What's Happening in Dublin this weekend (December 8th) - Free Events

We’re rounded up five cool things happening this week in Dublin for Free!

Christmas at the Castle has launched, and how cool is that! This years event is non ticketed, but there are also a handful of other markets that are taking place this week as well as live music around the city.

We’ve got 5 cool things to do in Dublin this weekend!

• Christmas at the Castle

• Ardgillan Castle Christmas Fair

• Dublin Winter Lights

• Sustainable Christmas Craft Market at the National Botanic Gardens

• Stillgarden Christmas Market

Christmas at the Castle

Now until the 19th - 12-9 - Dublin Castle

Found in the grounds of the historic Dublin Castle, this is Dublin’s only Bavarian style market. With wooden huts showcasing the finest of Irish craft designers. It is not long until you find a tasty treat that is synonymous Christmas markets across the globe.  

Christmas in the Castle 2023 will open on the 6th – 19th December (inclusive) and it will run from 12 noon until 9pm. Dublin Castle have just announced that Christams in the Castle 2023 will be unticketed. Meaning you do not need to prebook! In previous years, it was free but you had to get a ticket which meant that many missed out.

At Christmas in the Castle there will be live music from local acts and maybe a couple of well-known performers. You can entertain the little ones on the vintage carousel ride while indulging in a glass of mulled craft cider from the open-air bar.  

The State Apartments are also open during the market hours.  Take some extra time to walk through history at the Castle. From century old paintings to historical furniture with a real story behind it, Dublin’s culture is alive and well even at peak festivity.  

Ardgillan Castle Christmas Fair

Sunday 10th of Dec - Ardgillan Castle - 10 - 4pm

Mellow in the ultimate festive cheer at Ardgillan Castle in December. The Castle will host a Christmas Gift Fair on Sunday the 10th of December from 1pm until 5pm. 

Choose gifts from unique local craftspeople including jewellery, artworks and festive inspired wood carvings. The event will have a wonderful piece of entertainment from Balbriggan Gospel Choir and an exhibition of some of the local artists recent works. There will be mulled wine and Christmas snacks available on the day in the Castle Cafe.

Ardgillan has recently received a lot of TV coverage including the blockbuster Gothic tale "Lies we tell" as well as being featured on RTE's "Spooked". Currently there is a major film being recorded, which is set to end just as the Castle Christmas Fair begins.

If you have an event to share or to support The Dublin Buzz and have a shout out, you can contact me here! 

Dublin Winter Lights

All Around the City - Until New Years Eve

For the month of December, Dublin will once again be illuminated in festive projections and lighting displays. Notable buildings, bridges and parks will feature light shows that cater to all ages.

The showcase will also introduce new installations at landmarks such as O’Connell Street, Bank of Ireland College Green, Central Bank Plaza, and the Ha’penny Bridge.

This year’s programme will feature designs from national and international digital artists. The locations are:

1. The Spire

2. GPO (General Post Office)

3. O’Connell Street (trees and statues)

4. Custom House

5. Samuel Becket Bridge

6. Trinity College

7. Bank of Ireland College Green

8. Central Bank Plaza

9. Ha’Penny Bridge

10. Milennium Bridge

11. Barnardos Square / City Hall ( Children’s Art Compition)

12. Merrion Square Park (From 1st Dec-22nd Dec inclusive)

13. Mansion House

Sustainable Christmas Craft Market at the National Botanic Gardens

9th & 10th of December - 10-4pm - Botantic Gardens

I love the National Botanic Gardens in the warmer months of the year. However even in the depths of winter, a visit to such beautiful gardens offers a hint of Christmas cheer.  

In the Gardens, there are stalls both indoors and outdoors against the backdrop of the historic glasshouses. You will find over 85 stalls featuring an array of sustainable gift ideas, decorative craft, and tasty seasonal treats. 

The craft fair will take place on the 9th and 10th of December and there is no need for tickets.

Stillgarden Christmas Market

9th & 10th of December - 11-4pm - Stillgarden Distillery

A Christmas Market in the heart of Dublin 8 showcasing a variety of products & crafts from talented vendors.

The market has a very impressive lineup of Vendors who will showcase the very best of Handmade Skincare, Art, Crafts, Illustrations, and homeware.

If you fancy a tipple as you mosey around the stalls, there will be a Stillagarden Distillery bar in the market serving traditional mulled drinks with a Stillgarden Twist.

The perfect Saturday family (& doggy) friendly activity & serves as the perfect opportunity to support small businesses & while doing your Christmas shopping! 

No need for tickets for this one!

If you would like to support the Dublin Buzz from as little as €2 then you can do so now

Please share this event guide with your friends or family who might enjoy some of the events in here!

We’re working on something new to bring to the free events scene in Dublin and hope to publish soon.

If you have an event to share or to support The Dublin Buzz and have a shout out, you can contact me here! 

Snap of the Week

I went to see the brilliant Amble this week in the Sugar Club, give their new song ‘Mary’s Bar’ a blast!