By Donna Dunne
December 8th is the day the farmers come to the ‘big smoke’ to do their shopping and a massive day out for people from all corners of Ireland. But living in Dublin means it’s not such a novelty. Just a day to avoid an unusually busy town, if we’re honest. There is, however, a line-up of events across Dublin for us Dubliners to anticipate.
Usually every Christmas it’s Funderland that takes place in the RDS, but this year Christmas Wonderland is there from the 6th of December to the 12th of January. Santa’s Christmas Circus, Funderland, i-skate on ice, Conor Lambert’s Custard Pie Puppet Theatre Show, a continental market, Guy Barrett (the illusionist) and Jingle Towns Grotto where children will step into a fantasy world full of exciting action and will entertain all ages.
More info here:
christmaswonderland.ie
The Docklands is such a charming place during Christmas, especially when it’s lit up, so it’s no wonder the Docklands Christmas Festival is running for its ninth consecutive year on George’s Dock. The market, runs from the 12th to the 23rd of December offering a wide range, from pottery, jewellery, woollen scarves to hand-crafted candles and seaweed cosmetics, amongst other festive, traditional crafts. There are also a wide range of performances to check out during the festival such as St. Patricks N.S Diswelltown Choir, Brazil Rock and The Afrobeat Orchestra. If that’s not enough and you’re feeling a bit peckish, there’s loads of food stalls to choose from.
More info here:
dublindocklandschristmasfestival.ie
The Musical Youth Foundation’s mission: to provide every child in Ireland with a musical education. A Funk and Soul Christmas gig is being held on the 20th December in Aid of The Musical Youth Foundation in the Button Factory. Soul Power and The Goods are to headline the Christmas Fundraiser. This will be a funk and soul night to remember but also to raise awareness and funding for a great foundation. Doors open at 7.30pm.
More info here:
musicalyouthfoundation.org
O’Reilly’s Pub in Sandymount are having a Christmas Party night on December 14th with a DJ and some live music. They will also be selling Santa Hats on the night for Temple Street Hospital.
For more info visit: O’Reilly’s Pub Facebook page.
For anyone who wants to gamble their money this year on a few horses or a lot of horses, Leopardstown Christmas Festival runs from the 26th to the 29th December.
More info:
leopardstown.com/Leopardstown/Fixtures/Christmas-Festival-in-2013
The Ultimate Gathering is Dublin’s much-anticipated final gathering and farewell to 2013. The festival will be taking place at College Green and Dame Street to ring in the New Year with a musical line-up of Madness and Ryan Sheridan and other exciting performers yet to be named.
More info here:
thegatheringireland.com
If you fancy something different, Funky Seomra is hosting an event for NYE in the RDS concert hall in which people celebrate without alcohol or drugs. This is their biggest night of the year, with live musicians, four DJ’s and many more acts that are yet to be announced.
More info here:
dancefree.ie
Image courtesy of Dublin Docklands Christmas Festival, running from 12 to 23 December.
