Discover Dublin in December and experience the city at its most charming. This guide brings you through festive streets, Christmas markets, cozy pubs, and the standout winter attractions that make the season so inviting. Keep reading to plan the perfect December trip and make every moment count.
December is one of the best times to visit Dublin. The city lights up with Christmas displays, festive markets, and seasonal events, yet remains far less crowded than in summer. It’s easier to find affordable hotels, secure cheap tours and tickets for major attractions without long lines, and plan indoor activities when the weather turns.
Planning early helps, especially for holiday travel, so begin by checking flights to Dublin for winter fares. If you prefer a pre-arranged experience, you can explore travel packages to Dublin, which often combine hotels, flights, and activities at a good value.
In the sections ahead, you’ll find everything you need to plan a smooth, enjoyable December trip to Dublin, from weather and markets to events, tips, and the best things to do this season.
Dublin in December: Key Takeaways
- Expect classic Irish winter weather. Temperatures stay around 36 to 46 F (2 to 8 C) with plenty of drizzle and short daylight hours. It is damp, chilly, and sometimes windy, but the city’s holiday lights and pub glow keep things cheerful.
- Crowds are lighter until Christmas week. Early December offers lower hotel prices, easier restaurant bookings, and shorter lines at major attractions.
- Christmas markets fill the city. Confirmed highlights include TwinkleTown at Smithfield, Gifted at the RDS, the Swords Castle Market, The Fumbally Market, and Dublin Loves Christmas.
- Festive events run all month. Dublin Winter Lights, Wild Lights at the Zoo, concerts in the cathedrals, and the Guinness Storehouse Christmas experience all shape the season.
- Indoor attractions are ideal in winter. The Book of Kells, the Guinness Storehouse, the National Museum, and Dublin’s smaller museums offer weatherproof options for cold or wet days.
- Grafton Street is the heart of December in Dublin. Lights, music, decorated windows, and constant foot traffic make it the most atmospheric street in the city at this time of year.
- Smart packing matters. Bring a waterproof coat, warm layers, gloves, a hat, and shoes with traction. Slippery cobblestones make flimsy fashion boots a bad idea.
- Public transport works well but follows holiday schedules. The Leap Visitor Card and DoDublin Freedom Card are practical choices. Expect reduced service between December 24 and January 1.
- Choose your base based on your style. Stay near Grafton Street for convenience, Smithfield or Stoneybatter for a quieter local feel, Temple Bar for nightlife, or Ballsbridge and St. Stephen’s Green for a calmer and more elegant setting.
- Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve require reservations. Restaurants and pubs fill up fast, and many businesses close on Christmas Day. Make bookings early to avoid surprises.
Weather in Dublin in December
December brings a steady, cool winter chill to Dublin, along with plenty of moisture in the air. Temperatures generally fall between 36 F to 46 F (2 C to 8 C), with most days sitting somewhere in the middle. Frost can appear on clear mornings, but snow is uncommon. The damp air and regular breezes, especially near the coast and the River Liffey, often make it feel slightly colder than the numbers suggest.
Rain is a constant feature of the month. Expect light showers, drizzle, or mist on many days, adding up to roughly 20 to 25 wet days in total. Downpours do happen, but gentle, lingering rain is far more typical. Because of the humidity, the cold tends to feel soft and penetrating rather than sharp.
Daylight is limited in December. The sun rises around 8:00 and sets close to 16:00, leaving only about eight hours of light. Even so, the city doesn’t feel dark or bleak. Dublin’s Christmas lights, decorated shopfronts, and glowing pub windows brighten up early evenings and give the city a warm, festive character.
For the most up-to-date weather information, visit the local Met Éireann weather website.
9 Best Things to Do in Dublin in December
If you’re still planning what to do in Dublin in December, you’ll find plenty of solid options. Most attractions stay open, the city adds seasonal events, and many activities work well even when the weather is cold or wet. December also brings lighter crowds at major sights, making it a good time to explore without long lines or packed rooms.
9. Visit the National Museum of Ireland
The National Museum of Ireland is an ideal December activity thanks to its fully indoor galleries and free entry. You can explore Viking artifacts, medieval treasures, and archaeological finds without worrying about the weather.
