December Events

Loads of fab yuletide events on over December - Christmas story-telling, visiting Santa, making hand made Christmas gifts and artwork, carol singing, festivals, markets, fairs, puppet shows, movies, music.  So there is plenty to keep your munchkins amused over the school holidays. 

I have a separate post on Pantos in Dublin and visiting Santa as there would be too many dates to put in so if you want to check them out click here for pantos and here for Santa.  

Enjoy!

(updated 28th December)

Sunday 1st December

* Toy Show, RDS

* The North Pole Experience, Royal Liver Retail Park, Naas Road (11am-6pm)

* Annabelle’s Star – for 4-8 year olds, The Ark (2pm and 4pm)

* Phoenix Park Children's Art Workshop, Phoenix Park Visitor

* Christmas Fair, National Print Museum (11am-6pm)

* Meet the Fat Contoller at Hamleys, Dundrum Town Centre (11am-3pm) 

* Ceramic Christmas Decorations for families with children aged 7 plus, Collins Barracks: Decorative Arts & History, 2.30-3.15pm)

* Christmas Open Day Family Event, Collins Barracks: Decorative Arts & History, (2.30-3.15pm)

* Birdwatching, Dublin Zoo

* Santa’s Grotto and Christmas Arts and Crafts, Dublin Zoo

* Drop-in Activity “Explorer”, IMMA West Wing (2.00pm – 4.00pm)
* Dun Laoghaire Christmas Festival 2013 
* The Magic of the Nutcracker - Christmas at Dublin Castle

Monday 2^nd December

* Christmas Storytime for Children, Cabra Library (3pm)

* The North Pole Experience, Royal Liver Retail Park, Naas Road (2pm-7pm)
* Dun Laoghaire Christmas Festival 2013 

Tues 3^rd Dec

* Toddler Time: Jo Jingles Christmas, Clondalkin Library (12pm)

* The North Pole Experience, Royal Liver Retail Park, Naas Road (2pm-7pm)
* Dun Laoghaire Christmas Festival 2013 

Wed 4^th Dec

* The North Pole Experience, Royal Liver Retail Park, Naas Road (2pm-7pm) 
* Miracle on 54th Street, The Draiocht (7.30pm)
* Dun Laoghaire Christmas Festival 2013 

 Thursday 5^th December

* Bright Sparks Drop in Art Session for kids aged 12 months – 4 years, Rua Red (10.30am-11.30am)

* The North Pole Experience, Royal Liver Retail Park, Naas Road (2pm-7pm) 

* 3d Christmas Paper Crafts for kids aged 7-10, Central Library (3pm)
* Dun Laoghaire Christmas Festival 2013 

Friday 6^th December

* Twinkle Twinkle Little Star: early years music workshop, The Ark (10am for ages 2-3 and 11.30am for ages 3-4)

* Exploring the Night Sky, The Ark (7pm)

* The North Pole Experience, Royal Liver Retail Park, Naas Road (2pm-7pm)
* Dun Laoghaire Christmas Festival 2013 

Saturday 7th December

* Rua Red Family Film “The Pirates – Band of Misfits”, Rua Red (12pm)

* From earth to the Stars Workshop for ages 7-12, The Ark (2.30pm)

* L’Atelier Art and Fun, Rua Red (4-6pm)

* National Gallery of Ireland Family Programme – Decorating the Christmas Tree, National Gallery of Ireland (3-4pm)

* Christmas Story-Telling, Powerscourt Garden Pavilion, Powerscourt House (2.30pm)

* Christmas Time at Farmleigh

* It's Still a Wonderful Musical Life, National Concert Hall (3pm and 8pm - family tickets available)

* Studio 8 Programme for 15-18 year olds, IMMA Studio 10 (11am-2pm)

* Santa’s Grotto and Christmas Arts and Crafts, Dublin Zoo

* Christmas Market, Christchurch Cathedral (11am-4pm)

* Children's Art Workshop – Eco Christmas Crafts, National Botanic Gardens (2-4pm)

* Christmas Yule Log Workshop for Children, Seamus Ennis Centre (2pm)

* Christmas Wreath Workshop for Children, Seamus Ennis Centre (3pm)

* Christmas Experience at Malahide Castle and Gardens (10am-6pm)

* Annabelle’s Star – for 4-8 year olds, The Ark (2pm and 4pm)

* Sun, Moon and Stars: early years art workshops for 2-3 year olds, The Ark (11.30am)

