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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Top Holiday Events In and Around Dundalk
- Christmas Lights Switch-On (Dublin)
- Elf Town (Dublin)
- Wonderlights at Malahide Castle (Malahide)
- Dún Laoghaire Christmas Festival (Dún Laoghaire)
- Moving Crib (Dublin)
- Leopardstown Christmas Festival (Leopardstown)
- Jingle Fest at Emerald Park (Ashbourne)
- Believe at Fota Island Resort (Fota Island)
- Christmas at the Movies (Dublin)
- Fairytale of New York (Dublin)
See these and even more events listed below!
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
Galway Christmas Market
What to Expect:
Traditional Irish handmade crafts and festive food.
Description:
The Galway Christmas Market in Eyre Square features over 50 wooden chalets offering artisan products, festive food, and unique gifts. Enjoy amusement rides, live music, and family-friendly activities like Santa’s Express Train and Santa’s postbox.
Where: Galway | More Info: Galway Christmas Market
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
Winterval in Waterford
What to Expect:
Diverse range of free and ticketed events for all ages.
Description:
Winterval in Waterford is Ireland's largest Christmas festival, featuring over 60 events including music performances, festive family attractions, and seasonal surprises. The festival transforms Waterford into a vibrant celebration with both free and ticketed events for all ages.
Where: Waterford | More Info: Winterval in Waterford
Limerick Christmas Racing Festival
What to Expect:
Top-class Jumps Racing and family-friendly activities.
Description:
Limerick Christmas Racing Festival is a four-day event featuring top-class Jumps Racing, live music, and family-friendly activities. Highlights include the Doran's Pride Grade 2 Novice Hurdle, Dawn Run Grade 2 Novice Steeplechase, and a Family Fun Day with children's amusements and entertainers.
Where: Limerick | More Info: Limerick Christmas Racing Festival
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
Dún Laoghaire Christmas Festival
What to Expect:
Sustainable Santa experience with interactive museum activities.
Description:
The Dún Laoghaire Christmas Festival features a wide range of activities for all ages, including a sustainable Santa experience at the National Maritime Museum, charity carol singing, and a traditional Christmas family funfair. The event also includes Ireland's largest ice-skating rink and decorated shop windows around the town.
Where: Dún Laoghaire | More Info: Dún Laoghaire Christmas Festival
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
Leopardstown Christmas Festival
What to Expect:
Prestigious horse racing with live music and course-wide entertainment.
Description:
The Leopardstown Christmas Festival is a four-day event featuring exciting National Hunt racing, including seven Grade 1 races. It offers course-wide entertainment and live music in the festival marquee every day, making it a hot-spot for post-Christmas get-togethers.
Where: Leopardstown | More Info: Leopardstown Christmas Festival
Believe at Fota Island Resort
What to Expect:
Exclusive Santa visits and luxurious holiday dining.
Description:
Fota Island Resort offers a luxurious holiday experience with festive decorations, fairy lights, and decadent seasonal menus. Guests can enjoy 5-star luxury and create unforgettable memories with family and friends. The resort partners with Fota House to offer Santa visits for residential guests.