CHRISTMAS ON ICE
Christmas is coming and there's lots to do in Dublin with the Ice Rinks at the RDS, and Liffey Valley Shopping Centre being the ultimate destinations for Winter fun. Both corporate groups and families are welcome to come along and see the famous Skating Santa, impressive Game Zone, decks on ice, skate date, skate camp or while away the hours in the cosy café. Now in its fifth year at the RDS and its first year at Liffey Valley Shopping Centre, Christmas on Ice is a spectacular seven week ice-skating event managed by Synergy Project Management, which attracts some 250,000 visitors. With spellbinding covered ice rinks, festive fun, striking new venue design, entertainment and bars and cafes, there is something for everyone, from young families to schoolchildren, teens, young adults to work parties or general groups. When the festive season is over you can sign up for Skate Camp from 2nd to 6th Jan 2008, a five day skate camp catering for children aged 8 to 15 years. For more information www.7upchristmasonice.ie, booking line 0818717200.

CHRISTMAS FAIR IN GEORGE'S DOCK
The third annual '12 Days of Christmas' at Docklands takes place 12 December to 23 December from 12 mid-day to 7 pm each day Monday to Thursday and 10 am to 8 pm Friday to Sunday. This promises to be a magical festive experience for families and shoppers alike. This is traditional Christmas at its very best and you'll find all manner of stalls selling craft jewellery, wooden toys, beauty products and leatherware to a unique selection of home accessories including mirrors, lamps and art. Thirsty shoppers can stay warm with deliciously indulgent hot chocolate, beers or traditional German mulled wine. Those who feel peckish as they browse will enjoy the tempting arrays of continental pastries, minced pies and a mouth-watering selection of food stalls cooking up a variety of treats. Alongside George's Dock in the CHQ are a range of shops from Bunnies by the Bay to Meadows and Byrne. The 12 Trees of Christmas is a unique exhibition of beautifully decorated Christmas trees which will be on view from 5th to 15th December each day in the CHQ.

FESTIVE RACING
St Stephen's Day racing at Leopardstown has truly become part and parcel of the holiday season and The Durkan New Homes Novice Steeplechase to the value €100,000 is the feature event on a sevenrace card. General Admission starts at €15 and a Festival Ticket (reserved enclosure for 4 days) costs €95. Racing continues on 27 to 29 December. This year there's a special St. Stephen's Day package which allows you to enjoy superb racing and excellent hospitality in the comfort of the Pavilion. It includes mulled wine reception; main course of Irish Salmon/ Sirloin of Beef/ Supreme of Chicken served with Seasonal Vegetables and Potatoes; selection of desserts; half bottle of wine per person; afternoon tea; racing tipster to guide guests through the card, tote betting Facilities and CCTV coverage. Tables of 10 cost €150 per person. For more information phone telephone 289 3607.

NATIONAL CONCERT HALL
If you're looking for something to treat the whole family to why not see 'The Snowman' film with Craig Doyle narrating in the National Concert Hall on 16th December 2007 at 8 pm? The Concert will feature the animated movie on the big screen and will be accompanied by the National Concert Hall orchestra and will also feature some seasonal favourites and a selection of popular Christmas Songs. Another spectacular production of the much-loved family music 'Oliver' will take place from 27 to 30 December 2007 and 2 January 2008. This production, last seen here in Dublin in 2001, will once again star Tony Finnegan as the wily Fagin. For more information Tel: 4170000 or www.nch.ie

THE WREN BOYS
The annual Wren Boys Festival takes place again this year at Sandymount Green, Dublin 4 on St. Stephen's Day, with musicians celebrating the old tradition of Hunting the Wren. Amongst the music-makers who will be playing on the Gig Rig on the day from 12 noon will be The Swords Mummers, The Ned O'Shea Musicians/ Dancers, An Droelin and many others from far and wide playing bodhrans, bagpipes, tin whistles and even combs. In addition, the musicians from various cultural associations will take part in the festivities. Poetry reading will start the proceedings at 11am in Gus Ryan's Pub. The Lord Mayor of Dublin, Paddy Bourke will come along on St Stephen's Day, together with local politicians, to celebrate the festival. Each year, a charity is nominated to benefit from a collection made at the merrymaking on that morning. This year, the charity selected by the Wren Boys Committee is the Knights of Malta Hospital, Bethlehem. This year's Grand Marshall is Mick O'Brien, Father of the Wran is Bob Ryan, Chief Whip is Pat McEvoy, P.R.O. is Tom Ahern and leader of the Munster Brigade is Mick Lacey. For further information on the Wren Boys Festival, please contact: Pat McEvoy (087- 2340065) or Tom Ahern (087- 6344452 or 045 868751)

NEW YEAR'S DAY PARADE
The Lord Mayor's New Year's Day Parade starts on Parnell Street North and goes up O'Connell Street where all of the bands will stop and perform an Abba medley for the Lord Mayor outside the GPO. The bands will then continue up Westmoreland Street, onto Grafton Street and finish at St. Stephen's Green where they will all perform together before dispersing. Participating Bands include the Tallaght Youth Band, JMU from the US, The Dublin Fire Brigade Pipes and Drums and The Garda Band. For more information log onto www.newyearsday.ie