Top 5 Family-Friendly Things To Do In Dublin this Christmas Season
Planning a family trip to Dublin this Christmas?
From festive light and ice skating to pantomimes, Christmas performances and city-centre attractions, there are plenty of ways to enjoy this season together.
Many of Dublin's Christmas activities take place in or close to the city centre, making it easy to experience multiple attractions during one visit.
Located in the heart of Dublin, The Grafton Hotel is a convenient base for exploring the city's festive highlights.
Here are some of the best family-friendly things to do in Dublin at Christmas.
What are the best family Christmas activities in Dublin?
Some of the best family Christmas activities include exploring the city's festive lights, visiting TwinkleTown, going ice skating, attending a Christmas pantomime and enjoying seasonal performances.
Christmas activities generally begin in November and continue through December, although dates and opening hours may vary. Booking tickets in advance is recommended for popular family events.
1. Experience TwinkleTown Festival in Dublin
TwinkleTown returns to Dublin for Christmas 2026, with festive experiences planned for Smithfield Square and St.Patrick's Park.
Families can look forward to activities including:
- Ice skating
- Festive entertainment
- Christmas-themed carousels
- Seasonal food and drink
- Live music
- Choral performances
Some parts of the event are free to explore, while individual attractions may require booking in advance.
TwinkleTown is due to run from 20th November to 31st December 2026, Making it a great additional to a family Christmas break in Dublin.
2. See Dublin's Christmas Lights
A walk through Dublin City Centre is one of the simplest ways to enjoy the festive atmosphere.
Popular streets and areas to explore at Christmas include:
- Graftonstraße
- Heinrichstraße
- O'Connell Street
- South William Street
- Temple Bar
- St Stephen's Green
Grafton Street is particularly convenient for guests staying at The Grafton Hotel.
It's Christmas lights, decorated shopfronts and seasonal street performances making it the perfect starting point for an evening in the city.
3. Ice Skating in Dublin at Christmas
Ice Skating is one of Dublin's most popular winter activities and a fun option for families, groups and couples visiting the city.
Dundrum On Ice is back for the 2026 festive season, running from 23rd October 2026 to 24th January 2027.
Dundrum is easily reached from Dublin city centre via the Luas Green Line, making it a convenient festive day out for guests staying at The Grafton Hotel.
4. Visit the Guinness Storehouse at Christmas
Add one of Dublin’s most iconic attractions to your Christmas itinerary with a visit to the Guinness Storehouse. Explore the story behind Guinness across seven floors before finishing your visit at the Gravity Bar, which offers panoramic views across Dublin.
During the festive season, the Storehouse is a great indoor activity to combine with a day of Christmas sightseeing around the city. Families are welcome, with soft drinks available for younger visitors.
If you’re visiting Dublin in December, check the Guinness Storehouse’s opening hours and latest visitor information before travelling, particularly over the Christmas period.
5. See Wild Lights at Dublin Zoo
Wild Lights transforms Dublin Zoo into an illuminated evening experience, with large-scale light installations creating a completely different way to explore the zoo after dark.
It's a great option if you're looking for an evening Christmas activity for the whole family and can easily be combined with a day exploring Phoenix Park.
As Wild Lights is a ticketed seasonal event, families should check the latest dates, session times and availability directly with Dublin Zoo before travelling.
Tip for families: Book an early evening session if you're visiting with younger children and allow plenty of time to travel from Dublin city centre.
Dublin truly comes alive during the holiday season, offering a wide array of festive experiences for locals and visitors alike. Whether you're wandering through the enchanting Christmas Market at Dublin Castle, exploring the craftsmanship at Gifted, marvelling at the mesmerizing Wild Lights at Dublin Zoo, skating at Dundrum on Ice, or immersing yourself in the holiday magic at Winterfest in the Guinness Storehouse, there's something for everyone to enjoy.
Don't miss out on the chance to create family memories and embrace the joyous spirit of the season in this vibrant city. At The Grafton Hotel, we have something to delight every member of the family with our Christmas Family Packages.