Christmas season in Ireland has its own charm. You don’t get any snow or crispy bright mornings, at least in Dublin, however, there are some things that might induce a proper mood.
Image credit: Instagram @LINORALIKA
Christmas tree
Traditionally, Irish people start decorating trees after December 7th. Christmas trees are not native - they are grown on farms. If you definitely decided on a real tree, look out for temporary road signs - they point in the direction of the tree market. If not, this website can trick you into buying one. We, for a change, make small decorations out of live branches and flowers.
Christmas Entertainment
Panto
A panto, short for pantomime, is meant to have family entertainment value - and it is one of many favourite Christmassy things for some families. Panto is a tradition in England and some other English-speaking countries. In Dublin, take a look at Gaiety Theatre, Helix or Tivoli, as well as many others.
Some years in Ireland, plus kids, and you might find yourself watching the Late Late Toy Show. The experience, apparently, is considered authentic Irish Christmas tradition. They’re saying you have to be Irish to appreciate it fully, and we’re taking it in a broader sense: does it mean that the opposite is true? Well, share your thoughts with us after you watch it with your Irish-born kids.
Christmas concerts
For music lovers, there is a wide range of options - from choirs to various bands and carol singers. Dubliners’ bonus: everybody knows about a possibility to meet famous Irish singers on Grafton street on the 24th (read: Bono and friends)!
Christmas music
Recently we came across Christmas FM radio, which broadcasts on 105.2 FM.
Visiting Santa
Santas come to shopping centres, playcentres, malls, farms, castles and some offices (inquire with your employer). In fact, you can visit so many Santas, that your child might start wondering how they all fit in the North Pole!
Christmas Post
At the same time, an invisible An Post Santa writes back to your child/spouse/pet! Just make sure they give him enough time to respond by writing to him early.
Christmas shopping
Real discounts don’t usually start until the beginning of the next year; however, every shopping centre puts up its own decorations, from Polar bears, penguins, sleighs, Elves Post Office to Santa Claus in his photo-ready cabin!
Christmas Markets are organised anywhere where you previously found weekly, daily, any other event themed markets. Additionally, the National Crafts and Design Fair is held yearly at the beginning of December at RDS, and Dublin Christmas Flea Market comes to the Point Village just after. The CHQ Building, Custom House Quay, Dublin 1, is also turned into Christmas market.
Snow joys
Yes, there’s no snow in Dublin, nevertheless, you can book a couple of indoor snowboarding lessons and visit an indoor ice-skating rink!
Christmas Races
These events are said to be big, fancy and fashionable to the point of being called Racing Festivals. Ladies, if you find yourself in the mood for an experience of this kind, and you accidentally found in your wardrobe that strange fascinator you unknowingly bought being invited to an Irish wedding (some say you’re not supposed to wear a headpiece if you’re not a relative)- that is the proper occasion to wear it!
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