December is a month to indulge in all things festive and fun – to get stuck into seasonal crafts and stoke up that Christmas spirit, to attend plays and pantos and pick up gifts at craft fairs. But with so much on around the country, it can be hard to know where to start. Here’s our guide to some of the best things to get you in the festive mood across Ireland in December.
Beauty and the Beast panto
The Gaiety Theatre, November 23rd-January 4th
It’s hard to believe that the Gaiety Theatre is celebrating more than 150 years of pantomime. Oh, yes it is, and this year’s panto is the classic fairytale Beauty and the Beast. Settle in for a fun, family-friendly performance with a cast that includes Gaiety Panto Dame Joe Conlan as Nana Potts, Nicholas Grennell as Papa, Ciara Lyons as Belle, David Whelan as Beast, and David Glynn-Crowley as Gaston. Tickets from €25.30. gaietytheatre.ie
Dublin Gothic
The Abbey Theatre, November 21st-January 31st
For an alternative to the traditional panto, try the play Dublin Gothic, which runs throughout December and into January at the Abbey Theatre. This is the world premiere run of Barbara Bergin’s play, directed by Caroline Byrne, which is described as a “wild, exuberant ride through our capital’s 20th century”. Billed as a loser’s history of the city and its people, Dublin Gothic follows three generations of residents in one Dublin 1 house across an entire century. Tickets €15-€55. abbeytheatre.ie
Elf Town
Galway Racecourse from November 21st; RDS, Dublin, from November 15th
For 10 years, Elf Town has been entertaining families in Ireland. This year, its Christmas experience starts when a Golden Ticket arrives in the post from Santa. On their visit, children are taken on a Christmas journey which begins with a meeting with Santa’s head elf, Glitterpants, before heading off to visit Jack Frost’s home, post letters to Santa and decorate a Christmas cookie with Mrs Claus – and that’s just for starters. The experience ends with a meeting with the big man himself, and children will be surprised at how much Santa knows about them. elftowngalway.ie
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The Cork Opera House Christmas Concert
December 15th-16th
The annual Cork Opera House Christmas Concert injects festive cheer into the city by the Lee, thanks to the Cork Opera House Concert Orchestra under the baton of conductor John O’Brien. Expect all the seasonal classics families love – a mix of traditional carols, contemporary holiday hits, and timeless orchestral pieces. Make it even more special by donning your most glamorous festive attire. Tickets €33-€40. corkoperahouse.ie
Christmas by Candlelight
University Concert Hall Limerick, December 2nd
There are few things more special than a candlelit performance. To kick off the December celebrations, a cast of West End singers and a live band will perform favourite Christmas hits by candlelight at University Concert Hall Limerick. So tune up for a singalong to classics such as White Christmas, Santa Baby, O Holy Night and many more. Tickets €40/€35. uch.ie
Candlelit Carols
National Concert Hall, Dublin, December 14th
Speaking of candlelit performances, head to the National Concert Hall in Dublin on December 14th for a beautiful celebration of Christmas carols. Dublin Concert Orchestra and the Dublin Concert Voices choir will be led by conductor Michael Bawtree as they perform carols from Bach, Handel and more. There will be multiple performances that day, with tickets ranging from €31-€50. nch.ie
Wonderlights
Malahide Castle and Gardens, Marlay Park and Fota House Arboretum and Gardens, from November 6th, 14th, 21st
With three locations for 2025, people across Ireland can check out the return of the magical light show Wonderlights. The event is in its sixth year, and this time promises an all-new show including stunning trails of light, together with sound and story. The experience is suitable for all ages and all trails are fully accessible. As well as the shows, there will be food and drink villages offering seasonal and festive treats. A magical visit for all the family. wonderlights.ie
Just Cook It Christmas
Ballymaloe Cookery School, December 16th
Want to impress friends and family with a newfound ability to cook delicious seasonal food? Up your cooking game by attending Ballymaloe Cookery School’s half-day Just Cook It Christmas class, which is priced at €235. This will give a taste of what the school offers and help to give you greater confidence in cooking a variety of seasonal dishes. You’ll learn about Christmas-themed bread, starters, salads, dressings, mains and puddings, and essential kitchen techniques. This will be a relaxed and hands-on class, running from 9.30am-2pm. ballymaloecookeryschool.ie
Christmas Decoration Course
Wicklow Willow, December 6th
There’s something particularly delightful about making your own Christmas crafts, and being able to tell visitors “I made this.” Wicklow Willow’s Christmas Decoration Course (11am-1.30pm) sees teacher Aoife showing participants how to make a reindeer, a star and a mini-Christmas tree. It’s suitable for groups or individuals; hot drinks and treats included. wicklowwillow.ie
Christmas Handmade Edible Gifts Workshop
Airfield Estate, December 3rd and 4th
There are Christmas gifts … and then there are Christmas gifts you can eat. If you’re one of those people who always plans on making edible gifts, but never actually gets around to it, this workshop at Airfield Estate, led by experienced chef Lisa Davies, could be just what you’re looking for. From 6.30pm-9pm, participants will learn how to make seasonal spiced chutney and almond-and-ginger Florentines. Some supplies for sustainable seasonal gift wrapping will be provided. Plus, you can sip on a non-alcoholic festive spiced drink as you learn. Delightful.
The Killaloe/Ballina Christmas Day Swim
December 25th
For some hardy people, Christmas Day isn’t Christmas Day without a dip in Ireland’s frigid sea. For 37 years, locals have been gathering for the Killaloe/Ballina Christmas Day Swim. This much-loved tradition sees the committee and volunteers gathering to host a fun day for those brave enough to dip into the December waters. What makes it even more special is the event raises money for local causes.
Luxury Winter Wreath Making Workshops
The Flowersmith Studio, Cork, November 29th and December 5th, 6th, 13th and 28th
If you love the look of a Christmas wreath for your front door and want to learn the skills to make one yourself, head to The Flowersmith Studio in Cork. Its workshops (priced at €115) teach you how to make your own foam-free, luxury winter wreath. These workshops take place under the studio’s pergola – so, outdoors – but where there will be delicious baked treats, mugs of hot chocolate topped with marshmallows, winter playlists and even hot water bottles if you need one. theflowersmithstudio.ie
Monaghan Christmas Street Food Festival
December 6th
Foodies rejoice: the Monaghan Christmas Street Food Festival returns this year for a Saturday filled with tasty street food, artisan crafts, live music, carol singers, communal dining and more. Watch as Monaghan town transforms into a Christmas wonderland, from Church Square to The Diamond. One to get you in the festive spirit while you pick up some presents for under the tree.
