From stunning Christmas lights and holiday eateries to the best hotels and markets in the city, this post will go over all the reasons why Dublin is the perfect place for a Christmas staycation.
Top Staycation Spots for Christmas in Dublin:
Arlington Hotel:
- The Arlington Hotel can be found on Bachelor’s Walk directly along the Liffey.
- They have a selection of different Christmas parties that you can attend, along with special ABBA tribute band performances.
- Celtic Nights is also located in the Arlington Hotel, and they too have a selection of Christmas festivities you can sit in on.
- They have a wide selection of rooms to choose from, including a family room if you are looking for a family staycation.
Wynns Hotel:
- Wynns Hotel can be found on Abbey Street Lower.
- Wynns Hotel do it up big for Christmas-time. They festively decorate their playwright restaurant where they serve a delicious Christmas dinner, or a delicious carvery, if that’s what you’d prefer.
- They also have a large selection of rooms and suites for you to spend your staycation in.
College Green Hotel:
- The College Green Hotel is located on Westmoreland Street.
- They have a festive afternoon tea daily in late November and December where you can eat a delicious meal in their beautiful Atrium Lounge where you can relax in the warmth of an open fire.
- They also have a “Two Night Christmas Escape” package, where you can stay for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day in ease. You can stay in one of their incredible rooms or suites with delicious meals and champagne breakfasts.
The Shelbourne:
- The Shelbourne can be found across the road from St. Stephen’s Green.
- They have been celebrating Christmas since 1824, and to this day they have stayed true to their roots, the festive traditions of old are still celebrated to this day.
- They have a specialised Christmas dinner which consists of three courses, and is to die for.
The Westbury Hotel:
- The Westbury can be found on Balfe Street.
- They also have a two night Christmas stay package, which includes a complimentary full-Irish breakfast, a free bottle of champagne and mince pies, and a selection of one of their high end rooms or suites.
Christmas Markets and Shopping:
George’s Street Arcade:
- George’s Street Arcade is a staple of Dublin’s culture and Great George’s Street history.
- George’s Street Arcade has a plethora of different markets that are perfect for the holiday season. From fantastic jewellery boutiques and quaint clothes markets to incredible restaurants and food stalls.
Powerscourt Townhouse Centre:
- Powerscourt Townhouse Centre is a repurposed Georgian townhouse located on William Street.
- Over the holiday season, the Powerscourt Centre hosts a variety of Christmas carols and festive family events such as magic acts, a letter posting station to Santa and balloon artists.
- There are also plenty of restaurants, bars, art exhibits, clothes shops, jewellery shops and pop-up shops.
Festive Dining Options:
Isabelles:
- Isabelle’s can be found on South Anne’s Street.
- Whether you want to rent the whole venue for a cocktail party, or just want a table to celebrate with friends and family, Isabelle’s has you covered.
- They have a delicious menu for €45 per person, a wide selection of signature cocktails and a beautiful dining room.
FIRE Steakhouse:
- FIRE Steakhouse can be found ion The Mansion House on Dawson Street.
- You can opt to dine in private or in their decorated main room, but either way, you can be sure you’re going to get a delicious meal.
- Their special Christmas dinner has some incredible options, from oysters and lamb skewers to an Irish Hereford prime rib eye and monkfish, the food served here is stunning.
BANG Restaurant:
- BANG is located on Merrion Row.
- Their Christmas menu consists of delicacies like roasted halibut, a 7oz fillet steak, cured mackerel and a beef cheek and oxtail croquette.
- BANG also allows you to spring for a private dining experience for up to 45 people.
Seasonal Events and Performances:
Jingle All The Way:
- Jingle All The Way is a new Christmas show created by Georgie Crawford, who is a bestselling author, health coach and meditation trainer.
- The show will have everything from comedy to classic Christmas tunes and uplifting talks and will be hosted in the National Concert Hall.
A Christmas Celebration:
- This festive choir performance will also be held in the National Concert Hall.
- It will be performed by the Dublin County Choir and the Kildare County Orchestra.
- There will also be one of the top children’s choirs in the country at the event and will be conducted by John Dexter.
Christmas At The Movies:
- You can catch Christmas at The Movies on the 15 of December.
- The Dublin Concert Voices and the Dublin Concert Orchestra will be performing classic pieces from movies such as Polar Express, Elf, Narnia, Harry Potter, Love Actually and more.
A Christmas Carol:
- This November through December, The Gate Theatre will be hosting their own rendition of A Christmas Carol by Charles Dicken’s.
- It is written by Neil Bartlett and will be directed by Claire O’Reilly.
- There will be ISL interpreted performances on the 13th of December.
The Great Christmas Concert 2025:
- The Great Christmas Concert will be held in the National Concert Hall.
- For any fans of orchestral music, this concert is for you, with a combination of brilliant string instruments and voices from The Lassus Scholars and Piccolo Lasso.
This way to Christmas! :
- This Way to Christmas! will be held in the National Concert Hall.
- The NCH Christmas Orchestra puts on a moving and fabulously festive performance, followed by a showing of the Christmas classic The Snowman with the orchestra performing the famous score live!
So there it is, from the ultimate restaurants to hit up and greatest hotels to stay in , there is only one place to go to upgrade your holiday over the holidays, and that’s Dublin.
Whether you do or don’t opt to stay in Dublin, we here at Dublin Town wish you a very Merry Christmas.
