December Guide: 19 events happening around Ireland this month
Christmas markets, festive supper clubs and spectacular light installations are among the best events happening throughout December.
Gifted
3-7 December, RDS, Dublin
Gifted is the country’s largest celebration of craft, design, and artisan food, showcasing over 400 talented makers and producers. With thousands of original gift ideas, it’s the ultimate destination for anyone seeking handmade, heartfelt presents this festive season. There is a special 10% discount on all purchases made at Gifted on the first day of the fair, Wednesday, December 3.
Curated by Design at The K Club
5-22 December, Straffan, Kildare
This beautifully curated pop-up boutique is brimming with glistening trinkets, golden treasures, fine clothing, and luxurious accessories from some of Ireland’s most desired designers. You’ll find brands like Paul Costelloe (Runaway Collection); Helen McAlinden; The Linen Shirt Company; Roisin Linnane; Ted 1942; Carol Kennelly Millinery and FAO Millinery; Loulerie; and Moon + Mellow.
The Irish Pop-Up Collective
7 & 14 December, Royal Marine Hotel, Dublin
The Irish Pop Up Collective is back, bigger, brighter, and bursting with festive spirit! Discover fresh line-ups of local makers, unique handcrafted gifts and seasonal treats. It’s the perfect way to find something special while supporting local Irish talent. Don’t Kill My Vibe, Fierce Mild, Cleo Prickett, and Pearl Reddington are among the brands and designers showcasing their wears.
Fairy Tree
10-12 December, The Blue Teapot, Galway
Fairy Tree is a humorous, charming theatre show that incorporates puppetry, original music and song, especially created for children aged six years and over, and is suitable for all audiences. It’s mid-winter, the land is covered in snow and ice. The fairies are so cold they are freezing to the trees. Two young girls notice them and ask the community to take the fairies into their houses to warm up. Not everyone is pleased about the idea but they agree, as long as the fairies do not overstay their welcome. But will the fairies stick to the agreement?
JANDO + Friends Christmas Market
12-14 December, JANDO Studio, The Chocolate Factory, Dublin
A weekend celebrating the very best of Irish creativity, craftsmanship, and conscious gifting, this market is not to be missed. Enjoy a glass of mulled wine and festive tunes from our DJ as you browse a curated collection of 30 incredible Irish makers and brands, from sustainable jewellery, fashion and skincare to prints, stationery, and seasonal treats, all under one roof.
NATIVE x Mark & Sadie
13 & 21 December, Ballydehob, West Cork
Fancy a festive feast with Mark Jennings? NATIVE are hosting two special events—a festive dinner and a Solstice long lunch—that feature a thoughtfully curated multi-course menu of the land with fine wines.
Merchy Christmas
13 & 14 December, The Grand Social, Dublin
The only Christmas market dedicated to supporting independent artists through merch sales is back for another year! Come see over 50 of your favourite local acts and support them by buying a T-shirt or vinyl, all while enjoying some amazing live performances. Pillow Queens, Soda Blonde, Gilla Band and Cruel Sister are among those there across the two days.
The Cork Opera House Christmas Concert
15 & 16 December, Cork Opera House
The annual Cork Opera House Christmas Concert returns this December, featuring some of the season’s most beloved classics accompanied by the Cork Opera House Concert Orchestra, under the baton of conductor John O’Brien. This magical event promises to be a highlight of the holiday season, bringing together families and friends to celebrate the joyous spirit of Christmas. The concert will showcase a delightful mix of traditional carols, contemporary holiday hits, and timeless orchestral pieces that will warm your heart and lift your spirits.
Adrian O’Carroll: Twice Awake
Until 19 December, Oonagh Young Gallery, Liberty Corner, Dublin
Adrian O’Carroll is a highly regarded figure in the art world; he is an avid personal collector and currently sits as Chair of National Gallery of Ireland. He is also a very talented photographer, now Dublin-based but originally from Southwest Donegal. His exhibition, Twice Awake, is currently showing at Oonagh Young Gallery in Dublin. His chosen domain, landscape photography, transcends the picturesque. It is explored as a dualistic realm: a sanctuary for reflection and, simultaneously, a mirror of the unpredictable and the unsettling. O’Carroll draws his gaze across the geological spectrum, featuring the ancient, deep-time solidity of Wicklow alongside the raw, geologically nascent volatility of Iceland. Yet, his inquiry deliberately shuns the quest for mere beauty or serenity. Instead, O Carroll’s work is an excavation of the unresolved. A must-see.
