Things to Do in Dublin at Christmas

Go Ice Skating at On Ice at Dundrum Town

Ice skating is one way to make a Christmas outing feel like an occasion, particularly for families with children or groups of friends looking for something active to do together.

On Ice at Dundrum Town returns until 24 January 2027, with its outdoor rink on Main Street. Sessions last 45 minutes and begin on the hour. Skate hire is included in the ticket price, while child-friendly skate aids are available for younger visitors who are still finding their balance.

The rink runs throughout the festive period, including weekends and holidays, making it an option for an afternoon during the school break or an outing between Christmas and New Year. Advance booking is recommended, particularly if you have a specific time in mind.

Allow time before or after your session to warm up with a hot drink or a festive treat nearby. If you're visiting with children, booking the skating session first gives you a fixed point around which to plan the rest of the day.

Visit Santa's Grotto

A visit to Santa's Grotto remains a Christmas tradition for many families with younger children. At Dundrum Town, the 2026 Santa experience runs from 27 November to 24 December, with the grotto on level 2 opposite the customer service desk.

A Santa visit can be the main event of a short trip or part of a longer festive afternoon. You could combine it with browsing for Christmas presents, choosing matching jumpers or stopping for a treat afterwards.

Check the available sessions and booking arrangements before travelling. December appointments can be popular, and younger children may find a quieter time of day easier than a visit squeezed into a busy shopping trip.

See Pinocchio at the dlr Mill Theatre

For a Christmas outing that takes you beyond shopping and seasonal activities, the dlr Mill Theatre in Dundrum has a festive production of Pinocchio: Let the Magic Begin scheduled from 6 December 2026 to 3 January 2027.

The production also runs beyond Christmas Day, so it may suit families looking for something to do during the quieter days between Christmas and New Year.

Check the performance schedule when booking, as dates and times can vary. The theatre has announced relaxed performances for December, which may be worth considering for visitors who would benefit from a more accommodating performance environment.

Get Hot Chocolate at Butlers Chocolates Cafe

After skating in the winter air, a hot chocolate can be reason enough to pause before heading home. Butlers Chocolates Cafe at Dundrum Town offers hot chocolate alongside its chocolate-led menu, making it a natural stop after a session on the ice.

The cafe is worth considering for a shorter break between activities, particularly if you're visiting with children who need a rest after skating. If you're planning a longer afternoon, leave time for a drink before continuing with Christmas shopping or another activity around the centre.

Choose Macarons and Pâtisserie at Ladurée

Ladurée offers a different kind of festive treat, with its macarons, pastries and other pâtisserie. The French brand's colourful macarons can be shared over a coffee or chosen as a small gift for someone who enjoys sweet treats.

If you're meeting a friend for a catch-up during the Christmas shopping period, a pâtisserie stop provides a change of pace from browsing the shops. It can also be an occasion to pick up a box of macarons to take home, subject to the available selection.

Pick Up Doughnuts at Offbeat Donut Co

For something more casual, Offbeat Donut Co is the stop for doughnuts. Its menu gives groups the chance to choose different flavours to share, or to pick up a treat while moving between shops.

A doughnut stop suits a quick break during a busy shopping day. If you're visiting with children or friends, it can be an easy way to add a sweet treat to the itinerary without planning a sit-down stop.

Share Cookies from SOS Cookies

SOS Cookies is another option for a sweet break at Dundrum Town. Cookies are easy to take away, making them convenient if you want to keep moving or save a treat for later.

Consider picking up a selection to share at home, at the office or during a festive get-together. Check the current range in store if you're looking for particular flavours or seasonal varieties.

Make Time for Dessert at Smooch Dessert Bar

Smooch Dessert Bar provides another option for visitors who want more than a quick snack. It is worth considering when dessert is part of the plan, perhaps after a meal or as a dedicated stop during an afternoon out.

The distinction between the centre's sweet stops comes down to the kind of break you want. Butlers is the hot chocolate stop, Ladurée brings French pâtisserie, Offbeat Donut Co specialises in doughnuts and SOS Cookies offers cookies to take away. Smooch gives you another place to consider when you're in the mood for dessert.

Print Personalised Christmas Cards and Photos at Fujifilm Dundrum

Christmas cards and printed photographs can make a personal change from buying another present. Fujifilm Dundrum is the retailer to check if you're planning to print photographs or create personalised cards for family and friends.

Printed photographs can be used for cards, framed gifts or a small collection of memories from the year. If you have a specific project in mind, confirm the available printing services, formats and turnaround times before visiting. That is particularly important if you need everything ready before Christmas posting deadlines.

Find Matching Christmas Jumpers at M&S and Next

Matching Christmas jumpers are a familiar choice for family photographs, festive gatherings and Christmas Day outfits. M&S and Next are two places to check at Dundrum Town if you're looking for seasonal knitwear for adults and children.

Shopping for the group in one trip can help you compare colours, patterns and styles. If matching outfits are the goal, check the available sizes across the range before settling on a design, especially when buying for several family members.

Christmas clothing can sell through as December approaches, so an earlier visit gives you more time to find the sizes you need.

