Our 5 Favourite Ways to Enjoy Dublin City at Christmas

There’s no doubt about it – the last few days leading up to Christmas can be hectic. There’s food to prep, last-minute gifts to buy, so many things to wrap. But now is also a beautiful time to carve out a little bit of time, pause and enjoy what makes Dublin City so special at this time of year.

“Christmas turns the world up into its brightest and sparkliest, and then turns it down so that you can spend time with the people you love,” says Chupi CEO Chupi Sweetman. Make the most of this special time by sprinkling some of these wonderful, low-fi activities into your festive day out.

Visit the ducks in St Stephen’s Green

Spend a mindful few minutes taking a stroll around St Stephen’s Green Park and all will feel right in the world. Whether you’re a little kid or a big one, few things bring more joy than watching the park’s resident ducks busily meander and waddle around the elegant, historic tree-lined paths.

Tuck into a tasty hot chocolate on Grafton Street

Warm up after your strolls with something sweet. Chupi is fond of Butler’s decadent hot chocolate fromtheir Grafton Street spot, made using a divine ‘secret recipe’ liquid chocolate sauce and topped with whipped cream and chocolate shavings.

Explore the Christmas lights and festive window displays

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Hot choc in hand, now is the perfect time to take in the city’s Christmas decorations, window displays and lights – bonus points if you get to go at sunset. We’re particularly fond of exploring the side streets and laneways, some of which are blanketed in a ceiling of twinkling lights.

Listen out for the sound of the beloved Grafton Street flower sellers, who at this time of year also do cheery bunches of seasonal foliage, perfect for popping on a mantle or using a centrepiece.

Visit the flagship Chupi store

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Of course, by then you’ll be just a short hop and a skip from the beautiful, historic Powerscourt Town Centre, home to lots of gorgeous independent stores including, of course, our sparkling flagship store.

Take a spin on the carousel at Christmas at the Castle

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From cute traditional wooden chalets to sweet vintage funfair rides and fun, festive entertainment, pop down to Dublin castle for their free Christmas at the Castle experience, which runs until December 21st.

And for something a little different, head over to the Guinness Storehouse, where Irish designer Annie Atkins has curated a Christmas tree for their Winterfest festival.