Christmas just isn’t the same without ice-skating so get your skates on and head down to Smithfield for ‘Dublin On Ice’, which takes place at Smithfield from 20th November 2009-10th January 2010. Dublin on Ice will also feature kiddies rides and a large ferris wheel. This year there will also be ice rinks at the Nutgrove Shopping Centre in Rathfarnham, the Beacon Court in Sandyford and the Citywest.

The Festival of Light

This event is the official launch of the Christmas season in Dublin. It will take place on the 22nd November at 4.30pm on O’Connell Street, right in the heart of the city. It’s a free event and there’s plenty of entertainment for the all the family, with live music, street performances, carol singing and lots more! The lights will be switched on at 6pm by the Lord Mayor along with a special guest.

Family Day 8th December

Christmas is a magical time of the year for children, so why not take your little ones to Dublin city centre for Family Day on the 8th of December. The day starts with the opening of the live animal crib at the Mansion House. Then from 12 noon on South King Street there will be lots of entertainment and fun with a ‘bucking reindeer’, face painting, balloon making, clowns and lots more. Grafton Street shops will have signs displaying “Family Day” where you can pick up some special offers. At the end of the day, head to Georges Dock where there will be a special surprise waiting for everyone!

12 Days of Christmas at the Dublin Docklands

This popular Christmas event is now in its 5th year and has become one of the highlights of the festive season in Dublin city. This year it runs from the 12th of December to the 23rd of December from 12 noon to 8pm each day. On Saturdays and Sundays the festival will begin at 10am. This festival features over 100 markets and stalls in a wonderful waterside village setting on George’s Dock in the IFSC area. It’s a great place to browse the stalls while sipping some mulled wine and soaking up the Christmas atmosphere.

Concerts in Dublin

Handel’s Messiah is traditionally associated with Christmas all over the world. This Christmas, it will take place in the wonderful setting of St.Patrick’s Cathedral. There will only be two performances, one on the 2nd of December and the other on the 3rd December. All proceeds will go to the Cancer Support Centre. The Concert of Christmas Carols will take place in Malahide Castle on the 10th of December. The concert is performed by the Dublin Airport Singers and will begin in the main hall with a mulled wine reception.

Pantomimes

Pantomimes are always a highlight of the festive calendar in Dublin. This year there’s plenty to choose from. Little Red Riding Hood runs from the 14th-19th December and the Snow Queen runs from the 27th December- 8th January, both at the Civic Theatre in Tallaght. Robin Hood plays at the Olympia Theatre from 18th December to 15th January. Cinderella runs from the 2nd December to the 17th January at The Helix in Glasnevin, while the Jack and the Beanstalk production can be seen at the Gaiety Theatre from the 29th November to 31st January.

Funderland

For a fun and exciting day out head to RDS for Funderland. It runs from the 26th of December to the 10th of January and is said to be the largest travelling fun park in Europe! It’s open from 12 noon to 10pm daily and this year it introduces some new exhilarating rides!