Last updated: 11 November 2024
Feel the holiday anticipation in Bray! Discover all the exciting events and activities with our guide. Whether you're intimately familiar with Bray or just discovering it, this guide enhances your seasonal experience.
One highlight of the festive season is the Killruddery Christmas Market, where visitors can enjoy artisanal goods and seasonal treats in a charming setting. The warmth of the community shines through at Santa at Killruddery, featuring delightful experiences for children and families alike. And don’t forget, Christmas @ Killruddery is something you definitely don’t want to miss, offering an array of seasonal activities to enjoy. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Bray Holiday Light Displays
Town Centre Christmas Lights
- What to Expect
- Spectacular light and projection display in the town centre.
- Description
- The Town Centre Christmas Lights in Bray feature a stunning display of lights and projections that illuminate the Civic Plaza and surrounding buildings, creating a vibrant and festive atmosphere.
- Where
- Bray | More Info : Town Centre Christmas Lights
Christmas Projections on the Town Hall and Civic offices
- What to Expect
- Dynamic light displays on historic buildings.
- Description
- The Christmas Projections on the Town Hall and Civic offices feature vibrant light displays that transform these historic buildings into a visually stunning spectacle.
- Where
- Bray | More Info : Christmas Projections on the Town Hall and Civic offices
Bray Holiday Markets and Shopping
Killruddery Christmas Market
- What to Expect
- Hands-on Christmas activities with Santa and local artisans.
- Description
- Killruddery Christmas Market offers a variety of activities, including visiting Santa, creating Christmas decorations, and enjoying a festive clay workshop. The event features local artisans selling handmade crafts and gifts, as well as food vendors offering culinary delights. The beautiful setting includes a Grain Store with a delicious lunch option and a picturesque garden.
- Where
- Bray | More Info : Killruddery Christmas Market
Traditional Christmas Market at Dublin Castle
- What to Expect
- Unique blend of traditional crafts and festive entertainment.
- Description
- The Traditional Christmas Market at Dublin Castle features a boutique open-air market with over 25 traditional alpine stalls offering decorative crafts and gift ideas. Enjoy festive food, artisan products, and live entertainment in a festively decorated Spiegel-style marquee. The historic courtyard is filled with a vintage carousel for children, and complimentary access to the festively decorated State Apartments is included.
- Where
- Dublin | More Info : Traditional Christmas Market at Dublin Castle
Wicklow’s Christmas Market
- What to Expect
- A showcase of local artisans with handcrafted goods and seasonal delicacies.
- Description
- A vibrant gathering showcasing local artisans and their handcrafted goods, alongside delicious seasonal treats. Visitors can wander through charming stalls adorned with twinkling lights, creating a warm atmosphere perfect for holiday shopping. This market not only highlights the creativity of local vendors but also fosters a sense of community spirit in Wicklow.
- Where
- Wicklow | More Info : Wicklow’s Christmas Market
Bray Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Santa Visits the Big Top @ Rathwood
- What to Expect
- Interactive Christmas celebration with Santa and his elves.
- Description
- Join Rathwood for a special Christmas experience where Santa and his elves await. The event features a train ride through the Enchanted Forest, a spectacular musical show, and a visit to the Toy Factory where each child receives a present.
- Where
- Tullow | More Info : Santa Visits the Big Top @ Rathwood
#ChristmasInBray Spotify playlist
- What to Expect
- Seasonal music playlist with a mix of traditional and contemporary holiday songs.
- Description
- The #ChristmasInBray Spotify playlist features a curated selection of holiday tunes to set the mood for the festive season, blending classic and modern tracks.
- Where
- Bray | More Info : #ChristmasInBray Spotify playlist
Classics by Candlelight at Christ Church
- What to Expect
- Elegant live music performances by candlelight.
- Description
- Classics by Candlelight at Christ Church features live music performances in a serene and intimate setting, perfect for those who appreciate classical music in a tranquil environment.
- Where
- Bray | More Info : Classics by Candlelight at Christ Church
Christmas Movies at Mermaid
- What to Expect
- Classic Christmas film screenings with diverse age-appropriate options.
- Description
- Mermaid Arts Centre presents a variety of Christmas movies, including classics like "High Society" and "It's a Wonderful Life," offering a diverse selection for all ages.
