Visit the Book of Kells and Old Library and experience the history like never before
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Experience a Memorable Christmas in Dublin, Steeped in History and Culture
Christmas in Dublin is a season of understated magic. Bustling streets glimmer under elaborate holiday lights, historic streets are decorated with festive charm, and the city’s rich heritage comes alive. At the heart of it all, Trinity College Dublin stands as a beacon of centuries-old scholarship and architectural beauty. For visitors seeking a memorable experience, Christmas in Dublin offers a sophisticated blend of festive spirit, heritage, and elegance.
Christmas Shopping in Dublin – Artisan Markets and Irish Craft
For those who love to combine Christmas shopping with Irish craft and unique gifts, Dublin offers some fine choices.
Boland’s Mills: Bizarre Bazaar, A Festive Market of Wonder
Saturday 29 – Sunday 30 November
The recently reopened Boland’s Mills is a historic complex of 19th-century industrial flour mills that has been transformed into Dublin’s newest meeting place. They promise artisan traders and exciting events year round, however their Christmas offering looks particularly interesting.
The Bizarre Bazaar, A Festive Market of Wonder runs from Saturday 29 – Sunday 30 November. It promises a playful winter wonderland, where “vintage charm meets quirky imagination”. They invite visitors to “experience a weekend of handmade treasures, joyful entertainment, and curious imagination, all wrapped in the sparkle of seasonal magic”.
Perfect for visitors seeking unique, meaningful gifts, and an elegant alternative to tourist-oriented markets.
Smithfield Christmas Market
November 28 – January 4
For a more traditional take on the Christmas market try the European style Christmas market at Smithfield. Twinkletown (Nov 28–Jan 4) promises delicious artisan food and drinks and a curated selection of crafts for sale.
After a mulled wine, you might decide to take a whirl on the Big Wheel to enjoy the view or don a pair of skates to glide across the ice rink.
Farmleigh House Christmas Market
December 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, 21
Looking for something refined in a fabulous festive setting? This December Farmleigh House in the Phoenix Park enters the Christmas spirit for three sparkling weekends of festive fun.
Enjoy horse and carriage rides, carol singing in the Ballroom, barbershop carol singers, a festive food and craft market, stunning grounds, Victorian dress-up, and a beautiful crib and Christmas tree.
Meet the Makers: A Christmas Shopping Morning of Irish Design and Creativity
December 4, 10am – 12pm
If you are keen to support local artists and buy one-of-a-kind gifts, set your calendar for Meet the Makers: A Christmas Shopping Morning of Irish Design & Creativity. This event, hosted at the historic Collins Barracks, highlights Ireland’s finest contemporary designers and their creations. This event is for adults only.
Christmas Strolls, Food and Drink
Dublin‘s main shopping streets and their environs are alive with people, festive decor and buzz during the holiday season. Take a stroll down Grafton Street to savour the wonderful street lights. The lights on Grafton Street say ‘Nollaig Shona Duit’ which means ‘have a lovely Christmas’ in Irish.
While you are there don’t miss the creative splendor in the windows of Brown Thomas. Explore side streets with sparkling shop windows and enticing smells and aromas coming from coffee shops and restaurants.
Pop into a cafe to savour mince pies, a slice of brandy laden Christmas pudding, or a delightfully crunchy iced gingerbread man. The flavours of Christmas in Dublin cannot be matched!
Then consider retiring to one of Dublin’s many classic pubs and raising a glass to your health. ‘Slainte’ as we say.
No visit to Dublin would be complete without exploring Trinity College Dublin’s historic campus. The Trinity Trails Guided Walking Tour provides an intimate view of the university’s 47-acre grounds, revealing over 400 years of heritage — from serene gardens to stories of Ireland’s greatest thinkers and writers.
Your journey culminates at the Book of Kells Experience, where you can admire the celebrated 9th-century manuscript and wander the Long Room of the Old Library, one of the world’s most photographed and awe-inspiring library spaces.
Trinity College Dublin was recently recognised as Europe’s Leading Academic Tourist Attraction at the World Travel Awards 2025, solidifying its status as a must-visit destination during Christmas in Dublin.
Be sure to check out our Winter in Dublin Bundle; combine the Trinity Trails Guided Walking Tour and the Book of Kells Experience for a full immersive visit, with a saving of €7.50 on the combined ticket. Book your tickets today.
“Winter is a magical time to visit Trinity College Dublin,” says Anne-Marie Diffley, Visitor Services Manager. “We’re delighted to offer visitors the chance to experience the stories of our historic campus, the beauty of the Book of Kells, and the wonder of our new digital exhibition in one seamless experience. It’s the perfect way to enjoy Dublin during the festive season.”
More Seasonal Events During Christmas in Dublin
For visitors seeking cultural experiences during Christmas in Dublin, the city offers:
- National Concert Hall: Enjoy Christmas-themed concerts with orchestral performances in an elegant setting. (nch.ie)
- Love Actually Live with the RTE Orchestra, Saturday 20th December 2025: Experience this festive cinematic favorite accompanied by live orchestral music at the Convention Centre Dublin. (theccd.ie)
