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Blanchardstown
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Looking for the best Christmas events in Dublin this year? Here’s your quick, useful guide to what’s on, including Dublin Zoo Wild Lights, Emerald Park’s Christmas events, RDS Christmas Market, and the bonus festive experiences locals actually rate.

Dublin Zoo Wild Lights (A Must-See Every Year)

If you’re only doing one paid Christmas event in Dublin, make it Wild Lights in Dublin Zoo.
It’s the biggest annual festive light trail in Ireland and sells out early for a reason. Book early. Weeknights are quieter and easier to access, it’s just a 20 minute drive from the Crowne Plaza Blanchardstown to Phoenix Park.

What to expect:

  • Giant themed lantern installations
  • A fully lit zoo route that’s easy for families
  • Hot drinks, festive food, and photo spots
  • Runs November to January

It’s impressive, reliable, and works for any age. Perfect for couples, families, and visitors.

If getting into the Phoenix Park isn’t your vibe, check out the Wonderlights at Malahide Castle for an equally dazzling experience. It’s a short trip from our Dublin Airport Hotel.

Emerald Park Christmas Experience

Emerald Park turns into a full winter festival with rides, lights, and an immersive Santa experience.

Event highlights:

  • Christmas light displays across the park
  • Rides open late (weather permitting)
  • Festive food stalls
  • Santa’s House and interactive activities for kids

If you’re looking for a lively day out rather than a slow stroll, this is the best option. Families love it because it’s structured, spacious, and feels like a “big day trip.”

Christmas Market at the RDS (Indoor & Massive)

If you like Christmas markets but not December weather, the RDS market is ideal. There is an Ice Rink, indoor craft fair market, vintage carousel, hot chocolates and much more!

Dublin Loves Christmas is free to enter, but some experiences need to be booked or paid for on site, such as the ferris wheel .

Expect:

  • Live performances depending on the day
  • Dozens of Irish craft stalls
  • Local food producers
  • Mulled wine bars
  • Gift shopping that isn’t the usual commercial stuff

This one is mainly indoors, which instantly makes it one of Dublin’s most reliable Christmas options.

Dublin Winter Lights

Dublin’s most famous Christmas walk, the winter lights brings you to 25 different locations. No ticket, no queues, just a bright evening stroll with bars, buskers and shops lit top to bottom.

The famous locations include Grafton Street, Dublin Castle, City Hall, Temple Bar, Custom House, and the Samuel Beckett Bridge.

Of the 25 attractions, 24 are unticketed. The Merrion Square Park lights are ticketed, but the price for 1 adult and 2 kids is just €2.

Best time to go: Just after sunset on a weekday.

Ice Skating in Dublin (Various Rinks)

There are tonnes of seasonal ice rinks that pop up across Dublin every year. They’re usually open from late November and suit groups, couples, and families.

Blanchardstown Ice Rink is now open, and it’s a short 800m walk from the front door of the hotel.

Christmas Markets at Swords Castle

A great outdoor option, craft market stalls , festive displays, boutique stores, and easy gift shopping. Swords Castle is perfect quick-stop activity on the way to the shopping centre!

They run over 2 weekends, so be sure to check out their website to ensure you don’t miss out!

Cosy Dublin Pubs for Winter Evenings

If you want warmth, atmosphere, and a festive pint, you’ll want to check out places like Kehoe’s, Grogan’s, The Long Hall, or The Stag’s Head. They are all central. All reliable. No need to overthink it.

After a day of trundling around Christmas Markets, shopping for gifts or just as an excuse to grab a pint of plain, these pubs won’t let you down.

The Wrap Up

If you’re staying in the Crowne Plaza, then be sure to take our advice and visit some of these incredible activities. You should book big events early (Wild Lights & Emerald Park sell out first)

Choose weekday evenings for fewer crowds, it sounds simple, and it is. The weekends will have more attendees. Use public transport for city events, parking fills fast, both the Crowne Plaza hotels are well served by busses.

Have one indoor backup plan (weather is hit or miss), you’re coming to Dublin in Winter, it will be chilly but it doesn’t always rain here!

For markets, go early to avoid shoulder-to-shoulder browsing, nobody likes feeling like a sardine!

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