Dublin promises to be transformed into a winter wonderland this Christmas with a programme of events ranging from light shows and elf hunts to chocolate festivals all planned for the holiday period.
The festivities will begin on November 21st with the switching on ceremony of the winter street lights.
The LED lights will be switched on at Grafton Street (3.30pm), Henry Street (4.15pm) and O’Connell Street (6.00pm) and the day will feature Christmas carols, a 3D light projection show on the GPO, circus performances and a visit from Santa.
Lord Mayor Gerry Breen will also host a Christmas Trade Expo at the Mansion House with over 64 stalls from the city’s top retailers, restaurants, hotels and more.
November 29th is “Senior Citizen shopping day” when elderly visitors to the capital can qualify for discounts at participating shops upon showing their buss pass. The Gresham Hotel will provide afternoon tea at knock-down prices for the day.
A family fun day with an elf hunt and “Kids Go Free” promotions in restaurants throughout the city takes place on December 8th. The day will also see the official opening of the live animal crib at the Mansion House.
Ten days later, the Young People in Dublin Day will include both on and off-street music events while the Chocolate Festival in Temple Bar from Friday 3rd to Sunday 5th December is a must for chocoholics.
The popular Christmas market at the Docklands also makes a return. Opening on December 3rd, this year’s theme will have a Teutonic twist and feature brightly decorated German wooden huts and chalets with an array of gifts and decorations.
Belvedere College will host a Christmas market on December 4th and 5th.
The National Museum is also running a full programme of events for the festive season.
Museum director Dr Pat Wallace will host a special gallery talk at Collins Barracks along with carol-singing, a festive art and craft workshop.
The Hugh Lane Gallery begins its Richard Tuttle exhibition from November 19th and the Gabriel Metsu exhibition Rediscovered Master of the Dutch Golden Age is currently running at the National Gallery until December 5th.
Highlights at the National Concert Hall include three performances of Handel's Messiah (December 17th-19th) while the Mozart Festival Orchestra will perform Carols by Candlelight in full period costume (December 21st).
Speaking at the today's launch, Mr Breen said the city really “comes into its own during the festive season” and promised it would be a “truly magical experience” for all visitors. He said he hoped the events would attract extra people to the capital city and generate up to €1billion in revenue.