* The North Pole Experience, Royal Liver Retail Park, Naas Road (11am-6pm)
* Silk Worm Club for 6-11 years "Design a Christmas Plate", Chester Beatty Library (2-3.30pm)
* Dun Laoghaire Christmas Festival 2013 
* Family Day – Christmas Crackers, The Draoicht (12-3pm)
* The Magic of the Nutcracker - Christmas at Dublin Castle

Sunday 8th December

* Home-made Christmas Gifts at Tara's Palace

* Phoenix Park Children's Art Workshop, Phoenix Park Visitor

* Christmas Winter Wonderland, Ashtown Castle, Phoenix Park Visitor Centre (10am-5pm)

* Christmas Time at Farmleigh

* Big Big Trouble Santa Claus Double, Mill Theatre (12.30pm and 2.30pm)

* Dublin County Choir - A Christmas Family Gala, National Concert Hall (2.30pm and 7pm)

* Family Tour: Christmas in the past for families with kids aged 6 plus, Collins Barracks: Decorative Arts & History, (3-4pm)

* Drop-in Activity “Explorer”, IMMA West Wing (2.00pm – 4.00pm)

* Santa’s Grotto and Christmas Arts and Crafts, Dublin Zoo

* My Museum: A Medieval Christmas Family Event, National Museum of Archaeology (2-4.30pm)

* A Late Medieval Altar Cross from County Waterford for kids aged 14 plus, National Museum of Archaeology (3-3.45pm)

* Deck the Halls Drop in Activity for kids aged 6 plus, National Museum of Archaeology (2-4pm)

* Christmas Experience at Malahide Castle and Gardens (10am-6pm)

* Annabelle’s Star – for 4-8 year olds, The Ark (2pm and 4pm)

* The North Pole Experience, Royal Liver Retail Park, Naas Road (11am-6pm)
* Dun Laoghaire Christmas Festival 2013 
* Assisi Charitable Foundation Christmas Music & Dance Extravaganza, The Helix (8pm)
* The Magic of the Nutcracker - Christmas at Dublin Castle
* Santa Chocolate Hunt, Beaufield Mews Coachhouse Restaurant, Stillorgan (3pm)

Monday 9^th December

* Big Big Trouble Santa Claus Double, Mill Theatre (10am and 11.15am)

* Christmas Storytime for Children, Cabra Library (3pm)

* The North Pole Experience, Royal Liver Retail Park, Naas Road (2pm-7pm)
* Dun Laoghaire Christmas Festival 2013 

Tues 10^th Dec

* Toddler Time: Musical Tots with a Christmas twist, Clondalkin Library (12pm)

* Big Big Trouble Santa Claus Double, Mill Theatre (10am and 11.15am)

* The North Pole Experience, Royal Liver Retail Park, Naas Road (2pm-7pm)
* Dun Laoghaire Christmas Festival 2013 

Wednesday 11^th December

* Big Big Trouble Santa Claus Double, Mill Theatre (10am and 11.15am)

* The North Pole Experience, Royal Liver Retail Park, Naas Road (2pm-7pm)
* Dun Laoghaire Christmas Festival 2013 

Thursday 12^th December

* Bright Sparks Drop in Art Session for kids aged 12 months – 4 years, Rua Red (10.30am-11.30am)

* Irish National Youth Ballet’s Nightmare Before Christmas and A Christmas Tale, The Pavilion Theatre (8pm)

* Big Big Trouble Santa Claus Double, Mill Theatre (10am and 11.15am)

* The North Pole Experience, Royal Liver Retail Park, Naas Road (2pm-7pm)
* Dun Laoghaire Christmas Festival 2013 
* Dublin Docklands Christmas Festival 
* Launch of Simon’s House of Light Show, Powerscourt Townhouse (6pm)
* Angelic voices sing "Christmas Crackers", National Concert Hall, (1.05pm)

Friday 13^th December

* Irish National Youth Ballet’s Nightmare Before Christmas and A Christmas Tale, The Pavilion Theatre (12pm and 8pm)

* Big Big Trouble Santa Claus Double, Mill Theatre (10am and 11.15am)

* Twinkle Twinkle Little Star: early years music workshop, The Ark (10am for ages 2-3 and 11.30am for ages 3-4)

* The North Pole Experience, Royal Liver Retail Park, Naas Road (2pm-7pm)
* Dun Laoghaire Christmas Festival 2013 
*  Dame District Christmas Market
* Christmas Cracker Flea Market 
* Dublin Docklands Christmas Festival 

Saturday 14th December

* Christmas Time at Farmleigh

* Annabelle’s Star – for 4-8 year olds, The Ark (2pm and 4pm)

* The North Pole Experience, Royal Liver Retail Park, Naas Road (11am-6pm)

