With the whole family to keep occupied at Christmas finding things to do over the holiday period can be stressful. Luckily Dublin has some great events on offer this year and we’ve picked out some of the highlights. For more events nationwide check out our listings section.


Winter Funderland at the RDS
With Ireland’s largest outdoor skating rink, fairground rides and a Christmas market for the adults, there is plenty to keep the family entertained at the RDS. Open from Dec 15th until January 15th, book online to make sure you get the day you want.

Ice skating in Blanchardstown
Beside the town centre, this 800sqm rink also has a separate kiddie rink with penguin skating aides on hand for those who need a little help. There are viewing areas and lockers available. Prices and times vary so be sure to check the website before your visit.

Christmas World at CityWest
There’s plenty to keep the family occupied at the CityWest Convention Centre with a Santa experience for children, a fun fair and ice skating. If you plan on visiting Santa, there’s a whole Santa Town with various Christmas characters for the kids to meet. Each activity is priced separately, open until January 8th. More information.

Meet Father Christmas at Hamleys in Dundrum
Book your child in to meet Santa at Hamleys, each session lasts 45minutes and includes meeting Santa, writing their Christmas wishlist and taking home a special gift bag. With a maximum of 14 children per booking there’s plenty of time to speak with the man himself. The experience is suitable for ages 2-8 years and is open every weekend. Priced €19.99 per child, check out the website.

Santa’s Grotto at Dublin Zoo
Open every weekend until Christmas Eve, Santa and his elves will be in the grotto to meet the children visiting the zoo. Each child gets to take home a gift and a photo key ring to remember their day and there is the whole zoo to explore afterwards as well! Priced €8/€9. More information.


The Enchanted Forest and Santa’s Grotto Experience at Luggwoods
With stunning views of Dublin, the Santa Express will take you and your family up to Santa’s Grotto, you might even get to meet the Grinch as well. Available on various dates throughout December, book your slot via the website. Priced €18.50 for children, €13.50 for adults with family packages available.

Christmas Family Activity Trails at the National Museum of Ireland
With a variety of free trails to choose from, see if you can find the festive objects throughout the museum. Open throughout December, from 10am-5pm.

Robin Hood and his Merry Men at the Gaiety Theatre
The Gaiety’s Christmas Panto runs until Januray 22nd and is packed with singing and dancing – guaranteed to please the whole family. A Christmas tradition for many, extra dates have been added due to demand. Tickets from €17.00.

The Snow Queen at Smock Alley
This new adaption of the fairytale classic uses puppetry and song in this action packed tale based on good vs evil. Catch it before it ends on December 23rd. Suitable for ages 7+ and priced €15/€18. Family packages also available.

Aladdin at The Helix
Running until January 22nd this magical pantomime will keep the kids entertained throughout. With several dates already sold out it’s proving to be very popular. Tickets from €19.50

A Christmas Carol at The Ark
This adaptation of Dickens’ classic lasts 45minutes and has been a sell out in previous years. Using two actors and a wide array of props this is the ultimate show for ages 7+. There are various performances for schools and the public, tickets from €9.

Jack and the Beanstalk at The Mill Theatre, Dundrum
Running until the end of December, this Christmas panto is filled with laughs for the whole family as it’s suitable for anyone aged 3+. Priced €12 for children, €15 for adults. Check out the website for the full list of times.

Christmas Market at CHQ
Please all ages with this indoor Christmas market that runs until December 23rd. Browse the stalls, eat some Christmas treats and let the kids post their letters to Santa.

Moana (PG)
Disney’s latest animated adventure follows Hawaiian princess Moana as she goes on a quest to save her family an evil witch. This Christmas’ must-see movie for families, catch it in cinemas nationwide.