Last updated: 11 November 2024
Discover the key highlights of the holidays in Dundalk. Our guide has all the essential festive events and activities. Whether you're rediscovering Dundalk or seeing it with fresh eyes, our guide maximizes your festive potential.
One of the season’s not-to-miss happenings is the Christmas Lights Switch-On, where the town transforms into a sparkling wonderland, illuminating the streets with festive cheer. With activities for all ages, Elf Town offers a whimsical experience filled with interactive fun for families. And don't forget the enchanting experience at Wonderlights at Malahide Castle, featuring a stunning display of lights that brings the grounds to life. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Dundalk Holiday Light Displays
Christmas Lights Switch-On
- What to Expect
- Dynamic light projections on iconic landmarks.
- Description
- Dublin City Council's Winter Lights festival transforms the city centre with epic light features on iconic landmarks, buildings, bridges, and trees throughout Merrion Square Park. This event features specially commissioned dynamic, colourful, and imaginative light projections by leading artists.
- Where
- Dublin | More Info : Christmas Lights Switch-On
Wonderlights at Malahide Castle
- What to Expect
- Immersive light and sound experience in a historic setting.
- Description
- At Malahide Castle, Wonderlights transforms the historic venue into a dazzling landscape with spectacular lighting displays and immersive projections. The event features captivating projections and immersive displays, making it an inclusive experience for all ages. Each location includes an Alpine Village with hot food and festive treats.
- Where
- Malahide | More Info : Wonderlights at Malahide Castle
Dundalk Holiday Markets and Shopping
Dublin Christmas Markets
- What to Expect
- Showcasing local artisans and offering a delightful selection of traditional foods.
- Description
- A vibrant celebration showcasing a variety of local artisans and delicious festive treats. Visitors can stroll through beautifully decorated stalls, sampling traditional foods and purchasing unique handcrafted gifts. Live music performances add to the lively atmosphere, making it an inviting experience for all ages.
- Where
- Dublin | More Info : Dublin Christmas Markets
Traditional Christmas Market at Dublin Castle
- What to Expect
- Artisan crafts and local foods in a historic castle setting.
- Description
- The Traditional Christmas Market at Dublin Castle features a variety of artisanal goods, festive food stalls, and live entertainment. Visitors can wander through beautifully decorated stalls offering handmade crafts, local delicacies, and seasonal treats while soaking up the vibrant atmosphere. The event showcases the rich heritage and community spirit of the area, providing a delightful experience for all.
- Where
- Dublin | More Info : Traditional Christmas Market at Dublin Castle
Dundalk Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Jingle Fest at Emerald Park
- What to Expect
- Immersive winter adventure with festive activities and character meet-and-greets.
- Description
- Jingle Fest at Emerald Park offers a full-day winter adventure with activities like walking through Festive Fairy Woods, participating in a Christmas singalong on the Candy Lane Train, and enjoying special performances by The Hollybops, Boogie Woogies, and Hoopixie. The event includes meet-and-greets with Christmas characters, Santa letter posting, and a fun-filled festive live show in the Big Top Tree Tent. Visitors can also access the zoo, playgrounds, and over 10 attractions in the Jolly Junior Zone.
- Where
- Ashbourne | More Info : Jingle Fest at Emerald Park
Christmas at the Movies
- What to Expect
- Live orchestral performance of iconic Christmas film music.
- Description
- The Dublin Concert Orchestra performs timeless classics from beloved festive films like "The Polar Express," "Elf," "Home Alone," and "Love Actually" in a concert that features music from the films only, without any film extracts.
- Where
- Dublin | More Info : Christmas at the Movies
Fairytale of New York
- What to Expect
- World-class Irish music and dance performance.
- Description
- Fairytale of New York is an Irish-inspired Christmas concert featuring international cast members, including favorite Christmas songs and traditional Irish tunes.
- Where
- Dublin | More Info : Fairytale of New York
A Christmas Carol
- What to Expect
- Energetic musical adaptation with Disney's award-winning composer.
- Description
- A heart-warming musical adaptation of Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol," featuring beautiful music by Alan Menken and Lynn Ahrens, with a plethora of leading and featured roles for young and old.
- Where
- Dublin | More Info : A Christmas Carol
This Way to Christmas
- What to Expect
- Live performance of The Snowman with the NCH Christmas Orchestra.
- Description
- This Way to Christmas Featuring The Snowman is a heartwarming seasonal show hosted by Louis Lovett, featuring the NCH Christmas Orchestra and conductor Fergus Sheil. The event includes parading nutcrackers, classic Christmas songs, and festive dance, followed by a screening of The Snowman with Howard Blake’s score performed live by the Christmas Orchestra. Special guests add to the festive atmosphere.
- Where
- Dublin | More Info : This Way to Christmas
Dundalk Other Holiday Activities
Elf Town
- What to Expect
- Private visits with Santa and personalized postcards.
- Description
- Elf Town is a 75-minute Christmas experience where families explore the world of wondrous elves, meet Santa, and enjoy various festive activities.
- Where
- Dublin | More Info : Elf Town
Moving Crib
- What to Expect
- Historical and interactive Nativity scenes with animatronics.
- Description
- The Moving Crib is a historic and entertaining Christmas attraction featuring beautifully crafted Nativity scenes and animatronic characters, offering a delightful experience filled with historical significance and whimsical fun.
- Where
- Dublin | More Info : Moving Crib