As we step into the 2025 festive season, Dublin transforms into a captivating winter destination where tradition meets contemporary celebration. This year’s programme extends well into early January, offering families and visitors an expanded calendar of seasonal experiences. We’ve navigated the city’s offerings to present what genuinely matters—from Smithfield’s iconic ice rink to the sprawling RDS festivities, here’s everything you need to plan your Dublin holiday experience.
Key Dublin Festive Highlights 2025
Before diving into the details, here’s what anchors this year’s seasonal programme:
- TwinkleTown Smithfield – Ice skating, live performances, festive village (November 22 – January 5)
- Dublin Loves Christmas at RDS – Artisan markets, carnival rides, entertainment zones (November 29 – December 23)
- Winter Street Markets – Pop-up stalls across Dame Street, Henry Street, and Temple Bar
- Docklands Winterfest – Waterfront celebrations with food vendors and musical performances
- New Year’s Festival – City-wide events extending celebrations to January 6
What Makes 2025’s Festive Programme Different?
The Shift in Dublin’s Seasonal Approach
Before 2025: Dublin’s festive events typically wrapped up by December 27, leaving a notable gap before New Year celebrations. Markets operated in isolation, and families often struggled to find cohesive experiences beyond individual attractions.
After 2025: The extended calendar now runs through January 5, creating a genuine winter season rather than just a Christmas sprint. Organisers have coordinated timing to reduce overlap whilst ensuring continuous activity, meaning visitors can experience multiple events without everything ending simultaneously.
What It Means for You: Practical flexibility. If you’re travelling from outside Dublin or planning family visits, you’re no longer constrained to mid-December visits. The extended timeline accommodates work schedules, school holidays, and the often-overlooked post-Christmas period when many actually have time to enjoy festivities.
TwinkleTown Smithfield: Beyond the Standard Ice Rink Experience
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What Distinguishes Smithfield’s Winter Attraction?
Smithfield Square’s transformation centres on more than frozen water and skate rentals. The ice rink, measuring 800 square metres, operates within a purpose-built festive village that includes 25 wooden chalets housing local artisans and food vendors. This isn’t your standard council-organised rink; it’s run by experienced event producers who’ve created environments across Europe.
Operational specifics:
- Daily sessions from 10:00 to 22:00
- 90-minute skating slots bookable online
- Prices: Adults €15, Children €12, Family packages €45
- Skate aids available for beginners
- Undercover seating areas with heating
The micro-detail worth noting: they’ve installed a professional-grade ice maintenance system that resurfaces every two hours. Sounds mundane, but it means you’re not skating on rutted, choppy ice by evening—a common complaint at temporary rinks.
Live Entertainment Schedule at TwinkleTown
Entertainment runs Thursday through Sunday with rotating acts:
- Thursday evenings: Traditional Irish music sessions (18:00-20:00)
- Friday nights: Contemporary folk and indie performances (19:00-21:00)
- Saturday afternoons: Children’s theatre and puppet shows (14:00-16:00)
- Sunday mornings: Carol singing and brass band performances (11:00-13:00)
The programming avoids the clichéd loop of the same Christmas songs. Instead, you’ll encounter genuine musicians—some emerging, some established—performing material that actually suits live outdoor listening.
Food and Drink Offerings Worth Your Time
Moving beyond generic mulled wine and bratwurst:
- The Smithfield Distillery Cabin: Irish whiskey hot toddies using local distillery products
- Collective Bread Bakers: Sourdough pizzas from wood-fired ovens
- Umi Falafel: Middle Eastern street food adapted for winter appetites
- Butler’s Chocolate Counter: Hot chocolate variations with actual cocoa content
Average spend per person runs €8-€15 for food, €5-€8 for drinks—notably less than similar venues in other European capitals.
Dublin Loves Christmas at RDS: Navigating the Sprawling Festive Complex
Understanding the RDS Layout and Offerings
The RDS Simmonscourt complex transforms into a 15,000-square-metre winter destination—Ireland’s largest seasonal gathering. Unlike compact city-centre events, this requires proper planning to navigate effectively.
