Celebrate Christmas & New Year in Dublin 2026 at The Hendrick Smithfield
Planning a Christmas break in Dublin or a city escape over New Year? Dublin takes on a different atmosphere during the festive season, with Christmas lights, seasonal events, live entertainment, shopping, cosy pubs and plenty of reasons to explore the city.
Stay at The Hendrick Smithfield and you’ll have a stylish Dublin 7 base close to the festive action, while still being able to experience the neighbourhood feel of Smithfield and Stoneybatter.
Whether you’re visiting for a Christmas getaway, a December weekend with friends, a couple’s city break or New Year’s Eve in Dublin, here’s how to make the most of the festive season.
Experience Christmas in Smithfield
Christmas in Dublin doesn’t have to mean spending your entire trip around the busiest city-centre streets.
Smithfield gives you a different side of Dublin, combining historic streets, independent cafés and restaurants, traditional pubs, culture and excellent transport connections.
From The Hendrick, you can explore Smithfield and neighbouring Stoneybatter on foot before travelling further into Dublin using the Luas Red Line.
And during the festive season, there’s another reason to stay local.
Discover TwinkleTown in Smithfield
Christmas festivities come right into the neighbourhood with TwinkleTown in Smithfield, making The Hendrick a convenient base for visitors who want to experience the area’s festive atmosphere.
We’re also delighted to be working in partnership with TwinkleTown, bringing The Hendrick even closer to the Christmas celebrations happening around Smithfield.
Make an afternoon or evening of it: explore the festive experience, grab something to eat or drink locally and then head back to The Hendrick to warm up and unwind.
Planning note: Check the official TwinkleTown programme before your visit for confirmed 2026 dates, opening times, activities and ticket information.
Staying near TwinkleTown
Staying at The Hendrick means you don’t need to travel across Dublin to return to your hotel after exploring Smithfield.
Our location also puts you within easy reach of some of Dublin’s best-known attractions, including:
- Jameson Distillery Bow St.
- Guinness Storehouse
- Collins Barracks
- Phoenix Park
- Stoneybatter
- Temple Bar and Dublin city centre
Explore Dublin’s Christmas Lights & Festive Atmosphere
Wrap up, grab a coffee and explore Dublin after dark.
Christmas is a great time for a walk through the city, with festive decorations, illuminated streets, seasonal shopping and events creating a completely different atmosphere from the rest of the year.
From Smithfield, you can continue towards the city centre and explore areas such as Temple Bar, Grafton Street, Henry Street and Dublin’s historic streets.
If the weather decides not to cooperate it is Dublin, after all museums, galleries, distillery experiences, cafés and cosy pubs provide plenty of indoor alternatives.
Christmas Shopping in Dublin
Coming to Dublin for some Christmas shopping?
From independent businesses and local finds around Dublin 7 to the larger shopping areas of Henry Street and Grafton Street, there’s plenty to explore.
Staying in Smithfield also gives you easy access to the city without having to stay directly among the busiest shopping streets.
Drop the bags back at the hotel, recharge and head out again for dinner or drinks.
Eat, Drink & Enjoy Smithfield at Christmas
A December trip to Dublin deserves good food and a few festive drinks.
Smithfield and neighbouring Stoneybatter have developed into one of Dublin’s most interesting areas for food, coffee and nightlife.
You’ll find everything from casual cafés and brunch spots to restaurants, traditional pubs, cocktails and live music.
Local options include Fidelity Bar & Studio / Sister 7, Urbanity, Third Space, Fish Shop, Mi Casa, Bonobo and plenty more across Dublin 7.
You can also stay closer to home and enjoy a drink at The Hendrick Bar before or after exploring the city.
For more inspiration, link this section to your Where to Eat in Smithfield & Stoneybatter guide.
Celebrate New Year’s Eve in Dublin
Christmas might be over, but Dublin isn’t finished celebrating.
New Year’s Eve in Dublin brings another wave of live entertainment and celebrations to the city.
If you’re planning to welcome 2027 in Dublin, staying in Smithfield means you can enjoy the city’s New Year atmosphere while having a comfortable base to return to afterwards.
Official New Year’s Festival programmes, locations, timings and ticketing can change each year, so check the official NYF Dublin programme when planning your night.
Make it a New Year city break
Don’t rush home on 1 January.
Stay another night and spend the first day of 2027 exploring Dublin at a slower pace. Take a walk around Phoenix Park, explore Stoneybatter, visit a Dublin attraction or simply find somewhere cosy for coffee and brunch.
Stay at The Hendrick This Christmas
After a full day exploring Dublin, come back to a room designed to help you recharge.