- Where
- Bray | More Info : Christmas Movies at Mermaid
Ballet Ireland’s Nutcracker Sweeties at Mermaid
- What to Expect
- World-class ballet performance with elaborate sets and costumes.
- Description
- Ballet Ireland's Nutcracker Sweeties is a captivating ballet performance where Ciara and Fionn embark on a Christmas Eve adventure amidst the hustle and bustle of a famous Dublin department store. Choreographed by Morgann Runacre-Temple, this production features world-class dancers, beautiful costumes, and a re-imagined Tchaikovsky score, weaving a tale of wonder and joy.
- Where
- Bray | More Info : Ballet Ireland’s Nutcracker Sweeties at Mermaid
Bray Other Holiday Activities
Christmas Island @ Hidden Valley
- Interactive holiday experience with Santa's Elves and personalized visits.
- At Christmas Island @ Hidden Valley, families can embark on an exciting journey with the North Pole Express train, meet Santa's Elves, and enjoy various activities and entertainment. The event includes a personal visit with Santa, where all children receive a present, as well as opportunities for making Christmas crafts and enjoying food and drinks at The Lakehouse. The experience is further enhanced by the presence of Mrs. Claus, letters to Santa, and a Christmas cinema room.
- Rathnew | More Info : Christmas Island @ Hidden Valley
Christmas @ Killruddery
- What to Expect
- Interactive holiday workshops and Santa visits in a historic setting.
- Description
- Celebrate the holiday season at Killruddery with festive clay workshops, Christmas tree decorations, and visits to Santa Claus in his residence. Enjoy the beautiful gardens and seasonal activities amidst a historic estate.
- Where
- Bray | More Info : Christmas @ Killruddery
Visit Santa’s Cabin @ Russborough House
- What to Expect
- Zip lining and archery activities in a scenic woodland setting.
- Description
- Visit Santa’s Cabin at Russborough House, where you can follow an enchanted woodland trail, learn archery, zip line through trees, and enjoy various games and activities. The event offers panoramic views over the Blessington lakes and is perfect for a family day out.
- Where
- Blessington | More Info : Visit Santa’s Cabin @ Russborough House
Santa’s Post Box
- What to Expect
- Opportunity for children to write letters to Father Christmas.
- Description
- Santa's Post Box is a special location where children can send letters to Father Christmas, adding a personal touch to their holiday season.
- Where
- Bray | More Info : Santa’s Post Box
#ChristmasInBray Colouring competition
- What to Expect
- Colouring competition with two unique artwork sets.
- Description
- The #ChristmasInBray Colouring competition offers a fun and creative way to celebrate the holiday season with two different sets of artwork to choose from.
- Where
- Bray | More Info : #ChristmasInBray Colouring competition
Santa at Killruddery
- What to Expect
- Interactive Christmas workshops with Santa's elves.
- Description
- At Killruddery, children and adults can explore festive surroundings and participate in creative workshops with Santa's elves, creating clay ornaments and tree decorations before visiting Santa Claus himself.
- Where
- Bray | More Info : Santa at Killruddery
Purple House’s Christmas Candlelight Service
- What to Expect
- Emotional support for those affected by cancer during the holiday season.
- Description
- Purple House's Christmas Candlelight Service is a heartfelt event where those affected by cancer can come together to celebrate the holiday season in a special and meaningful way. The service features scripture readings, Christmas carols, and a moment of reflection, creating a warm and supportive atmosphere.
- Where
- Bray | More Info : Purple House’s Christmas Candlelight Service
Leopardstown Christmas Festival
- What to Expect
- Top-class National Hunt racing with live music and festive entertainment.
- Description
- The Leopardstown Christmas Festival is a four-day event filled with top-class National Hunt racing, live music, and festive entertainment. It features seven Grade 1 races, including the Grade 1 Savills Chase and the Grade 1 Leopardstown Hurdle. The festival offers a variety of attractions each day, such as the Festival Marquee and the Winning Line celebrity tipster panel. Located just 20 minutes from Dublin City Centre, it provides ample opportunities for post-race activities and nightlife.
- Where
- Dublin | More Info : Leopardstown Christmas Festival