The venue divides into four distinct zones:
- Artisan Markets Hall (Hall 1): 120+ vendors selling handcrafted goods, Irish designs, and speciality foods
- Family Entertainment Quarter (Hall 2): Carnival rides, games arcades, Santa’s grotto
- Food Court and Dining Area (Outdoor pavilion): 18 food vendors representing six cuisines
- Performance Stage (Central courtyard): Live music, dance demonstrations, children’s shows
Micro-detail two: The halls maintain separate admission points. If you’re primarily interested in shopping, you can skip the rides area entirely, which many don’t realise until they’ve paid full admission.
Carnival Attractions and Rides
The entertainment quarter features:
- Vintage carousel (suitable for ages 2+)
- Ferris wheel providing 25-metre-high city views
- Alpine slide (8-metre descent)
- Traditional helter-skelter
- Dodgem cars arena
- Virtual reality gaming stations
Ride tokens: €5 each, or €25 for six tokens. Most rides require 1-2 tokens. The pricing structure favours families purchasing multi-token bundles.
Market Vendor Highlights
Rather than listing generic stalls, here’s what genuinely stands out based on previous years’ quality:
Irish Craft Excellence:
- Newbridge Silverware: Contemporary Irish jewellery designs
- Foxford Woollen Mills: Heritage blankets and throws
- Kilkenny Design: Curated selection from Irish makers
- Wild Atlantic Living: Coastal-inspired homeware
Food and Drink Specialists:
- Irish Rapeseed Oil: Award-winning cold-pressed oils
- Sheridan’s Cheesemongers: Irish and European cheese selection
- The Handmade Soap Company: Natural skincare products
- Crossogue Preserves: Small-batch jams and chutneys
Average purchase across market vendors: €25-€45. The venue accepts card payments universally—no cash-only stalls.
Timing Your Visit to Avoid Peak Congestion
Quietest periods:
- Weekday mornings (10:00-12:00)
- Sunday evenings after 18:00
Peak congestion times:
- Saturdays 14:00-17:00
- Final weekend before Christmas (December 20-23)
- Opening weekend (November 29-December 1)
Admission: Adults €7.50, Children free (under 12), Family ticket €20 (2 adults + 3 children). Booking online saves €2 per adult ticket.
Comparing Dublin’s Two Flagship Winter Destinations
| Feature | TwinkleTown Smithfield | RDS Dublin Loves Christmas |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Smithfield Square, Dublin 7 | RDS Simmonscourt, Ballsbridge |
| Size | 800 sq m ice rink + village | 15,000 sq m multi-zone complex |
| Duration | Nov 22 – Jan 5 | Nov 29 – Dec 23 |
| Best For | Ice skating enthusiasts, evening atmosphere | Shopping, family entertainment, longer visits |
| Average Visit Time | 2-3 hours | 3-5 hours |
| Parking | Limited (use public transport) | Ample on-site parking (€8) |
| Food Options | 25 chalets, boutique vendors | 18 vendors, wider cuisine range |
| Entertainment | Live music 4 days/week | Daily shows, rides, Santa experience |
| Accessibility | Level access, some mobility challenges | Fully accessible, wheelchairs available |
| Cost (Family of 4) | €60-€80 including skating + food | €40-€100 depending on activities |
| Atmosphere | Intimate, urban, adult-friendly | Expansive, family-focused, bustling |
Street Markets and Smaller Festive Gatherings
Dame Street Winter Market
Running December 5-23, this pop-up occupies the pedestrianised section between Trinity College and City Hall.
What to expect:
- 15 wooden chalets
- Focus on Irish artisan foods
- Hot food stands (limited to 4 vendors)
- No rides or entertainment
- Free entry
The market operates Thursday-Sunday only (12:00-20:00), making it suitable for quick city-centre stops rather than destination visits.
Henry Street Holiday Stalls
Located along Dublin’s primary shopping thoroughfare, these stalls integrate with existing retail activity.
Operational details:
- December 1-24
- 30+ stalls positioned along pedestrian street
- Heavy emphasis on gift items under €30
- Most crowded market in city centre
- Free entry, no booking required
Best visited early morning (before 11:00) or post-20:00 when retail crowds diminish.
Temple Bar Festive Quarter
Temple Bar’s cobbled streets host scattered seasonal pop-ups rather than a cohesive market structure.
