December Guide: The best events happening around Ireland this month

OXO Outset Christmas Market

1-23 December, Outset Gallery, The Corn Store, Galway

OXO will act as Ireland’s largest Christmas exhibition of 2023, providing a platform for artists based locally, nationally and internationally to exhibit their artwork in Galway city. Last year, OXO 2022 featured 110 works from 80 artists, and they’re building on that this year with 135 original artworks from over 125 artists representing a diverse range of disciplines.

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory — The Musical

From 5 December, Bord Gais Energy Theatre, Dublin

Based on the iconic story, this spectacular stage show follows the hit West End and Broadway productions to combine the memorable songs from the original 1970’s motion picture with all new numbers from the multi award-winning songwriters of Hairspray.

Christmas Crackers

6 December, Vicar Street, Dublin

Christmas Crackers is a festive variety show featuring music, comedy and drag performances from some of Ireland’s best loved personalities. The evening of divilment will be hosted by Fionnuala Jay and feature performances from well-known faces such as Michael Fry, Ali Fox, Garron Noone, Victoria Secret, Shane Daniel Byrne, Anna Clifford, Justine Stafford and more to be announced.

Christmas at the Castle 2023

6-13 December, Dublin Castle

Set in the heart of Dublin, Christmas at the Castle will have something for everyone, with a boutique open air Christmas Market, with entertainment in our festively decorated Spiegel style marquee among some of the festive offerings. The historic courtyard of Dublin Castle will be filled with over 25 traditional alpine market stalls featuring an array of decorative crafts and inspiring gift ideas. Come and indulge in traditional fare sold by artisan producers and soak up the festive atmosphere. There will be also be a vintage carousel on site for children.

Gifted at the RDS

6-10 December, RDS, Dublin

The ultimate destination for anyone interested in craft, design, unique independent brands and artisan food producers, Gifted returns to the RDS with a wide range of exciting and innovative small businesses and Irish creatives.

Cramp Your Style X The Design Collective

Join Adam Walsh and Lia Cowan, co-hosts of the Cramp Your Style podcast, at the Powerscourt Centre next Thursday for a live panel discussion with some of the incredible designers from the Design Collective. A great opportunity to discover up-and-coming Irish talent, you might also get some of your Christmas shopping done while you’re there… two birds, one stone!

Jezahel – Vampires Can’t Weld

7 December, Town Hall Theatre, Galway

Can a band of ageing ravers stay up past their bedtime for one more night to try and save the day? This feature length play dips deep into ‘90s nostalgia and hammers a square peg into the circle of life. A B-movie play over 30 years in the making that would make Roger Corman turn in his grave — if he was dead.

The Fever-Tree Frozen Woodland at Café en Seine

Until 7 December, Café en Seine, Dublin

Fever-Tree, Ireland’s number one premium mixer brand, is once again taking over Café en Seine with the absolutely fabulously festive Fever-Tree Frozen Woodland. Captivating visitors with its icy yet inviting interiors, the city centre hideaway is perfect for a warming atmosphere on a winter’s day, and the festive cocktails and tasty food menu make it even more appealing.

Wannabe — Spice Girls Show

8 December, The Button Factory, Dublin

Wannabe — The Spice Girls Show comes to Dublin for an intimate show with everything you love about this groundbreaking girl band. This talented tribute act will have you convinced you’ve taken a step back to the ‘90s as they play all the hit songs that you know and love. You’ll be singing along with Who Do You Think You Are?</i?, Viva Forever, Spice Up Your Life, and many more hits.

The Fumbally Christmas Market

8, 9&10 December, The Fumbally Stables, Dublin

If you want to get your Christmas shopping done in one fell swoop, this indoor market should absolutely be on the agenda. With rotating stalls of food producers, artists, independent crafters and creatives, stand out small businesses include The Dirt Bird, Liadain Aiken, Imara Earth, and many, many more.

The Dublin Grand Slam 2023: Danger

10 December, Abbey Theatre, Dublin

The Dublin Story Slam is an open mic competitive storytelling night hosted by Comedians Colm O’Regan & Sharon Mannion. Over the last seven years, ordinary Dubliners with extraordinary experiences have shared true personal stories onstage. This December, eight of these Story Slam Champions will be invited back to share new personal true stories and compete for the title of Grand Slam Champion. The theme for this year’s Winter Grand Slam is ‘Danger’ and will be hosted by Colm O’Regan.

Colin Horgan Pop Up

10&11 December, NHO – New Hair Order, Dublin

Taking over the beautiful space at NHO – New Hair Order, incredible Irish womenswear designer Colin Horgan will be showcasing and selling his gorgeous pieces alongside Coole Swan, with curated floral installations by Seachto. See what’s in store here.