Its central location makes it easy to combine with nearby cafés, shops, or additional sightseeing stops. You can also get there easily with the Dublin Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour.
8. Explore the James Joyce Centre or Join a Literary Walk
The James Joyce Centre offers an easy way to dip into Dublin’s literary world, especially in December when indoor attractions feel inviting. The exhibits walk you through Joyce’s life, his writing process, and the Dublin locations that shaped his work. It’s small enough to explore in under an hour but detailed enough to give you a real sense of the city’s literary heritage.
If you’re up for being outdoors, short literary walks are still enjoyable in December since most of the routes stay within central areas. These walks take you past landmarks mentioned in classic Irish literature and through streets where writers like Joyce, Wilde, and Beckett spent their time. It’s a relaxed way to see the city from a different angle without needing to commit to a long tour.
For a fun, more theatrical take on Dublin’s literary scene, you can join the Dublin Literary Pub Crawl, which mixes storytelling, performance, and visits to historic pubs.
7. Visit the Little Museum of Dublin
The Little Museum of Dublin is an easy and enjoyable stop on cold or rainy days. Its short, engaging tours offer a quick look at the city’s more recent stories, and the intimate setting makes the visit feel personal and relaxed.
Its location beside St. Stephen’s Green also makes it simple to pair with nearby shopping streets or a café break. If you want to explore with a guide, you can join the Little Museum of Dublin guided tour.
6. Warm Up With Dublin’s December Food and Drink Experiences
December in Dublin is a great time to explore the city through its food and drink experiences. Cold weather makes warm meals, seasonal dishes, and hot drinks especially inviting, and the city’s compact layout makes it easy to hop between cafés, pubs, and casual dining spots.
Food and whiskey tours also work well this time of year, since the routes are short and most stops are indoors, letting you sample local flavours without spending too long in the cold. If you want a more immersive experience, the traditional Irish food walking tour of Dublin pairs classic dishes with local insights as you visit a selection of restaurants with a knowledgeable guide.
5. Attend a Concert or Service at St. Patrick’s Cathedral or Christ Church Cathedral
Both St. Patrick’s Cathedral and Christ Church Cathedral offer atmospheric Christmas experiences in December, with choir performances, organ music, and candlelit carols filling their historic interiors. You can check the December events on St. Patrick’s Cathedral’s official website and book tickets as needed. Christ Church also hosts its "Christmas at Christ Church 2025" concert series, with tickets available separately.
Outside performance times, both cathedrals remain open for regular visits, giving you time to appreciate the architecture, stained glass, and peaceful ambience away from the winter weather. If you’d like to explore them more in depth, you can join a St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Book of Kells, and Dublin Castle tour or visit Christ Church with a Christ Church Cathedral entrance ticket and self-guided tour.
4. Explore Temple Bar and Dublin’s Pubs
Temple Bar is one of the liveliest places to be in December, with street musicians, festive lights, and a constant buzz that makes the neighbourhood feel especially atmospheric in winter. It’s a great spot to experience Dublin’s pub culture, warm up with a drink, and enjoy traditional music without needing to plan ahead.
Most pubs welcome walk-ins, so it’s an easy, low-commitment activity that fits naturally between other sightseeing stops. If you want a deeper look at the area and its landmarks, you can join a Dublin walking tour or experience the city’s nightlife with a Dublin pub crawl.
3. Tour the Guinness Storehouse
The Guinness Storehouse is a dependable indoor activity and one of the top things to do in Dublin in December. The entire tour is inside, and December usually comes with added festive décor and occasional seasonal performances.
The final stop at the Gravity Bar gives you clear winter views of the city. Buying a Guinness Storehouse entry ticket in advance saves money and time.
2. Visit Trinity College and See the Book of Kells
Trinity College is much quieter in December, which makes visiting the Book of Kells Experience more enjoyable. You can move through the displays without the usual peak-season crowding, and the Old Library’s Long Room is easier to appreciate when it’s not packed.
Booking tickets online is the simplest way to secure your preferred entry time, and you can also join an early-access Book of Kells and Dublin Castle tour if you prefer a guided experience with fewer crowds.
1. Walk and Shop Along Grafton Street
If there’s one place that defines Dublin in December, it’s Grafton Street. The entire stretch turns into a festive corridor of lights, music, and holiday energy, making it the most atmospheric spot in the city this time of year.
