The Festival of Light (Sunday, 25^th November)

This year's traditional Christmas Tree Light Ceremony is integrated with the Parade of Light, a series of individual parades from around the city all meeting in O'Connell Street for the lighting ceremony. A symbol of community and hope, this event will be a magical way to kickstart the Christmas season. Bring the whole family and join in with the rest of the city to celebrate Christmas.

Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer (Saturdays & Sundays in December)

Take a guided walk with Deer keepers at the Phoenix Park and meet Santa and Rudolph's cousins, the Fallow Deer, in the majestic surroundings of Europe's largest enclosed city park. Pre-booking is essential - contact the OPW contact on 01-8213021

Christmas Open Day, National Museum, Decorative Arts & History, Collins Barracks (8^th December)

For many visitors to the Museum, the festive season starts with Christmas Open Day at Collins Barracks! If you haven't been before, you are guaranteed to enjoy a day of Carols with the Lassus Scholars with Piccolo Lasso, family workshops, demonstrations and the Christmas Trail. Everyone is welcome and admission is free. For further information call 1890 687 386 or log onto www.museum.ie

Santa Santa Everywhere!  (Throughout December)

A visit to the 'City Centre Santa' is a long held and cherished tradition among many Irish families. This year there are more than ever in all the major department stores and shopping centres and also in the historical surrounding of City Hall for the second year running. 

Live Animal Crib (10^th - 24^th December)

For the 12^th year running, The Mansion House on Dawson Street will host a traditional nativity scene set with live animals in a specially constructed lifesize stable. This event has become a beloved Christmas tradition amongst families and has collected over €110,000 for the Lord Mayor's Charity Fund. Organised by the Irish Farmers Association and Dublin City Council, this event is free but everyone is invited to donate to the worthy cause.

Merrion Square Art Sale & Exhibition

Dublin's only all year round weekend outdoor market, Merrion Square Art Sale & Exhibition began 22 years ago in April 1985. Back then there were 40 artists exhibiting and now there are over 200. So if you are looking for a unique gift for someone this Christmas there are hundreds of paintings to choose from. www.dublincity.ie

Temple Bar Christmas Market (8^th, 9^th, 15^th & 16^th December)

A spectacular outdoor Christmas market in the Old City Temple Bar, Essex Street West will take place for four days only this December. Over 40 Christmas stall holders of fashion, crafts and food will take to the streets offering you that alternative gift. Contact Temple Bar Cultural Trust on 01- 6772255 or log onto www.templebar.ie for further information.

Holiday Crafts Fair (24^th& 25^th November)

Get into the holiday spirit with an extraordinary indoor crafts fair at 35 North Great George's Street. Gorgeous products from a wide range of top quality craftspeople will be available. For more information telephone 01-8788547

National Concert Hall  

The National Concert Hall is a haven for those wishing to enjoy the special spirit of the festive season. Each year there is a broad and brilliant programme of events to choose from. The 2007 Christmas programme includes Four Seasons by Candlelight, Music Making for Families, Christmas Crackers, Christmas with the Palestrina Choir, Handel's Messiah, The Snowman Movie with Craig Doyle and Christmas Carol Singalong. For further information call the National Concert Hall Box Office on (0)1 417 0000 or log onto  www.nch.ie.  

He's Behind You!

Panto is an all time family favourite tradition and this year the children won't be disappointed with the options in the city. Linda Martin will play the Evil Queen in Snow White at Liberty Hall Theatre, Jack & The Beanstalk in the Olympia Theatre and Beauty & The Beast in the Gaiety. Dates of performances vary. Please contact venue directly for times and ticket prices.

Unveiling of New Grafton St. Christmas Lights  (18^th November)

This year Dublin City Centre will be adorned with new Christmas Lights. Phase 2 of a grand plan from the city's retailers will see the streets illuminated in sophisticated lighting brought to you by the designers of the Eiffel Tower lights. New lights on Grafton St will be erected for all to see on Sunday 18^th November. 

Deck the Halls…..

The magic of the city centre at Christmas is in part generated by the festive and dulcet tones of a myriad of carol singers gathering to raise funds for their chosen charity. Don't forget Christmas is a time for giving as well as receiving.

12 Days of Christmas Festival at Docklands (12^th - 23^rd December)

Taking place from Dec 12^th - Dec 23^rd promises to be a magical festive experience for families and shoppers alike. You'll find all manner of stalls selling craft jewellery, Christmas decorations and seasonal food. Enticing gourmet treats and delicacies like cheese, cakes and other goodies will also be on sale. Log onto www.dublindocklands.ie for information.

A Czech Christmas (14^th December)

Enjoy a unique performance from the Papresk Czech Youth Choir in the historic surrounding of St Anne's Church Dawson St. An intercultural project coordinated by Dublin City Council. Log onto www.dublincity.ie for more details.