Taylors Santa Experience 2025
Until 24 December, Three Rock Hotel, Dublin
Get ready for an exciting festive spectacular as Santa dashes around the world on a magical adventure to make it back to the North Pole just in time for the biggest holiday event of the year — Santa’s Got Talent! Join Mrs. Claus and the Elves as they perform festive favourites and global hits in a fun-filled show bursting with music, magic, and Christmas cheer. Will Santa make it in time to hit the golden buzzer and kick off the season in style?
Wonderlights
Select dates throughout December, Malahide Castle & Marlay Park, Dublin and Fota House, Cork
Wonderlights transforms its host venues into dazzling landscapes with spectacular lighting displays and immersive projections. Each year brings new, innovative themes that tell a magical story through the use of beautiful lights, colours, nature, and specially composed music and sounds.
Dublin Winter Lights
Select dates throughout December, locations across Dublin
Iconic Dublin buildings, bridges and landmarks will be epically transformed with incredible light installations and projections designed by world-class national and international artists. Experience dazzling displays at Merrion Square Park and the GPO, and enjoy fantastic new light experiences at Dublin Castle, Wolfe Tone Square, along the River Liffey and Meeting House Square.
Elf Town
Select dates throughout December, Galway Racecourse and RDS Ring Hall, Dublin
All families receive a map on arrival to guide you through all of the different areas of Elf Town. Children will each be given an Elf Town passport, Elf Hat and a name badge. All grown-ups can enjoy a complimentary mince pie. This year, you have an option to receive an Elf Town branded gift pack with an official invite from Santa to Elf Town addressed to the children, and a map of Elf Town. Santa will also include a personalised postcard for each child thanking them for coming to Elf Town. This will come by post from Santa himself before your booking date. All families receive a private visit with Santa where Santa knows a secret about each child.
Seasonal Supper Club at Killruddery
29 December, The Grain Store, Killruddery Yard, Wicklow
Savour a thoughtfully crafted four-course set menu, inspired by the vibrant bounty of winter from their farm and gardens. Led by Head Chef Niall O’Sullivan, each dish captures the freshness and vitality of the season, offering a true farm-to-table experience. Set in the charming warmth of the 19th Century Grain Store, complete with the crackle of a log fire, creating the perfect tone for an unforgettable evening.
Dublin Gothic
Until 31 January, Abbey Theatre, Dublin
Full of wit and warmth, Dublin Gothic celebrates the glory and the grime of Dublin. In this spectacular production, more than a hundred unforgettable characters will dance through time as they make their way through life in the 20th century. The play features 19 actors, 158 characters, 4 different eras as the epic of everyday plays out on stage.
Wild Lights at Dublin Zoo
Until January 31, Dublin Zoo
Wild Lights returns to Dublin Zoo, and the theme this year is The Wild Kaleidoscope. Explore 13 vibrant zones celebrating the power of colour in the wild, from elegant flamingos and shimmering peacocks to playful penguins and enchanting red pandas.
Santa’s House Express
Until December 23, Palmerstown House Estate
Santa’s House Express returns to Palmerstown House Estate for 2025, and this year, the family can meet Santa’s elves, sing with the reindeer and enjoy a magical train ride to Santa’s Manor. Meanwhile, there’s also festive treats on hand with Mrs Claus, a personal chat with Santa himself and a cuddly present for every child.
Moulin Rouge! The Musical
November 20 – January 11, Bord Gáis Theatre
The winner of 10 Tony awards, including Best Musical, Best Director and Best Choreography, Baz Luhrmann’s revolutionary film comes to life onstage, remixed in a new musical mash-up extravaganza.
Lapland at Luggwoods
Until December 23, Luggwoods
Climb aboard the all-new Luggwoods Express train and meander through the misty mountain trails which bring you deep into the heart of the forest, where the new Santa Claus Village awaits. Overlooking the twinkling lights of Dublin city, this woodland village is a festive haven where families can share magic, meet Santa and make memories to last a lifetime.
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