Street performers set the tone from morning to night, shop windows go all-in on Christmas displays, and the overall buzz makes even a simple stroll feel like an event. If you prefer an indoor option, the nearby Powerscourt Townhouse Centre offers boutique shops inside a historic building.
If you’d like a guided experience, you can join a private walking tour in Dublin, which includes a stop along Grafton Street and lets you soak in the lively atmosphere with a local leading the way.
Christmas in Dublin
Christmas in Dublin feels warm and community-focused, with lit streets, live music, and people gathering in pubs and public spaces throughout the city.
By mid-November, the main streets like Grafton Street, O'Connell Street, and Temple Bar are covered in lights. The city's old Georgian squares also light up, making evening walks especially pleasant. Street musicians play Christmas songs, and choirs sing outside the big cathedrals.
Dublin has special Christmas traditions that locals love. On Christmas Eve, well-known Irish musicians perform for free on Grafton Street to raise money for charity. On Christmas morning, hundreds of people jump into the freezing cold sea at Forty Foot beach in Sandycove. It's become a popular way to start Christmas Day.
Throughout December, Irish pubs are busy gathering spots where people meet up, enjoy fires, and listen to live music.
Dublin's Christmas Markets 2025
Dublin’s Christmas markets typically run from late November to early January, offering a mix of European-style stalls, Irish crafts, and local food. Markets pop up across the city in different sizes and formats, with some featuring rides and entertainment and others focusing on handmade goods and local makers.
For 2025, this list highlights the markets with confirmed dates. However, the Dublin Castle Christmas Market, normally one of the city’s main attractions, is not running in 2025.
TwinkleTown at Smithfield Square
Photo from TwinkleTown Dublin Facebook page.
TwinkleTown is one of the city’s largest seasonal events, running from late November to early January in Smithfield Square. The setup includes an ice rink, ferris wheel, vintage rides, a family-friendly pantomime, and the Twinkle Tavern serving seasonal drinks.
Market stalls sell food, drinks, and gifts, and the Spiegeltent hosts live shows throughout the season. Entry is free, although rides and skating require tickets. The event is open daily from 11:00 to 21:00 and functions as a major family-friendly attraction in the city center.
Gifted Craft and Design Fair at the RDS
Photo from Gifted - The Contemporary Craft & Design Fair Facebook page.
The Gifted Craft and Design Fair takes place at the RDS in Ballsbridge from December 3 to 7, 2025. It is Ireland’s largest showcase of craft, design, and artisan food, with more than 400 makers and producers. The fair features handmade jewelry, gourmet foods, sustainable gifts, and vintage items.
Tickets are required for entry. Opening hours are 10:00 to 21:00 from Wednesday to Friday and 10:00 to 18:00 on Saturday and Sunday. A 10% discount applies to all purchases on Wednesday, making it a strong option for early shoppers.
Swords Castle Christmas Market
Photo from Swords Castle Christmas Market website.
The Swords Castle Christmas Market takes place over two weekends: November 28 (late afternoon to evening), November 29 and 30, and December 6 and 7. The market features more than 50 stalls, family activities including a Santa’s Grotto on weekend dates, and free entry, making it a relaxed, family-friendly choice for a short trip outside the city.
The Fumbally Christmas Market
Photo from The Fumbally Instagram page.
The Fumbally Christmas Market runs from Friday, December 5 to Sunday, December 7 and transforms the entire building into a lively indoor market filled with independent makers, food producers, artists, and small local traders.
If you want a market with a genuine community feel, this one leans fully into supporting local businesses with great food from the kitchen, mulled wine, mince pies, and a charity raffle happening throughout the weekend. Everything is indoors across two floors, making it an easy and cozy stop during December’s colder weather.
You can visit any time from 10:00, and entry is free. The event is held at The Fumbally Stables on Fumbally Lane in the Liberties.
Dublin Loves Christmas at the RDS
Photo from Dublin Loves Christmas at RDS Facebook page.
Dublin Loves Christmas runs at the RDS in Ballsbridge from November 15 to December 23, 2025, making it the city’s longest-running Christmas event of the season. Entry is free.
