There’s something special about Christmas in Dublin. The streets light up, theatres fill with festive shows, pubs get a little cosier and Christmas markets bring food, music and seasonal atmosphere to neighbourhoods across the city.
And in 2026, Smithfield is right at the heart of it.
From TwinkleTown at Smithfield Square to Christmas at the Guinness Storehouse, festive theatre, whiskey experiences and nights out around Dublin 7, there are plenty of reasons to plan a December city break.
Staying at The Hendrick Smithfield puts you close to many of Dublin’s festive experiences while giving you a neighbourhood base with the Luas Red Line nearby for exploring the rest of the city.
Here are 10 things to do in Dublin during Christmas 2026
1. Experience TwinkleTown at Smithfield Square
If you’re staying at The Hendrick this Christmas, one of Dublin’s biggest festive experiences is right in the neighbourhood.
TwinkleTown Smithfield Square runs from 20 November to 31 December 2026, bringing Christmas entertainment and activities into the heart of Dublin 7.
Visitors can expect attractions including:
- Ice skating
- Santo Panto
- The Big Wheel
- Craft Market
- Festive food and drink
- TwinkleTavern
- Funfair attractions
- Live entertainment
Entry to TwinkleTown itself is free and all ages are welcome, although individual attractions may require tickets.
TwinkleTown is also expanding across Dublin in 2026, with a second festive experience at St Patrick’s Park from 27 November to 23 December.
The two locations are around a 20-minute walk apart, making it possible to experience both as part of a festive day in Dublin.
Stay near TwinkleTown Smithfield
With The Hendrick based in Smithfield, you can experience the festivities and then head back to the hotel without having to cross the city.
Start with TwinkleTown, grab dinner or drinks around Smithfield and finish your evening at The Hendrick.
For 2026, we’re also delighted to be working in partnership with TwinkleTown, bringing The Hendrick even closer to the festive atmosphere in Smithfield.
2. See Dublin’s Christmas Lights
Sometimes the simplest Christmas activities are the best.
Wrap up and take an evening walk through Dublin to see the city dressed for the festive season.
Head towards Grafton Street for one of Dublin’s classic Christmas scenes, then explore the surrounding streets, shop windows and city-centre decorations.
Combine it with Christmas shopping, dinner or a festive drink and you’ve got an easy evening itinerary without needing to book a major attraction.
Christmas walking tip
Start in Smithfield and make your way towards the city centre, or use the Luas Red Line for part of your journey if the December weather has other ideas.
3. Experience Christmas at the Guinness Storehouse
The Guinness Storehouse gets a festive transformation for Christmas.
For 2026, the attraction is promoting its festive programme across its seven floors, including seasonal sights and sounds, live music and its Christmas experience at Gravity Bar.
There are also dedicated Christmas Nights at Gravity, combining Dublin skyline views with festive food, cocktails and DJ sets on selected dates.
Whether you’re visiting for the classic Storehouse experience or making it part of a Christmas night out, it’s one of Dublin’s most distinctive festive attractions.
Finish at the famous Gravity Bar and take in the Dublin skyline before heading back towards Smithfield.
4. See Robin Hood at the Gaiety Panto
Few things say Christmas in Dublin quite like the Gaiety Panto.
For Christmas 2026, Robin Hood – The Gaiety Panto runs from 22 November 2026 to 3 January 2027.
The Gaiety Theatre has been hosting its annual Christmas pantomime since 1873, making it a long-standing Dublin festive tradition.
If you’re visiting with family or simply love a proper Christmas pantoit’s an easy addition to a festive Dublin itinerary.
Booking ahead is recommended, particularly for popular December performances.
5. Warm Up with Coffee or Hot Chocolate in Dublin 7
Not every Christmas activity needs an itinerary.
Sometimes you just need somewhere warm.
Smithfield and neighbouring Stoneybatter have become brilliant neighbourhoods for independent cafés, brunch and speciality coffee.
