Dublin Christmas events 2026: lights tours, a choir, a walking tour and free markets

What is on in Dublin this Christmas

Dublin's Christmas programme runs from early November to the end of December, and there is something for most budgets. This page picks out six events that we checked on official listings on 11 November 2026, with their dates, venues and prices as stated there.

The mix is deliberate. You will find a free community event, a free craft fair, two ways to see the lights from a bus, a choir in a cathedral and a walking tour about Irish Christmas traditions. Some suit a date, some suit a group of friends, and some are just a good reason to leave the house on a dark evening.

Prices and times can change, and some events sell out, so use the link on each card to confirm before you go.

The six events at a glance

Source: dublin.ie and Visit Dublin listings, read on 11 November 2026. Check each listing for updates, times and availability.

Official listings with booking and details

• TwinkleTown Smithfield, Dublin

  Free entry, all ages welcome. dublin.ie listing

  Official site
• Dublin Winter Lights Tour O'Connell Street, Dublin

  Bus tour of the city lights, booked via the Visit Dublin listing

  Official site
• Christmas Twinkling Lights Trip St Stephen's Green, Dublin

  Evening tour, up to four a night, about 70 to 80 minutes

  Official site
• Christmas with the Choir of Christ Church Cathedral Christ Church Cathedral, Dublin

  Festive music by the cathedral choir

  Official site
• Ireland's Christmas Traditions Walking Tour Temple Bar, Dublin

  Two-hour walking tour on 8 and 9 December

  Official site
• Richmond Barracks Winter Fair Richmond Barracks, Dublin

  Christmas craft fair, free admission

  Official site

Which one suits who

For a first meeting with someone new, the free events are the easy yes. TwinkleTown is free, open to all ages and runs for six weeks, so there is time to pick a day that suits you both. A free event costs nothing to leave, which takes the pressure off.

For a date with a bit of occasion, look at the choir or the lights tours. The cathedral choir on 10 December is a one-night event, so book early. The two lights tours let you see the city lit up without the cold, and you can sit side by side and talk.

For a group of friends or a social meetup, the walking tour is a good fit. Two hours of stories about Irish Christmas traditions gives everyone something to talk about afterwards, and it ends in Temple Bar where there are plenty of places to carry on.

If you want to browse and wander, the Richmond Barracks Winter Fair on the last weekend of November is free and relaxed, with craft stalls to look around together.

How to go with someone new

1. Pick an event from the table and open its official listing to check the time and tickets.
2. Message the person you are meeting with the event name, the time and a clear meeting point.
3. Arrive a few minutes early and share your location with a friend if you are meeting someone for the first time.
4. Plan a hot drink afterwards so the evening has a natural second half.

Cafes in Dublin for a warm-up afterwards

Place names come from map data contributors. Opening times and quality vary, so check before you go.

Keep going

• Meet new people in Dublin
• Belfast Christmas Market and lights switch-on 2026
• Events near you