Individual venues to note:
- Meeting House Square: Weekend craft market (Saturdays 11:00-17:00)
- Cow’s Lane: Designer-maker market (Sundays 12:00-18:00)
- Temple Bar Square: Food and drink stalls (Daily 12:00-21:00)
This area suits those already exploring Temple Bar’s pubs and cultural venues rather than serving as a primary festive destination.
Early January Events: When Most Have Packed Away
Why Dublin’s Extended Calendar Matters
Many European cities conclude festivities on December 26. Dublin’s continuation through January 5 creates opportunities for:
- Post-Christmas visitors: Taking advantage of lower accommodation rates
- New Year celebrants: Extending celebrations beyond a single night
- Local residents: Actually having time to enjoy festivities after family obligations conclude
TwinkleTown’s January Programme
The Smithfield venue maintains full operations through January 5, with adjusted programming:
January 1-5 specific offerings:
- Extended ice skating hours (10:00-23:00)
- New Year resolution-themed skate sessions
- 20% reduction on food and drink items
- Special family packages (€35 for four people, including skating)
Visitor numbers typically drop 40% after December 28, meaning shorter queues and a less frenetic atmosphere.
New Year’s Festival City-Wide Events
Dublin’s official New Year’s Festival runs December 30 – January 1, with legacy events continuing through January 6.
Key components:
- New Year’s Eve Countdown: City-centre gathering with live performances (22:00-01:00)
- January 1 Resolution Run: 5km city-centre route (11:00 start)
- January 2-6 Family Days: Free events in St. Stephen’s Green
These complement the commercial venues, providing free alternatives for budget-conscious visitors.
What About the Ice Rink at Smithfield? Is It Worth the Queue?
Assessing the Skating Experience
The ice rink receives substantial attention, but does it justify potential wait times?
Honest evaluation:
Strengths:
- Professional-grade ice quality
- Adequate space (not overcrowded at capacity)
- Beautiful lighting creating evening ambience
- Surrounding festive village adds value
- Well-trained staff managing sessions efficiently
Limitations:
- Peak-time booking essential (walk-ups often disappointed)
- Skate rental quality variable (bring own if you have them)
- Limited seating for non-skating companions
- Weather-exposed (dress appropriately)
The verdict: If you enjoy skating or want children to learn, yes—it’s Dublin’s best seasonal rink. If you’re indifferent to skating, the surrounding village offers sufficient appeal without the rink admission.
Booking Strategy for Peak Times
Essential knowledge:
- Online booking opens six weeks in advance
- Weekday afternoon slots (14:00-16:00) least congested
- Weekend morning sessions (10:00-12:00) fill fastest
- Last-minute availability occasionally appears due to cancellations
Check availability day-of via the venue’s booking system—cancellations often release same-day slots.
How Do You Navigate the RDS Complex Efficiently?
Strategic Planning for Large Venues
The RDS’s scale intimidates first-time visitors. Here’s how we approach it:
Pre-visit preparation:
- Download the venue map (available on the Dublin Loves Christmas website)
- Identify priority zones (shopping vs. entertainment vs. food)
- Note performance schedules if attending shows
- Decide token purchase quantity based on children’s ages
Upon arrival:
- Enter via Hall 1 (Artisan Markets) regardless of primary interest—provides orientation
- Collect venue programme from information desk
- Complete shopping before food (purchases complicate ride participation)
- Schedule Santa visit early if required (queues build afternoon)
Time allocation recommendation:
- Artisan Markets browsing: 75-90 minutes
- Entertainment Quarter: 60-90 minutes
- Food and dining: 45-60 minutes
- Total visit: 3-4 hours minimum
Attempting to “see everything quickly” typically results in rushed experiences and missed highlights.
Food Court Navigation
With 18 vendors competing for attention, choice paralysis occurs frequently.
Our systematic approach:
- Arrive at off-peak times (before 12:00 or after 19:00)
- Survey all options before committing (vendors positioned around perimeter)
- Share dishes to sample multiple offerings
- Expect €12-€18 per person for mains
- Hot drinks available at dedicated beverage stations
Seating capacity: 400 covered seats, additional 150 outdoor (heated). Weekend lunchtimes see full capacity.
Are Street Markets Worth Visiting Alongside Major Venues?