Make Christmas Decorations Together with Art & Hobby

Christmas decorations don't have to come straight from a shop. Art & Hobby stocks craft supplies that can be used to make decorations at home, giving families and friends a project to work on together.

You could plan an afternoon of making paper decorations, decorating ornaments or putting together handmade cards. The exact project will depend on the materials available, but the appeal is the activity itself as much as the finished result.

This is particularly worth considering during the school holidays, when a rainy afternoon can be a good time to get creative indoors. Decide on a project before shopping so you can pick up the materials you need in one visit.

Find Stocking Fillers at Lovisa, Rituals and L'Occitane

Small gifts can be the hardest part of Christmas shopping, particularly when you're buying for several people. Lovisa, Rituals and L'Occitane offer different directions for stocking fillers at Dundrum Town.

Lovisa is worth checking for jewellery and accessories. Rituals offers fragrance and body-care products, while L'Occitane is known for its skincare, hand creams and gift sets. The right choice depends on the recipient, from someone who enjoys accessories to a friend or family member who appreciates a scented or pampering gift.

If you're buying at the last minute, think about what the person will actually use before choosing. A small accessory, hand cream or travel-sized body-care product can be easier to personalise than a generic gift.

Browse Dundrum's Christmas Pop-Ups

Seasonal pop-ups can introduce smaller brands and gift ideas that aren't part of the centre's permanent retail mix. Dundrum Town will be offering The Head Plan, The Wine Opener and Glitz & Pieces as Christmas pop-ups to look out for over the festive season.

Trading in line with Dundrum Town’s centre trading hours in December, these are great additional places to browse and look for gifts beyond the usual high-street stores.

Check the centre's latest seasonal information before making a special journey for a particular pop-up.

Look Out for the Illuminated Christmas Trail at Cabinteely Park

An illuminated trail can turn a winter walk into a Christmas activity, particularly for families who want to spend time outdoors after dark. Cabinteely Park has featured in previous seasonal Christmas trail programmes, making it a location to watch for festive events in south Dublin.

The 2026 trail dates, opening times and access arrangements have not yet been confirmed in the information available for this guide. Check Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council's latest announcements before planning a visit.

If the trail returns, check whether advance booking is required and how long the route takes. Dress for winter conditions and allow extra time for travelling and parking, especially if you're visiting during a busy evening.

Walk Along Dún Laoghaire's East Pier

Dún Laoghaire offers a coastal change of scenery during the Christmas period. A walk around the harbour and along the East Pier can be an alternative to an afternoon spent indoors, with views across Dublin Bay and the familiar bandstand as a landmark along the route.

Christmas lighting around Dún Laoghaire has been part of the area's seasonal atmosphere in previous years, but the council has not yet formally announced the specific 2026 Christmas lights programme or any illumination arrangements for the East Pier bandstand.

If you're planning an evening visit specifically to see the lights, check for an announcement before setting out. The pier is exposed to the elements, so warm layers and suitable footwear are worth bringing, particularly on a cold or windy evening.

Watch or Join the Christmas Day Dip at the Forty Foot

The Forty Foot at Sandycove is one of Dublin's best-known sea-swimming locations, with a long-standing tradition of Christmas Day swimming. On 25 December, the idea of taking a dip appeals to some swimmers as a way to mark the day, while others prefer to watch from the shore.

Cold-water swimming carries real risks, particularly for anyone who is inexperienced or unprepared. Don't treat the Christmas Day dip as a casual first attempt at sea swimming. Check local conditions, understand the risks of cold-water immersion and follow current safety guidance. Anyone entering the water should be confident in their ability and avoid swimming alone.

If you would rather stay dry, you can still make a coastal walk part of your Christmas Day. Check access arrangements and local conditions before travelling, and remember that public transport and other services may operate on reduced holiday schedules.

See the New Year's Eve Fireworks at Dún Laoghaire Harbour

Christmas plans don't have to end on 25 December. The New Year's Festival Dublin programme returns from 30 December 2026 to 1 January 2027, with a fireworks display listed for Dún Laoghaire Harbour on New Year's Eve, 31 December.

The harbour provides a coastal setting for the event, with viewing areas around Dún Laoghaire and the surrounding waterfront. The exact arrangements, including the confirmed start time, viewing guidance and transport services, should be checked against the latest event information before travelling.

If you're planning to attend, think about your journey home as well as your arrival. New Year's Eve events can bring crowds and road restrictions, while public transport may operate a special timetable. Check Transport for Ireland and the event organisers for the latest travel information before setting off.

A Christmas outing in south Dublin can take several forms. On Ice, Santa's Grotto and the dlr Mill Theatre's production of Pinocchio provide bookable activities around Dundrum Town, while its cafes, dessert stops and retailers offer ways to build a festive afternoon around them.

For a change of pace, keep an eye on seasonal announcements for Cabinteely Park and Dún Laoghaire, or plan ahead for the Christmas Day swimming tradition at the Forty Foot. The New Year's Eve fireworks programme provides another reason to extend your plans into the final days of the year.

Before travelling, confirm opening hours, booking requirements and seasonal event details with the relevant organisers. A little planning will help you choose the activities that suit your group and make the most of the festive season.