The site features a full ice rink, Observation Wheel, thrill rides, and a market area with local traders, food stalls, and Bavarian-style vendors. Attractions are individually priced.
The Observation Wheel provides city views, and the mix of Irish and German-style stalls makes this one of the broadest market offerings in Dublin.
Christmas Events and Light Shows in Dublin
Dublin hosts several major festive events and light displays throughout December. These range from large outdoor light installations to ticketed attractions at well-known venues. Many of the popular events sell out quickly, especially on weekends, so advance booking is recommended.
Dublin Winter Lights
Dublin Winter Lights operates from late November through December and features illuminated buildings, bridges, and public spaces across the city. Projections and light installations appear at multiple locations, including well-known landmarks.
Most of the displays are free to view, although some specific installations may require low-cost tickets. The event is easy to explore on an evening walk through the city center.
Wild Lights at Dublin Zoo
Wild Lights is one of Dublin’s most popular seasonal attractions. It runs from early November into late January and features a themed light trail with large illuminated figures and soundscapes throughout the zoo grounds.
The walk takes about an hour, and all visitors must book in advance, as weekend evenings often sell out. The route is outdoors, so warm clothing is essential.
Guinness Storehouse Christmas Experience
The Guinness Storehouse celebrates the season with "My Goodness! It’s Christmas," a festive program woven into its whole 7-floor visitor experience. Holiday décor, music, and themed displays add a seasonal twist as you move through the building, with live performances and immersive rooms enhancing the atmosphere.
The visit also includes access to the Gravity Bar, where you can enjoy winter views over the city. Tickets are booked online and include entry to all seven floors.
New Year’s Eve in Dublin
New Year’s Eve in Dublin is centered around the New Year’s Festival, which transforms the area around Dublin Castle into a lively hub of music, lights, street performances, and festive crowds. The atmosphere builds steadily through the evening, with people gathering early to soak in the energy and move between outdoor stages.
The festival’s headline event is the "Dublin Castle Countdown Concert," a major ticketed show featuring well-known Irish musicians and DJs. Nearby streets host additional live acts, illuminated displays, and family-friendly entertainment, creating a citywide celebration that leads smoothly into the midnight countdown.
If you prefer something more low-key, coastal spots like Dun Laoghaire Harbour and Howth Harbour host midnight fireworks. These waterfront gatherings offer a calmer setting with open sea views, smaller crowds, and a scenic way to welcome the new year.
Visiting Dublin in December
Visiting Dublin in December requires preparation for wet weather and planning for accommodation and dining. The city is walkable and well-connected by public transport, making it easy to navigate even in winter. Costs and crowds vary depending on when you visit, with early December offering better value than the busy Christmas week.
What To Pack for Dublin in December
Pack layers, including sweaters, long sleeves, and thermal undergarments for moving between indoor and outdoor spaces. A waterproof winter coat is essential, along with gloves, a hat, and a scarf.
Bring an umbrella if you like, though a hooded coat often works better in the wind. Warm waterproof shoes with good grip are crucial for walking on Dublin’s cobblestone streets when they are wet. Avoid fashion boots without traction, as you’ll be doing a lot of walking.
Getting Around Dublin in December
Dublin’s city center is compact and walkable, covering major areas like Grafton Street, Temple Bar, and Trinity College within a short distance. When the weather or distance makes walking less appealing, public transit is a reliable option.
The Leap Visitor Card offers unlimited travel on buses, Luas trams, and suburban trains, which is helpful if you expect to make several trips in a day. You can buy the Leap Visitor Card online, at the airport, in select city shops, or from official ticket agents around Dublin.
If you want something that also includes a hop-on, hop-off tour, you can look into the DoDublin Freedom Card, which combines sightseeing with regular transport. Public transit runs on holiday schedules over Christmas and New Year’s, so be sure to check timetables in advance.
Where To Stay in Dublin in December
If you’re figuring out where to stay in Dublin, the city center and the areas around Grafton Street are the most convenient choices. You’ll be close to Christmas lights, shops, and major festive events, and you can reach most attractions on foot. Just expect busier streets during December.
Smithfield and Stoneybatter offer a quieter alternative with a more local feel, plus plenty of cafés and easy transport links into the center. Temple Bar suits travelers who want to be in the middle of Dublin’s nightlife, though it can be loud, especially on weekends.