The Baileys Treat Bar at Bewley’s

11-17 December, Bewley’s Grafton Street

Two iconic Irish brands, Baileys & Bewley’s, are coming together to offer adults a delicious treating experience in the iconic Grafton Street Café. The Baileys Treat Bar at Bewley’s is giving treat lovers the opportunity to enjoy delicious Baileys cocktails for one week only, transforming the James Joyce Room in the renowned Café into a winter paradise with cosy fires, festive décor, and most importantly, delicious treats. From a Baileys x Bewley’s Flat White Martini to a Baileys Hot Chocolate, ‘tis the season!

O Holy Night! A Concert of Seasonal Favourites

13&14 December, Choir of Christ Church Cathedral, Dublin

If you want to enjoy a seasonal choral service, let the beautiful voices of this choir inspire and entertain you as they sing a wide variety of carols, filling the air with the true Christmas spirit.

Christmas Pop! with Sing Along Social

14 December, The Sugar Club

Expect Christmas No 1s, seasonally appropriate pop, and a mini battle between the Prince and Princess of Christmas – George Michael and Mariah Carey. There’ll also be Christmas gifts awarded to the best worst singers, and the most enthusiastic dancers.

A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens

14-17 December, Pavilion Theatre, Dublin

A Christmas Carol is Aaron Monaghan and Bryan Burroughs’ playful, physical storytelling, stage adaptation of Charles Dickens’ much loved novella. Devised straight from Dickens classic text, the two acclaimed actors—Manus Halligan and Bryan Burroughs, dressed in snazzy suits—play all the characters at break-neck speed using an array of colourful hats, scarves and an Ikea coat-rack!

Damien Dempsey at Vicar Street

16&17, 19&20, 22&23 December, Vicar Street, Dublin

The legendary Vicar Street shows have become an unmissable event in the Damo live calendar. This year, he’s got six dates taking place throughout the month, so it’s a great opportunity to tick seeing an Irish legend live off your bucket list before 2024.

Merchy Christmas

16&17 December, The Grand Social, Dublin

Merchy Christmas are returning to The Grand Social for their fourth edition, bringing merch from your favourite bands under one roof in aid of a good cause. With over 500 bands selling their wares over the weekend—with a cheeky performance or two thrown into the mix—funds raised will go towards Dublin Simon Community and the Palestine Children’s Relief Fund.

Dundrum On Ice

Running throughout December, Dundrum, Dublin

Dundrum on Ice returns for another amazing ice season. Set against the backdrop of the country’s capital, Dundrum on Ice is guaranteed to be the perfect spot for all festivities this holiday season. While you’re at it, enhance the festive feel with luxurious premium hot chocolate and a selection of products created by master chocolatiers using the finest ingredients and sustainably sourced cocoa beans.

Fairytale of New York — Coming Home for Christmas

21 December, The Helix, Dublin

Direct from the West End and after two sell out tours, the ultimate feel good Irish-inspired Christmas show is back with an even bigger production for 2023. From the producers of Seven Drunken Nights — The Story of The Dubliners and featuring an international cast of singers, musicians and dancers, Fairytale of New York will have you belting out all of your favourite Christmas songs.

Naughty of Nice season

Throughout December, Pálás, Galway and Light House Cinema, Dublin

It’s the time of year to spread some cheer, so start making a film list and check it twice. For the entire month of December, Light House and Pálás are bringing the most beloved festive films and cult Christmas classics to the big screen. This year’s nice list includes Frank Capra’s iconic It’s a Wonderful Life, and 20th anniversary screenings of the utterly joyous Elf. The naughty list includes Stanley Kubrick’s mysterious Eyes Wide Shut and an annual trip to Nakatomi Tower in Die Hard.

Roddy Doyle’s Peter Pan

Running throughout December, The Gate Theatre, Dublin

This winter, the Gate Theatre is proud to present J.M. Barrie’s children’s classic Peter Pan, in a magical new version by bestselling author Roddy Doyle. Transported from Edwardian London to early 20th century Dublin, the beloved story of the Boy Who Wouldn’t Grow Up sees the Darling children, Wendy, Michael and John, whisked away to The Never Land by Peter Pan and Tinker Bell where they team up with the wild Lost Boys to battle the sinister Captain Hook and his right-hand man, Smee.

The Gaiety Panto: Cinderella

Running throughout December, The Gaiety, Dublin

The Gaiety Theatre has announced Cinderella, the most loved fairytale of them all, as this year’s Pantomime. Bursting at the seams with Panto antics, song and dance, breathtaking costumes and mesmerising magic, this updated rags to riches tale will show us what dreams are really made of… and a dream isn’t just a wish your heart makes. As always, true love finds a way and good conquers evil in this enchanting story, because there’s no room for bullies at the ball.

Feature image by Johan Persson, via Bord Gais Energy Theatre.