Wondering what’s happening in your area this month? We’re looking at everything from singalongs with the stars to a canine Christmas market in this month’s At a Glance with Glenveagh as we take a whistle-stop tour of what’s happening in Dublin.

Christmas Eve Busking on Grafton Street

One of the most unique and iconic offerings of Christmas in Dublin is the long-held tradition of the busking session on Christmas Eve. Hosted in aid of the Dublin Simon Community, the event known as ‘The Busk’ often features some of the most high-profile names in Irish music, including Glen Hansard, Dermot Kennedy and Imelda May. On some occasions even Bono has been known to show up for a few tunes, so you never know who you might see if you decide to check it out.

The Dublin Winter Lights

The Dublin Winter LIghts where Dublin’s iconic buildings and locations are lit-up with light shows designed by artists, has become a staple of the city at Christmas time. While the lights are taking place at 18 different locations across the county, one of the most idyllic venues is surely Merrion Square Park, where weekend (Friday, Saturday and Sunday) the grounds will be lit up until 22 December, with games of Tic-Tac-Toe and dancing on the interactive, light-fantastic dance floor. Tickets cost just €2 for an adult and up to two children, and there is a slot for those with neurodivergent needs between 5pm and 5.30pm where no music is played and the show takes a more relaxed form. Other locations where you can see the projections include the GPO, Trinity College, the Samuel Beckett Bridge, the Custom House, and the Mansion House.

Christmas at the Mansion House

If you're looking for a lovely city-based activity for children, why not bring them to the Live Animal Crib at the Mansion House. Dublin City Council has all the details:

"The IFA Live Animal Crib returns to the Mansion House! This long-standing tradition brings the magic of the Christmas nativity scene to the heart of Dublin City. The Crib is a joint venture between Dublin City Council and the Irish Farmers’ Association. The Crib, constructed by Dublin City Council’s Housing Maintenance Section, is a life size stable containing sheep, donkey and goat which are provided and cared for by the Irish Farmers’ Association. The animals are brought in each morning and returned to a farm on the outskirts of the city each evening".

The crib outside at the Mansion House on Dawson St., in Dublin 2, is open daily from 11th December 11am to 4pm until Christmas Eve when it will close at 1pm.

Forty Foot Christmas Day Swim

Christmas Day Dublin at Christmas is about the lights, the singsongs and the markets, but another unique opportunity that comes with living in the capital is the chance to join hundreds of your fellow swimming enthusiasts and dive into the Irish Sea on Christmas morning at the Forty Foot. The long-held tradition has become more popularity over the years and taking part is the perfect way to feel like you’re part of something bigger. If you’re a good swimmer, or even if you just want to watch dozens of people diving into the freezing cold winter water, the Forty Foot on Christmas morning is the perfect winter event.

Just a few free and fun things to do or see in Dublin this Christmas.