Evaluating Supplementary Festive Experiences
With major venues commanding attention, do smaller street markets justify time investment?
When street markets add value:
- You’re already exploring city-centre shopping areas
- Seeking last-minute gifts under €30
- Prefer outdoor browsing over indoor venues
- Limited time (1 hour or less available)
When to skip street markets:
- Primary interest in comprehensive shopping
- Poor weather conditions (rain, strong wind)
- Travelling with young children needing facilities
- Already visiting RDS or TwinkleTown
The practical reality: Street markets function better as supplementary stops rather than destinations. Dame Street’s offerings, whilst pleasant, don’t warrant crossing Dublin specifically to visit. However, if you’re walking between Trinity College and Temple Bar, the 15-minute diversion adds seasonal atmosphere without significant commitment.
Which Street Market Deserves Priority?
If choosing one:
Dame Street Winter Market edges ahead due to:
- Pedestrianised setting (no traffic concerns)
- Higher vendor curation standards
- Proximity to other attractions
- Better food quality
Henry Street suffers from excessive crowding, whilst Temple Bar’s scattered format lacks cohesion.
What Activities Suit Different Family Demographics?
Matching Experiences to Group Compositions
Not every festive offering suits every visitor. Here’s honest assessment:
Young families (children under 7):
- Best fit: RDS Dublin Loves Christmas—dedicated family areas, Santa experience, age-appropriate rides
- Manageable: TwinkleTown with skate aids and children’s sessions
- Challenging: Street markets (limited facilities, unpredictable weather, requires walking)
School-age children (7-13):
- Best fit: TwinkleTown—skating appeals to this age range, entertainment less childish
- Strong alternative: RDS entertainment quarter—carnival atmosphere suits independence
- Acceptable: All street markets if combined with other activities
Teenagers:
- Best fit: TwinkleTown evening sessions—social atmosphere, contemporary music
- Limited appeal: RDS (perceived as too young), Santa experiences
- Unexpected winner: Street markets if interested in shopping or food
Adult groups (no children):
- Best fit: TwinkleTown evening visits—whiskey cabin, live music, sophisticated atmosphere
- Worth considering: RDS artisan markets for shopping without rides distraction
- Most atmospheric: Dame Street Winter Market evening visits
Mobility considerations:
- Most accessible: RDS (flat surfaces, wheelchair provision, accessible toilets)
- Moderate accessibility: TwinkleTown (level access, some standing required)
- Challenging: Street markets (cobbles, crowds, limited seating)
The Practical Elements: Transport, Timing, and Budget Planning
Getting to Venues Without Driving Stress
TwinkleTown Smithfield access:
- Luas Red Line: Smithfield stop (directly adjacent)
- Dublin Bus: Routes 37, 39, 70 (Smithfield stop)
- Walking: 15 minutes from O’Connell Street
- Parking: Avoid driving—minimal parking, expensive rates (€3.20/hour)
RDS Dublin Loves Christmas access:
- DART: Sandymount station (12-minute walk)
- Dublin Bus: Routes 4, 7, 18 (Simmonscourt Road stop)
- Parking: On-site parking available (€8 flat rate)
- Taxi: €12-€18 from city centre
Budget Framework for Family Visits
TwinkleTown estimated costs (family of four):
- Ice skating admission: €45 (family package)
- Food and drinks: €30-€40
- Market purchases: €20-€50 (variable)
- Total: €95-€135
RDS Dublin Loves Christmas estimated costs (family of four):
- Venue admission: €20 (family ticket)
- Ride tokens: €25-€50 (depending on participation)
- Food and drinks: €40-€60
- Market purchases: €30-€80 (variable)
- Santa experience: €20 (optional)
- Total: €135-€230
Street markets estimated costs:
- Entry: Free
- Food/drinks: €15-€25
- Purchases: €20-€60
- Total: €35-€85
Optimal Visit Scheduling
Our recommended approach for out-of-town visitors:
Day 1 (Weekend): RDS morning visit (10:00-14:00) when fresh and crowds manageable Day 2 (Weekday): City-centre shopping incorporating Dame Street market stop Day 3 (Evening): TwinkleTown visit (18:00-21:00) for evening atmosphere
This distribution prevents festive overload whilst maximising diverse experiences.
