This former grand Georgian townhouse now includes boutiques, cafés and bars. Check out Article for quirky and brilliant homewares and gifts, while MoMuse is celebrated for Irish made jewellery with contemporary sparkle. Master Irish perfumers, Cloon Keen are there too with scents and candles inspired by the Irish land and legends. Looking for something a little older? Discover antiques on the gallery.
Christmas Markets and Fairs pop up around the City. Gifted at the RDS, with more than 400 makers in the Ballsbridge halls runs December 3rd to 7th, admission €12. At Smithfield Square, Twinkletown is sparkling from November 28th to January 4th, and includes an ice rink, market stalls and fairground rides, with general admission free. The National Gallery Shop is a trove of gifts for the tasteful friends in your life. Including art books, posters, cards, jewellery, notebooks, there is a focus on Irish made crafts, as well as thoughtful things for children.
The Merrion Pantry is your stop for traditional foodie favourites, including Christmas Puddings, brandy butter, cranberry sauce, and more treats from the Merrion chefs. Available from the Merrion Gift shop, located in the front lobby this December.
Carols and concerts
Dublin’s two cathedrals, Saint Patrick’s and Christ Church are in celebratory mode at this time of year. At Christ Church, Christmas kicks off on December 9th with a series of hour-long festive music sets, running at 6pm and 8.30pm until December 11th, tickets €32.50; while Saint Patrick’s, Christmas by Candlelight welcomes a cast of West End singers for Christmas hits on December 11th, from €35.
The National Concert Hall is a short stroll from The Merrion Hotel across St Stephen’s Green. Join them on December 14th for Candlelit Carols, including the Christmas Sequence from Handel’s Messiah, which premiered in Dublin more than 280 years ago. Tickets from €31.
Our near neighbours at the Pepper Canister Church, also known as St Stephen’s Church, host annual carol concerts in the intimate surroundings of this iconic spot. Make a Joyful Noise on December 17th includes new arrangements of favourite carols and gospel under the direction of Carmel Whelan, €18 at Eventbrite.
Eating and drinking, friends and festivities
With the success of House of Guinness on Netflix, there is more attention on Ireland’s legendary pint than ever, and Christmas at Guinness Storehouse opens all seven floors of the Dublin 8 space to a Christmas Experience from now until the end of December. Including art, music, pop ups, stalls and festive sips at the Gravity Bar. Admission from €22.
From Afternoon Tea to catching up with friends and family over dinner, recharging at The Merrion Hotel is a treat. From November 27th to January 4th, Festive Afternoon Tea includes Reindeer, Christmas Trees and Santas in chocolate mousse, pistachio and lemon cheesecake form, with carol singing in the Drawing Rooms each weekend throughout December. A Christmas Menu is in the Garden Room Restaurant through December, with a five course dinner served on December 25th. Discover it all here.
Theatre and Panto
A Christmas Carol at The Gate Theatre sees Charles Dickens’ classic story, adapted by Neil Bartlett and directed by Claire O’Reilly, at Dublin’s Gate Theatre from November 15th until January 18th. Starring Emmet Kirwan, Lloyd Hutchinson, Wren Dennehy and Síofra Ní Éilí, expect music, dancing and the true spirit of the season that’s in it. Tickets from €33.
Often described as his most perfect piece of writing, and one of the greatest short stories ever written The Dead concludes James Joyce’s celebrated Dubliners. Adapted and directed by Anu Theatre’s Louise Lowe, the story, set at a New Year’s dinner party comes to the Museum of Literature Ireland from November 21st to February 1st. It should be unmissable, €65.
The Gaiety Panto is part of Dublin’s festive lore. This year, Beauty and the Beast opens on November 23rd, running until January 4th, from €22.50. Ahead of that, whirl to Ballet Ireland’s Cinderella, also at The Gaiety from November 12th to 15th, with tickets from €16.50.
New Year 2026
Dublin rings the New Year in for a three day festival from December 30th to January 1st. With a music trail, concerts, dancing, parades and fireworks, many events are free, and you’ll find tickets and information are at New Year’s Festival Dublin. Stay at The Merrion with New Year’s Eve at The Merrion. Including dinner, champagne, and a Garden Wing Room for two – join us to welcome 2026, from €1,100 for two.
Guests of The Merrion Hotel can book tickets with the hotel Concierge, subject to availability and get further information about the dates of pop up Christmas Markets around town.