There are so many Christmas events planned for December... I just hope the weather is not too bad
I've divided them in sections so it's easy for you to find the one that you prefer:
Section 1 - LET'S GO TO SEE SANTA!
Section 2 - CHRISTMAS MARKETS
Section 3 - ICE SKATING
Section 4 - PANTOS
Section 5 - CHRISTMAS RUN
Section 6 - LAST BUT NOT LEAST (MISCELLANEOUS)
1-LET'S GO TO SEE SANTA!
If you/your kids want to see Santa and ask him for one last present before Christmas day, here are some places where to find him:
POWERSCOURT HOUSE & GARDENS (ENNISKERRY) - from 4th to 23rd December - you can also visit Rudolph, Dancer and Prancer in the Christmas Stable which has been set up there. Opening times vary depending on the date, so please check their website (link above) before making any plans....
NATIONAL BOTANIC GARDENS (GLASNEVIN) - on the 12th December at 13:30h - FREE visit to Santa. You will also be able to buy presents in the Christmas Market or listen to the storyteller. This sounds like a fantastic plan, doesn't it?
HAMLEYS @ DUNDRUM TOWN CENTER - from 7th Nov to 23rd December - here you won't only be able to see Santa, but also to have breakfast with him! everyday from 8:00 to 9:00 am. Of course you'll have to book in advance. Check the website (link above).
SANTA'S MAGICAL FOREST OF DREAMS (TALLAGHT) - from 26th Nov to 19th December - so many things to do and see here that you'd better visit their website and check by yourself!
THE DUBLIN SPCA - from 4th to 20th December - this is a special one, because of the venue ( the Dublin Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals). Space is limited, so if you're interested on this one, hurry up and book your place online now! (link above)
SANTA'S TOY FACTORY (FORT LUCAN) - from 4th to 23rd December - here you won't only be able to meet Santa, but also Mrs Claus and the elvs who are working hard to make all the toys and have them ready before Christmas day....
DUBLIN ZOO - from 4th to 24th December - breakfast with Santa! fantastic! and you can visit the zoo afterwards.... it couldn't get better :-). Last time I checked, tickets for some days were already sold out, so check in their website as soon as you can (link above).
THE CHOCOLATE WAREHOUSE - from 4th to 23rd December - no need to prebook this time!
GLENROE OPEN FARM - weekends from 20th Nov to 23rd December - you can visit Mr and Mrs Clause in their cottage and also the Nativity Stable with real live animals! great experience for the kids, isn't it?
BARRADRUM FARM - Fri, Sat and Sun from 10th to 19th December - I'd love to go for a walk through their Fairy-lit Forest (they have a lot more things to see and do during these days! check their web - link above).
RED MOUNTAIN OPEN FARM - weekends from 27th Nov to 19th Dec plus 21st and 22nd Dec) - You'll enjoy a day full of activities and lots of fun!
CAUSEY FARM - 4th, 5th, 10th, 11th, 12th, 17th, 18th, 19th, 21st and 22nd Dec - if you can make it to Navan, Co. Meath, I'm sure you'll love spending the day here and participating in all the activities that have been carefully prepared for the occasion.
2- CHRISTMAS MARKETS
THE DOCKLANDS CHRISTMAS MARKET - from 3rd to 23rd Dec @ George's Dock, IFSC, Docklands. I'm looking forward to having a glass of that delicious mulled wine sold there...
DUBLIN CRISTMAS MARKET @FITZWILLIAM SQUARE - from 3rd to 23rd December - new market. More than 70 market traders...I think this one is worth visiting!
CHRIST CHURCH CATHEDRAL - 4th, 11th and 18th December - The market will be located in the crypt and will open from 10am to 5 pm.
PEAS AND PODS CHRISTMAS MARKET - 22nd December - For sure I won't miss this one! It's new this year. I've checked their web and the stallholders are really interesting! (link above).
FARMLEIGH ESTATE (PHOENIX PARK) CHRISTMAS FOOD MARKET - weekends from 4th to 19th December - the Christmas 2010 programme at Farmleighs is impressive: Christmas market, storytelling, magic shows, carol singing.... to name just a few! Check dates and times on their web (link above).
BELVEDERE COLLEGE CHRISTMAS FAIR - 4th and 5th December.
There are some other markets which open all year round, including Christmas. I'm sure you can also find a nice present for friends/relatives in any of them. The main ones that I know of are the BLACKROCK MARKET, the TEMPLE BAR MARKETS, the RED STABLES MARKET @ St ANNE'S PARK and the MARLAY PARK MARKET
3 - ICE RINKS
7UP CHRISTMAS ON ICE @ ARNOTTS ROOFTOP - from 7th Nov to 23rd January - I already informed you about this ice rink in my last post: fantastic location, and you can skate till late in the evening!
7UP CHRISTMAS ON ICE @ RDS DUBLIN - from 3rd Dec to 9th January - most probably you've visited this ice rink in previous years, as it's becoming a tradition. If you haven't, don't miss it this year - you'll love it.
DUNDRUM ON ICE - from 6th Nov to January - new ice rink in town. You can even receive lessons on figure ice skating. If your child is 3 or older, you can take him/her and together spend a lovely time.
HOWTH IS MAGIC ON ICE - from 5th Dec to 11th January - check for details in their website (link above).
4 - CHRISTMAS PANTOS
As a relatively new expat in town (we've been living here for a little bit less than 4 years, but never spent Christmas in Dublin before), I did not know that pantos are a tradition at this time of the year. It's an opportunity to do something together as a family. We're planning to go and see one, but I don't know exactly what I'm going to find.... Cinderella panto starring Jedward?? sounds a bit strange, doesn't it?. Some of the most important pantos for this Christmas:
5 - CHRISTMAS RUN...FOR A GOOD CAUSE
5K OR 10K SANTA DASH on 12th December
5k BARNARDOS SANTA DASH on 12th December @ Marlay Park
AWARE'S CHRISTMAS 10K RUN on 11th December @ Phoenix Park
6 - LAST BUT NOT LEAST (MISCELLANEOUS)
Here are some varied proposals that I didn't want to miss in this post (as all of them are very attractive):
CHRISTMAS MUSICAL EVENTS @ NATIONAL CONCERT HALL if you like music and you like Christmas, attending one of the musical events in the National Concert Hall is a MUST. There is such a fantastic variety of shows for public of all ages...
FOSSETT'S CIRCUS @ SWORDS PAVILLIONS SHOPPING CENTER a good friend of mine (who's from Dublin) told me that going to the Fossett's Circus has become a Christmas tradition for many local families. I think we'll try this year
FARMLEIGH ESTATE CHRISTMAS PROGRAMME - already told you about Farmleigh in the Christmas Market section, but there is so much more in their Christmas programme that I thought it was worth reminding you about it. Check the link!
So, as you can see, I don't think anybody will get bored in Dublin during Christmas. And I've chosen just the events that I considered more attractive....
Please let me know, through your comments, of any other event that, according to you, should be in this list
Thanks and enjoy!
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