Stop into local favourites such as Urbanity, Third Space or Proper Order for a warming coffee, hot chocolate or seasonal treat between exploring Dublin.
Then take some time to wander around Smithfield and Stoneybatter rather than rushing straight back into the city centre.
6. Visit Jameson Distillery Bow St.
You don’t have to travel far from The Hendrick for one of Dublin’s best-known visitor experiences.
Jameson Distillery Bow St. is located in Smithfield, making it an easy addition to your Christmas itinerary.
Learn about the story of Jameson, discover Irish whiskey and enjoy one of the experiences available at the historic Bow Street location.
It’s particularly handy on those colder or wetter December afternoons when an indoor Dublin attraction starts sounding very appealing.
And when you’re finished, you’re already in Smithfield with restaurants, bars and The Hendrick nearby.
7. Enjoy Christmas Food, Drinks & Live Music in Smithfield
Christmas in Dublin isn’t just about attractions.
Leave some space in the itinerary for food, drinks and music.
Smithfield and Stoneybatter give you plenty to choose from, whether you’re looking for dinner, cocktails, a pint, casual food or somewhere to continue the evening.
Explore places such as Fidelity Bar & Studio / Sister 7, Mi Casa, Fish Shop, Bonobo and the wider Dublin 7 food scene.
You can also start or finish the evening with a drink at The Hendrick Bar.
For more inspiration, explore our Where to Eat in Smithfield & Stoneybatter guide.
8. Go Christmas Shopping in Dublin
Need to finish or start your Christmas shopping?
Dublin gives you a mix of major shopping streets, department stores, independent businesses and Christmas craft markets.
Explore Grafton Street and the surrounding city centre, head towards Henry Street or browse the independent shops and businesses found throughout Dublin’s neighbourhoods.
TwinkleTown’s Craft Market can also be worked into your Smithfield Christmas itinerary.
Staying at The Hendrick means you can head back to the hotel, drop off the shopping bags and go straight back out for dinner.
9. Make a Festive Day of Smithfield & Stoneybatter
One of the best ways to experience Dublin is to spend less time racing between landmarks and more time exploring its neighbourhoods.
Start around Smithfield Square, experience TwinkleTown, visit Jameson Distillery Bow St. and then wander towards neighbouring Stoneybatter.
Stop for coffee, browse local businesses, have lunch or dinner and finish the evening with a drink or some live music.
You’ll experience a more local side of Dublin while still being within easy reach of the city’s biggest attractions.
What else is near Smithfield?
From The Hendrick, your Dublin itinerary can also include:
- Collins Barracks
- Phoenix Park
- Guinness Storehouse
- River Liffey
- Temple Bar
- Dublin city centre
It makes Smithfield a particularly useful base if you want to combine Christmas events with Dublin sightseeing.
10. Turn Christmas in Dublin into a City Break at The Hendrick
After the Christmas markets, shopping, festive drinks and miles of exploring, you’ll appreciate having somewhere comfortable to recharge.
Our newly refreshed bedrooms at The Hendrick Smithfield are compact, cleverly designed spaces created for modern Dublin city stays.
Your room includes
- Premium King Koil mattress
- Crisp European cotton sheets
- Blackout blinds
- Individually controlled air conditioning
- High-speed Wi-Fi
- Chromecast-enabled smart TV
- GROHE Power & Soul shower
- Rituals toiletries
- Tea and coffee facilities
- In-room safe
- USB and international plugs
- Clever under-bed storage
Wake up the following morning and start again with our Full Irish Hot Breakfast, alongside continental options, fresh coffee, pastries, fruit and lighter choices.
Planning a Christmas Weekend in Dublin?
If you’re staying for two nights, here’s an easy way to bring everything together.
Day 1 – A Smithfield Christmas
Morning: Arrive in Dublin and explore Smithfield and Stoneybatter.
Afternoon: Visit Jameson Distillery Bow St. and stop for coffee around Dublin 7.
