Sandymount Green 11 December 5 pm
The Christmas tree lights would be switched on in the Green on Monday 11th December at 5pm with Santa in attendance and also the Girls Choir under the direction of Patricia Brie and Louise Burke.
Live Animal Crib 11-23 December
For the 11th year running, The Mansion House on Dawson Street will host a traditional nativity scene set with live animals in a specially constructed life-size stable. This event has become a beloved Christmas tradition amongst families and has collected over €110,000 for the Lord Mayor’s Charity Fund. Organized by the Irish Farmers Association and Dublin City Council, this wonderful event is free.
Smithfield on Ice 10 November-7 January
Dublin’s original open air Ice-Rink and a Victorian carnival returns to Smithfield for the fifth year running. Santa will be up the 170ft Smithfield chimney and everyone can get a chance to bump and slide on the ice! (Tel: 818946900/www.smithfeildonice.ie)
Santa’s Workshop– (every weekend in December)
This year for the first time Santa has moved his work from Lapland in the North Pole to Dublin’s City Hall!!!
Christmas Market (1-10 December)
Christmas market in Wolfe Tone Park with Christmas fare available from over 20 stalls.
12 Days of Christmas– Traditional Festive Market at George’s Dock (12-23 December)
Featuring over 40 traders selling Christmas decorations, seasonal food and craft gifts from decorated stalls, the market also offers the scent of mulled wine, a German-themed bar, carol-singing, and eating area and fairground attraction. Dublin Docklands Authority www.ddda.ie
The National Museum of Ireland– Saturday 16 December
Museum of Archaeology and History, Kildare Street, D2– children will be encouraged to make their own Christmas decorations and decorate a tree at this children’s art workshop (booking essential) (Tel: 0167774444 www.museum.ie)
Irish Museum or Modern Arts (IMMA) Royal Hospital Kilmainham, D8
A number of exciting exhibitions will be running for all the family to enjoy including Michael Craig-Martin (until 14 January), Hearth Concepts of Home from the IMMA Collections in collaboration with Focus Ireland (Until 1 April), Iran do Espirito Santo (Until 21 January) and all Hawaii Entrees (Until 18 Feburary) www.modernart.ie
Dublin City Gallery– The Hugh Lane, Parnell Square North, D1
Children’s Art Workshops: 12 Days of Christmas (Saturday 16 December)
And Little Christmas (Saturday 6 January) www.hughlane.ie
The Moving Crib, St Martin’s Church, 42 Parnell Square (1 December to 15 January)
Established in 1956 by Fr. Louis Coffey, the Moving Crib has now entertained generations of Dubliners. (Tel: 8745465)
Christmas Magic at the James Joyce Centre, 35 North Great George’s Street
The James Joyce Centre transforms into a Victorian wonderland. Two Christmas trees and sumptuous décor will blend with the smells of mince pies, roasted chestnuts, mulled wine and apple cider. Every guest will receive a mince pie and a glass of warm, spiced apple juice or mulled wine.
Temple Bar Christmas Market (14 to 17 December 10 am to 7 pm)
Christmas market in the Old City Temple Bar, Essex Street West– over 50 stallholders will take to the streets.
Christmas Movies on the Square
Every Thursday and Saturday in December movies will take place in Meeting House Square, Temple Bar and are free, no tickets required:
‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ (9th December 8pm), ‘Miracle on 34th Street’ (14th 6 pm), ‘The Santa Claus’ (16th 8pm), ‘Santa Clause the Movie’ (21st 6 pm) and ‘Scrooged’ (23rd 8 pm).
National Crafts and Design Fair 6 December to 10th December
Main Hall, RDS, Ballsbridge Opening times: Wed, Thurs and Fri 10 am to 10 pm, Saturday and Sunday 10 am to 7 pm. Entrance €10, OAPS €7.00 (www.nationalcraftsfair.ie)
Pictured above is Herod from the Moving Crib, Parnell Square.