Our newly refreshed bedrooms combine smart use of space with the essentials for a comfortable Dublin city break.
What’s included in your room?
Rooms at The Hendrick feature:
- Premium King Koil mattresses
- Crisp European cotton sheets
- Blackout blinds
- Individually controlled air conditioning
- High-speed Wi-Fi
- Chromecast-enabled smart TVs
- GROHE Power & Soul showers
- Rituals toiletries
- Tea and coffee facilities
- In-room safe
- USB and international plugs
- Clever under-bed storage
Wake up refreshed and get ready for another day in Dublin.
Start Your Morning with a Full Irish Breakfast
Before heading back out into the city, start your morning at The Hendrick.
Our breakfast offering includes a Full Irish Hot Breakfast alongside continental options, fresh coffee, pastries, fruit and lighter choices.
Whether you’ve got a full day of Christmas shopping planned or you’re recovering from New Year’s Eve celebrations, breakfast makes for an easy start before heading back into Dublin.
Autumn Sale – Save 15% on Your Dublin Stay
Planning ahead for your festive Dublin getaway?
Take advantage of The Hendrick Autumn Sale and save 15% on your stay.
It’s a great opportunity to get your Christmas or winter Dublin break in the diary while our seasonal offer is available.
Whether you’re planning:
- A Christmas shopping break
- A festive weekend with friends
- A couples’ Dublin getaway
- A TwinkleTown visit
- A December concert or show
- A New Year’s city break
Book direct with The Hendrick and save 15% with our Autumn Sale.
Offer availability and applicable stay dates are subject to the current Autumn Sale terms and conditions.
Why Stay at The Hendrick for Christmas in Dublin?
Choosing where to stay can make a big difference to a Christmas city break.
At The Hendrick, you’ll have:
- A Smithfield, Dublin 7 location
- Easy access to the Luas Red Line
- TwinkleTown and Smithfield festivities nearby
- Restaurants, cafés and pubs around Smithfield and Stoneybatter
- Convenient access to Dublin city centre
- Newly refreshed bedrooms
- Full Irish hot breakfast available
- The Hendrick Bar downstairs
- Easy access to Jameson Distillery Bow St., Guinness Storehouse and other Dublin attractions
And instead of staying in a generic city-centre hotel, you’ll be based in one of Dublin’s most distinctive neighbourhoods.
FAQs About Christmas & New Year in Dublin 2026
Is Dublin worth visiting at Christmas?
Yes. Christmas brings festive lights, seasonal events, shopping, entertainment and a lively atmosphere to Dublin. It’s also a good time to combine major city-centre attractions with Dublin neighbourhoods such as Smithfield and Stoneybatter.
Where should I stay for Christmas in Dublin?
Smithfield is a convenient option for a Christmas break because it combines restaurants, pubs, attractions and neighbourhood atmosphere with access to Dublin city centre. The Hendrick Smithfield is located in Dublin 7 close to Smithfield Square and the Luas Red Line.
Is The Hendrick close to TwinkleTown?
The Hendrick is located in Smithfield, making it a convenient hotel base for experiencing TwinkleTown and other activities taking place around the neighbourhood.
What can I do near The Hendrick at Christmas?
Nearby attractions and neighbourhoods include Jameson Distillery Bow St., Smithfield Square, Stoneybatter, Collins Barracks, Phoenix Park and Guinness Storehouse, with Dublin city centre also easily accessible.
Is The Hendrick close to Dublin city centre?
Yes. The Hendrick is based in Smithfield, Dublin 7, with Dublin city centre accessible on foot or via the Luas Red Line from Smithfield.
Can I get the Luas from Smithfield?
Yes. Smithfield Luas stop is on the Red Line, providing connections across Dublin and making it convenient to explore the city without relying on a car.
Does The Hendrick serve breakfast?
Yes. Guests can start their morning with a Full Irish Hot Breakfast, with continental items and lighter breakfast choices also available.
Is The Hendrick suitable for a New Year’s Eve break in Dublin?
Yes. The Hendrick provides a Smithfield base for visitors celebrating New Year’s Eve in Dublin, with public transport connections and access to restaurants, bars and the wider city.
Does The Hendrick have a Christmas hotel offer?
Guests planning ahead can currently save 15% with The Hendrick’s Autumn Sale, subject to the offer’s applicable dates, availability and terms.
What are the rooms like at The Hendrick Smithfield?
The Hendrick’s refreshed bedrooms are compact and cleverly designed for city stays, with King Koil mattresses, blackout blinds, air conditioning, Chromecast-enabled TVs, high-speed Wi-Fi, GROHE showers, Rituals toiletries and under-bed storage.