Evening: Experience TwinkleTown Smithfield, followed by dinner and drinks locally.
Day 2 – Classic Christmas Dublin
Morning: Enjoy breakfast at The Hendrick before visiting the Guinness Storehouse.
Afternoon: Head into Dublin city centre for Christmas shopping and festive lights.
Evening: See Robin Hood at the Gaiety Panto, explore Dublin after dark or return to Smithfield for dinner and drinks.
That’s Christmas in Dublin without trying to squeeze the entire city into a few hours.
Where to Stay for Christmas in Dublin
If you want to be close to Dublin’s Christmas activities without staying directly on the busiest city-centre streets, Smithfield makes a convenient base.
At The Hendrick you’ll have:
- TwinkleTown Smithfield nearby
- Smithfield Luas stop on the Red Line
- Jameson Distillery Bow St. in the neighbourhood
- Restaurants, cafés and pubs throughout Smithfield and Stoneybatter
- Easy access to Dublin city centre
- Guinness Storehouse within easy reach
- Newly refreshed bedrooms
- Full Irish Hot Breakfast available
- The Hendrick Bar downstairs
You’ll also get to experience a neighbourhood with its own personality rather than seeing only Dublin’s traditional tourist centre.
Save 15% with The Hendrick Autumn Sale
Already thinking about your Christmas getaway?
Plan ahead and save 15% on your stay with The Hendrick’s Autumn Sale.
Whether you’re coming to Dublin for TwinkleTown, Christmas shopping, a festive show, a December concert, a couples’ weekend or simply a pre-Christmas city break, make The Hendrick Smithfield your Dublin base.
Book direct and save 15% while our Autumn Sale is available.
Offer availability and eligible stay dates are subject to the current Autumn Sale terms and conditions.
FAQs About Christmas in Dublin 2026
What are the best things to do in Dublin at Christmas?
Popular Christmas activities include visiting TwinkleTown Smithfield, seeing Dublin’s Christmas lights, visiting the Guinness Storehouse, seeing the Gaiety Panto, Christmas shopping, exploring Jameson Distillery Bow St. and enjoying Dublin’s food, pubs and live music.
When is TwinkleTown Smithfield open in 2026?
TwinkleTown at Smithfield Square runs from 20 November to 31 December 2026. TwinkleTown at St Patrick’s Park runs from 27 November to 23 December 2026.
Is TwinkleTown free?
General entry to TwinkleTown is free and all ages are welcome. Some individual attractions and experiences may require separate tickets.
Where should I stay for TwinkleTown Dublin?
The Hendrick is located in Smithfield, Dublin 7, making it a convenient base for visiting TwinkleTown at Smithfield Square and exploring the surrounding neighbourhood.
What Christmas panto is on in Dublin in 2026?
The Gaiety Theatre’s Christmas panto for 2026 is Robin Hood, running from 22 November 2026 until 3 January 2027.
Is the Guinness Storehouse open at Christmas?
The Guinness Storehouse operates during the Christmas season and has a dedicated festive programme for 2026. Opening hours and availability can vary around Christmas, so check the official website when booking.
Is Dublin worth visiting in December?
Yes. December combines Dublin’s year-round attractions with Christmas lights, festive entertainment, markets, theatre, seasonal food and Christmas shopping. Staying for two or three nights gives you time to experience both the city centre and neighbourhoods such as Smithfield and Stoneybatter.
Is Smithfield a good place to stay at Christmas?
Smithfield is particularly convenient during Christmas 2026 because TwinkleTown takes place at Smithfield Square. The neighbourhood also has restaurants, cafés, pubs, Jameson Distillery Bow St. and Luas connections to other parts of Dublin.
Is The Hendrick close to Dublin city centre?
The Hendrick is located in Smithfield, Dublin 7, with the city centre accessible on foot or via public transport. Smithfield Luas stop is on the Red Line.