For a calmer base, Ballsbridge and the St. Stephen’s Green area are among the best places to stay in Dublin during the holidays. These neighborhoods offer elegant hotels near parks, museums, and major venues, with reliable bus and tram connections to the city center.
Costs, Crowds, and Booking Advice for Dublin in December
Early December offers lower accommodation prices, shorter queues at attractions, and a festive atmosphere that’s already in full swing. This is the ideal time to visit if you want the Christmas markets and events without peak-season pricing.
During the week around Christmas, accommodation prices rise significantly and availability becomes limited, so book hotels in Dublin several months in advance if you plan to travel then. Many museums and major attractions close on December 25 and operate reduced hours on December 26, so check opening hours carefully.
Restaurants, especially popular ones in the city center, require reservations well in advance for Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve dinners. Some establishments close entirely on Christmas Day, while others offer special holiday menus at premium prices. Most pubs close on Christmas Day, and many operate limited hours over the holiday period.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Dublin worth visiting in December?
Yes, Dublin in December offers Christmas lights, seasonal events, holiday markets, cultural performances, and a lively atmosphere across the city. Early December is quieter and more affordable, while Christmas week is busier with peak festivities.
What are the best things to do in Dublin in December?
The top things to do in Dublin in December include exploring Dublin Winter Lights, visiting Christmas markets, touring the Guinness Storehouse, attending Wild Lights at Dublin Zoo, ice skating at seasonal rinks, and walking through Grafton Street, Temple Bar, and St. Stephen’s Green for holiday displays.
Does it snow in Dublin in December?
Snow is uncommon in Dublin in December. Expect rain, wind, and occasional frost rather than regular snowfall.
What is the temperature like in Dublin in December?
Temperatures generally fall between 36 F to 46 F (2 C to 8 C). Conditions are cold and damp, so warm layers and waterproof clothing are recommended.
When do Christmas lights turn on in Dublin?
The city’s main lighting displays, including Dublin Winter Lights, typically switch on from mid-November and continue through December.
Are restaurants open during the holidays in Dublin?
Most restaurants stay open throughout December but require reservations for Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve. Many close on Christmas Day, and some have limited hours on December 26.
What should I wear in Dublin in December?
Wear warm layers, a waterproof coat, gloves, a hat, and waterproof shoes with good traction. Cobblestones become slippery when wet.
Can I visit the Guinness Storehouse in December?
Yes, it remains open throughout December except on Christmas Day and often features seasonal programming. Booking in advance is recommended.
Are day trips from Dublin practical in December?
Yes. Shorter daylight hours, however, mean early starts are best. Popular winter-friendly day trips include Howth, Malahide Castle, Kilkenny, and Glendalough.
Is Dublin safe to walk at night in December?
Central areas stay active into the evening, especially around holiday attractions. Normal city precautions apply. Public transport or taxis are recommended for longer nighttime travel.
Does public transport run normally during Christmas in Dublin?
Services operate on holiday schedules from December 24 to January 1. Some routes run at reduced frequency, so check timetables in advance.
Experience the Magic of December in Dublin
December in Dublin offers a mix of holiday lights, seasonal events, winter traditions, and a welcoming atmosphere that makes the city rewarding to visit in the off-season. From Christmas markets to pub gatherings, the city stays active from early December through the holidays. It’s a great time to explore local neighbourhoods, enjoy cultural events, and take advantage of smaller crowds before the peak Christmas week.
If you're planning your trip, check out the best times to visit Dublin to see how December compares with other seasons. You can also browse the top things to do in Dublin for ideas that go beyond holiday events. For structured planning, explore the top itineraries in Dublin, which make it easy to build a December schedule around markets, lights, museums, and food.
If you have not chosen a base yet, the top places to stay in Dublin will help you compare neighborhoods during the festive season. For fully arranged options, look into travel packages to Dublin, which often include winter rates and seasonal activities.
December brings a different rhythm to the Irish capital, and visiting during this period lets you experience the city at its most atmospheric. It’s a memorable time to enjoy Ireland in December, especially for travelers who appreciate culture, lights, and a lively winter city without the crowds of peak summer.