* Santa visits Imaginosity

* National Gallery of Ireland Family Programme – Winter Wonderland, National Gallery of Ireland (3-4pm)

* L’Atelier Art and Fun, Rua Red (4-6pm)

* Irish National Youth Ballet’s Nightmare Before Christmas and A Christmas Tale, The Pavilion Theatre (3pm and 8pm)

* Big Big Trouble Santa Claus Double, Mill Theatre (12.30pm and 2.30pm)

* Christmas Crafts for Children, Walkinstown library (11am)

* Movie Screening of the Wizard of Oz with the RTE Concert Orchestra, National Concert Hall (3.30pm and 7.30pm)

* Christmas Castle tours and Santa, Dalkey Castle (11am, 12pm, 2pm, 3pm and 4pm)

* Public Tour: Winter is Coming! for all ages, National Museum of Archaeology (3.30-4.30pm)

* Santa’s Grotto and Christmas Arts and Crafts, Dublin Zoo

* Christmas Market, Christchurch Cathedral (11am-4pm)

* Budding Artists– workshop for children aged 4-7, National Botanic Gardens (11am-12.30pm)

* Hardy Annuals– workshop for children aged 8-12, National Botanic Gardens (2pm-4pm)

* Christmas Experience at Malahide Castle and Gardens (10am-6pm)

* Public Film: 101 Dalmatians, Chester Beatty Library (2pm)
* Dun Laoghaire Christmas Festival 2013  
* The Magic of the Nutcracker - Christmas at Dublin Castle
*  Dame District Christmas Market
* Christmas Craft Fair at St. Enda's Park Courtyard, Rathfarnham  (11am-4pm) 
* Finnies's Half Price Christmas Party in aid of Temple Street Children's Hospital, National Aquatic Centre
* Christmas Cracker Flea Market 
* Dublin Docklands Christmas Festival 
* Inaugural Christmas Markets at the Harbour Playhouse  (10am-6pm)

Sunday 15th December

* Santa’s Grotto and Christmas Arts and Crafts, Dublin Zoo

* Annabelle’s Star – for 4-8 year olds, The Ark (2pm and 4pm)

* Phoenix Park Children's Art Workshop, Phoenix Park Visitor

* Christmas Winter Wonderland, Ashtown Castle, Phoenix Park Visitor Centre (10am-5pm)

* Big Big Trouble Santa Claus Double, Mill Theatre (11am, 12.30pm and 2.30pm)

* Christmas Castle tours and Santa, Dalkey Castle (11am, 12pm, 2pm, 3pm and 4pm)

* Christmas Craft Fair, Sean Ennis Centre (from 10.30am)

* Monthly Junior Slow Session, Seamus Ennis Cultural Centre (6.30pm)

* Irish National Youth Ballet’s Nightmare Before Christmas and A Christmas Tale, The Pavilion Theatre (2pm)

* Christmas Experience at Malahide Castle and Gardens (10am-6pm)

* Christmas Time at Farmleigh

* Drop-in Activity “Explorer”, IMMA West Wing (2.00pm – 4.00pm)

* The North Pole Experience, Royal Liver Retail Park, Naas Road (11am-6pm)
* Dun Laoghaire Christmas Festival 2013 
* The Magic of the Nutcracker - Christmas at Dublin Castle
*  Dame District Christmas Market
* Christmas Craft Fair at St. Enda's Park Courtyard, Rathfarnham  (11am-4pm) 
* Christmas Cracker Flea Market 
* Dublin Docklands Christmas Festival 
* Inaugural Christmas Markets at the Harbour Playhouse  (10am-6pm)
* Santa Chocolate Hunt, Beaufield Mews Coachhouse Restaurant, Stillorgan (3pm)

 Monday 16th December

* Twas the Night Before Christmas: Oiche Roimh an Nollaig, The Pavilion Theatre (10am and 12pm)

* Big Big Trouble Santa Claus Double, Mill Theatre (10am and 11.15am)

* Christmas Storytime for Children, Cabra Library (3pm)

* The North Pole Experience, Royal Liver Retail Park, Naas Road (2pm-7pm)
* Dun Laoghaire Christmas Festival 2013 
*  Dame District Christmas Market
* Dublin Docklands Christmas Festival 

 Tuesday 17^th December

* Workshop “Christmas Fun” with Gymboree, Terenure Library (10.30am – 11.30am)

* The North Pole Experience, Royal Liver Retail Park, Naas Road (2pm-7pm)
* Christmas on the Square, Meeting House Square in Temple Bar
* Dun Laoghaire Christmas Festival 2013 
*  Dame District Christmas Market
* Carols from the Old and New Worlds, University Church, St Stephen’s Green (6.30pm)
* Dublin Docklands Christmas Festival 

