This Christmas, spend some time getting wrapped up in the magic of the season with loved ones. Winter romance isn’t reserved for chance encounters on Alpine chalets, it can easily be discovered right on your doorstep with a little forward-planning. During the 2024 festive season there’s plenty of group activities you can enjoy with a partner (or family and friends) in Dublin. From strolls around charming Christmas markets taking place around the city to taking in the splendour of dazzling light displays, there’s no reason not to get out and enjoy the festive fun!
This time of year, nothing is more apt than bright lights to make the dark evenings shine. For a romantic weeknight evening for couples, take your partner to see some of the beautiful light displays around the city. The switching on of the Christmas lights has become an event in and of itself around the capital and since mid-November visitors and locals could enjoy the iconic lights adorning Grafton Street and O’Connell Street. But there’s no need to stop there! Some other festive displays include Smithfield Square, Millennium Bridge, Merrion Square Park as well as the Samuel Beckett and Seán O’Casey Bridges. If you want to take it to the next level, Dublin Zoo’s annual Wildlights display is also back with its new theme ‘A Journey Through Time’ for 2024
Christmas markets are a wonderful way to combine picking up some beautiful gifts with a Christmassy adventure. Dublin has its fair share of Christmas Markets this year with the Christmas Market at Dublin Castle running from 28 November to 18 December 2024 (with the indoor craft market running between the 6th – 8th December and 13th – 15th December). Set in the beautiful backdrop of Dublin Castle, the market promises to be a wonderful evening or weekend activity to enjoy hand in hand with someone special or in the company of family and friends. Similarly, the Smithfield Christmas Market is another option for a festive day out complete with Ireland’s first Ice Museum, an Ice Rink and rides on the ‘Big Wheel’ to take in Dublin’s winter skyline.
For a spectacular Christmas activity to remember, book a day out at the Guinness Storehouse. Each year the festive celebrations are taken up a notch and this year promises to be no exception. Featuring the spellbinding ‘Woven in Tradition’ art and textile installation celebrating the creativity within the Dublin 8 area, the home of Guinness is the perfect choice for an inspiring and seasonal day-out for couples or friends. As the seven floors reveal delightful art features as well as festive music from choirs and trad bands, spend a morning or afternoon getting swept up in the seasonal atmosphere.
Christmas is a time when creativity and craftsmanship come out in full force. Dublin has plenty to offer the craft conscious consumer and what better way to enjoy it than with someone to share in the magic? The Sustainable Christmas Craft Market at the National Botanic Gardens will take place on the 14th and 15th of December featuring local crafts and music from Christmas choirs and Christmas plant walks. Moreover, Gifted - The Contemporary Craft & Design Fair at the RDS also promises to be a wonderful day out full of unique gift ideas and artisan food producers.
At the Guinness Storehouse there are plenty of activities for couples and activities for groups such as offering many unique experiences for eating and drinking. Not forgetting the best beer tasting experiences for all to enjoy.