Looking Beyond the Commercial: Free and Low-Cost Alternatives
When Budget Constrains Options
Dublin’s commercial festive offerings require investment. Alternatives exist:
St. Stephen’s Green:
- Victorian winter garden atmosphere
- Free entry
- Quieter alternative to packed venues
- Suitable for walks and photographs
National Museum of Ireland:
- Special festive exhibitions (December 5-January 6)
- Free admission
- Indoor option for poor weather
- Educational content for children
Phoenix Park Winter Lights (January 2-12):
- Drive-through illuminated trail
- €25 per car (regardless of occupants)
- Provides spectacle without walking requirements
Docklands Winter Trail:
- Self-guided walking route
- Free artistic light installations
- 2.5km distance
- Suitable for evening strolls
These won’t replace major venues but supplement experiences or provide alternatives when budgets tighten.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do we need to book TwinkleTown ice skating in advance?
Yes, particularly for weekend visits and any date after December 10. The venue operates on timed sessions with capacity limits. Walk-up availability exists on quieter weekday afternoons, but booking guarantees entry and avoids disappointment. Online booking opens six weeks before any given date and costs the same as gate prices—there’s no penalty for advance planning.
Can we use the same ticket for multiple RDS zones?
Yes, your admission ticket grants access to all RDS areas—artisan markets, entertainment quarter, and food court. You don’t need separate tickets for different zones. However, carnival rides require separate tokens purchased inside (not included with admission). Santa experiences also carry additional charges (€20 per child).
Which venue works better in poor weather?
RDS provides superior weather protection with indoor halls housing markets and covered entertainment areas. Only the food court and performance stage sit outdoors, and even these have covered sections. TwinkleTown’s ice rink operates in all weather (they actually prefer cold temperatures), but the surrounding village offers limited shelter. If rain features prominently in forecasts, RDS presents the more comfortable option.
Are Dublin’s festive venues accessible for wheelchair users?
RDS scores highest for accessibility—level surfaces throughout, accessible toilets in all zones, complimentary wheelchair loan service, and designated viewing areas for performances. TwinkleTown offers level access to the site and village areas, though the ice rink itself presents obvious mobility challenges. They do provide stable seating areas for non-skating companions. Street markets vary considerably; Dame Street’s flat pedestrian zone offers easiest navigation.
What time should we arrive to avoid the biggest crowds?
For TwinkleTown: weekday mornings (10:00-12:00) or Sunday evenings after 19:00. For RDS: weekday opening (10:00) or Sunday evenings after 18:00. Both venues experience peak congestion Saturday afternoons (14:00-17:00) and the week of December 16-23. The quietest overall period runs January 2-5 when most people have returned to work but events continue.
Final Considerations for Planning Your Visit
We’ve covered Dublin’s 2025 festive landscape comprehensively—from Smithfield’s ice rink intimacy to the RDS’s sprawling complex. The extended calendar through early January fundamentally changes how you might approach these experiences, removing the pressure to cram everything into mid-December.
The honest assessment: you don’t need to visit everything. TwinkleTown and RDS serve different purposes and audiences. Choose based on your priorities—skating and evening atmosphere versus shopping and daytime family entertainment. Street markets supplement rather than substitute these major venues.
Budget realistically. A family outing to either flagship venue will cost €100-€200 when including admission, activities, and food. That’s neither cheap nor excessive for several hours of seasonal entertainment, but it requires planning.
Weather cooperation remains unpredictable—December in Dublin brings approximately 75mm rainfall across the month. Check forecasts, dress appropriately, and have indoor alternatives identified.
The micro-detail worth remembering: Dublin’s festive offerings have matured considerably over the past five years. What was once a disparate collection of individual markets now functions as a coordinated seasonal programme. That coordination benefits visitors through reduced overlap, extended timelines, and more sophisticated offerings.
Book ice skating slots early. Arrive at RDS when venues open. Give yourself more time than estimated. Expect crowds during peak periods. Budget for impulse purchases. These aren’t revelations, but they’re the practical realities that determine whether festive visits succeed or frustrate.
Dublin delivers a genuine winter season now, not just a Christmas interlude. Make use of it.