Wed 18^th Dec

* The Snowman Storytelling for 4-7 year olds, Clondalkin Library (3pm)

* Christmas Experience at Malahide Castle and Gardens (2pm-6pm)

* The North Pole Experience, Royal Liver Retail Park, Naas Road (2pm-7pm)
* Christmas on the Square, Meeting House Square in Temple Bar
* Dun Laoghaire Christmas Festival 2013 
*  Dame District Christmas Market
* Dublin Docklands Christmas Festival 
* Christmas Movie screening, Cabra Library (4pm) For movie details please contact Cabra Library

 Thursday 19^th December

* Bright Sparks Drop in Art Session for kids aged 12 months – 4 years, Rua Red (10.30am-11.30am)

* Christmas Movie Screening, Cabra Library (4pm)

* Dublin City Council Choir perform a selection of Christmas Carols, Cabra Library (6.30pm)

* Christmas Experience at Malahide Castle and Gardens (2pm-6pm)

* The North Pole Experience, Royal Liver Retail Park, Naas Road (2pm-7pm)
* Christmas on the Square, Meeting House Square in Temple Bar
* Dun Laoghaire Christmas Festival 2013 
*  Dame District Christmas Market
* The ‘Designer Dublin’ Christmas Market - The ‘Designer Dublin’ Christmas Market, Bank of Ireland on College Green 
* Dublin Docklands Christmas Festival 
* Christmas Party at Gymboree, Spawell (non members welcome) (4.30pm-6pm)

 Friday 20th December

* The Christmas Concert Featuring The Snowman, National Concert Hall (2.30pm and 5pm)

* Elf – Mill Theatre’s Christmas Movie, Mill Theatre (7pm)
* Arthur - family film, Seamus Ennis Centre (7pm)

* Christmas Experience at Malahide Castle and Gardens (2pm-6pm)

* Twinkle Twinkle Little Star: early years music workshop, The Ark (10am for ages 2-3 and 11.30am for ages 3-4)

* The North Pole Experience, Royal Liver Retail Park, Naas Road (2pm-7pm)
* Christmas on the Square, Meeting House Square in Temple Bar
* Dun Laoghaire Christmas Festival 2013 
*  Dame District Christmas Market
* Orson Welles’ Christmas Carol, Powerscourt Theatre (3pm & 8pm)
* Dublin Docklands Christmas Festival 

Saturday 21st December

* Christmas Time at Farmleigh

* Annabelle’s Star – for 4-8 year olds, The Ark (2pm and 4pm)

* Sun, Moon and Stars: early years art workshops for 2-3 year olds, The Ark (11.30am)

* From earth to the Stars Workshop for ages 7-12, The Ark (2.30pm)

* Rua RedFamily Film “Arthur Christmas”, Rua Red (12pm)

* Special "Storytime" Teddy Bears Picnic, Coolock Library (11am)

* Children’s Christmas Crafts for ages 4-12, Marino Library (3pm-4pm)

* L’Atelier Art and Fun, Rua Red (4-6pm)

* Hansel, Gretal and Bosco’s Magical Christmas, The Pavilion Theatre (1pm and 3pm)

* Christmas Castle tours and Santa, Dalkey Castle (11am, 12pm, 2pm, 3pm and 4pm)

* The Christmas Concert Featuring The Snowman, National Concert Hall (12pm, 2.30pm, 5pm and 7.30pm)

* Public Tour: Winter Solstice Special for all ages, National Museum of Archaeology (3.30-4.30pm)

* Hansel & Gretel and Bosco’s Magical Christmas, The Pavilion (1pm and 3pm)

* Santa’s Grotto and Christmas Arts and Crafts, Dublin Zoo

* Christmas Market, Christchurch Cathedral (11am-4pm)

* Christmas Experience at Malahide Castle and Gardens (10am-6pm)

* The North Pole Experience, Royal Liver Retail Park, Naas Road (11am-6pm)
* Christmas on the Square, Meeting House Square in Temple Bar
* Dun Laoghaire Christmas Festival 2013 
* The Nutcracker, The Helix (7pm)

* Carols for Christmas, The Draoicht (3pm and 8pm)
* The Magic of the Nutcracker - Christmas at Dublin Castle
*  Dame District Christmas Market
* Orson Welles’ Christmas Carol, Powerscourt Theatre (3pm & 8pm)
* Christmas Elves Family Workshops  with Niamh Lawlor from Puca Puppets, Draíocht (Workshop 1: Ages 4 - 6 yrs / 10.30am - 12.30pm/Workshop 2: Ages 7 - 9 yrs / 2pm - 4pm)
* Dublin Docklands Christmas Festival 
* Christmas Party at Gymboree, Spawell (non members welcome) (1.30pm-3pm)

 Sunday 22nd December

* Christmas Time at Farmleigh

* Christmas Castle tours and Santa, Dalkey Castle (11am, 12pm, 2pm, 3pm and 4pm)

* The Christmas Concert Featuring The Snowman, National Concert Hall (12pm, 2.30pm, 5pm and 7.30pm)

* Annabelle’s Star – for 4-8 year olds, The Ark (2pm and 4pm)

* The North Pole Experience, Royal Liver Retail Park, Naas Road (11am-6pm)

* Phoenix Park Children's Art Workshop, Phoenix Park Visitor

* Santa’s Grotto and Christmas Arts and Crafts, Dublin Zoo

* The Muppet Christmas Carol, Mermaid Arts Centre (2pm)

* Drop-in Activity “Explorer”, IMMA West Wing (2.00pm – 4.00pm)

* Christmas Winter Wonderland, Ashtown Castle, Phoenix Park Visitor Centre (10am-5pm)

* Christmas Experience at Malahide Castle and Gardens (10am-6pm)
* Dun Laoghaire Christmas Festival 2013 
* Christmas Crackers, Carols and Crooners, The Helix (7.30pm)
* The Magic of the Nutcracker - Christmas at Dublin Castle
*  Dame District Christmas Market
* Orson Welles’ Christmas Carol, Powerscourt Theatre (3pm)
* Dublin Docklands Christmas Festival 
* Santa Chocolate Hunt, Beaufield Mews Coachhouse Restaurant, Stillorgan (3pm)

 Monday 23^rd December

* Christmas Storytime for Children, Cabra Library (3pm)

* Red Riding Hood, Civic Theatre (7.30pm)

* Christmas Experience at Malahide Castle and Gardens (10am-5pm)

* The North Pole Experience, Royal Liver Retail Park, Naas Road (2pm-7pm)
* Dun Laoghaire Christmas Festival 2013 
* Dublin Docklands Christmas Festival 

Tuesday 24th December
* Dublin Docklands Christmas Festival 

 Friday 27th December

* Annie - The Musical, National Concert Hall (6pm)

* Red Riding Hood, Civic Theatre (7.30pm)

* Annabelle’s Star – for 4-8 year olds, The Ark (2pm and 4pm)
* Dun Laoghaire Christmas Festival 2013 

Saturday 28th December

* Annie - The Musical, National Concert Hall (2pm and 6pm)

* Annabelle’s Star – for 4-8 year olds, The Ark (2pm and 4pm) 

* The Top Ten Tour for all ages, National Museum of Archaeology (3.30-4.30pm)

* L’Atelier Art and Fun, Rua Red (4-6pm)

* Trouble in the Kingdom of Enchantasia, Mill Theatre (2.30pm)

* Red Riding Hood, Civic Theatre (2.30pm and 6.30pm)
* Dun Laoghaire Christmas Festival 2013 
*  Christmas Treasure Hunts at Croke Park Stadium

Sunday 29th December

* Annie - The Musical, National Concert Hall (2pm and 6pm)

* Trouble in the Kingdom of Enchantasia, Mill Theatre (2.30pm)

* Red Riding Hood, Civic Theatre (2.30pm and 6.30pm)

* Annabelle’s Star – for 4-8 year olds, The Ark (2pm and 4pm)
* Dun Laoghaire Christmas Festival 2013 
*  Christmas Treasure Hunts at Croke Park Stadium

Monday 30th December

* Annie - The Musical, National Concert Hall (2pm and 6pm)

* Trouble in the Kingdom of Enchantasia, Mill Theatre (2.30pm)

* Annabelle’s Star – for 4-8 year olds, The Ark (2pm and 4pm)
* Dun Laoghaire Christmas Festival 2013 
* Christmas Treasure Hunts at Croke Park Stadium
* Free Family Art Workshop with artist Michelle Boyle, National Gallery Lecture Theatre (3-4pm)

Tuesday 31^st December

* Trouble in the Kingdom of Enchantasia, Mill Theatre (2.30pm)

* Red Riding Hood, Civic Theatre (7.30pm)
* Dun Laoghaire Christmas Festival 2013 
* New Years Family Party, The National Wax Museum Plus (12pm-5pm)
*  Christmas Treasure Hunts at Croke Park Stadium
* Free Family Art Workshop with artist Don Conroy, National Gallery Lecture Theatre (3-4pm)