Dublin Gay Christmas &
New Year Celebrations 2026 | 2027

Dublin Gay Christmas and New Year Celebrations 2026 | 2027

Celebrating Christmas and New Year's Eve in Dublin is an exciting experience, offering a mix of traditional and modern festivities.

• Are you visiting Dublin for Christmas? Stay at Number 59, rated “Excellent” by guests and located in the heart of the city with beautifully designed rooms and superb attention to detail.

Dublin Christmas Markets and Highlights

• Next Edition: Awaiting dates, typically late November to January 1st.
• From early December onwards, Dublin's festive season is in full swing.
• Christmas lights twinkle over Grafton Street, and the shopfronts of Henry Street are decorated with elaborate festive displays.
• A different Christmas market pops up every weekend as Dublin's famous castles open their doors to the public.
• The Guinness Storehouse is also transformed into a festive wonderland from the twinkling lights hanging above St James's Gate to the sweeping seasonal views from the Gravity Bar.
• Stay close to the city's top attractions at The Grafton Hotel, rated “Fabulous” by guests with excellent location and serving highly-rated delicious breakfasts.

The Dublin Castle Christmas Market

• Awaiting dates – Open from 12:00 to 21:00. The largest Christmas Market takes place in the cobbled courtyard of Dublin Castle.
• Featuring Alpine market stalls stocked with ornaments and trinkets, a vintage carousel, and live music from the Dublin Gospel Choir.
• Check out the top hotels close to the Market.

Gifted: The contemporary craft & design fair

• Awaiting dates –  Gifted Located at the Royal Dublin Society, this fair features a variety of designers, makers, and artisan food producers, along with eco-friendly gifts, clean beauty companies, and sustainably produced fashion
• Located an 18-minute drive from Dublin city centre or 30 minutes on the Luas.

Botanic Gardens Eco Christmas Craft Market

• Awaiting dates, typically Saturday and Sunday in mid December, from 10am to 4pm – This Market at the Botanic Gardens in Glasnevin focuses on sustainability, offering over 70 stalls with sustainable gifts, seasonal treats, and decorative crafts. The indoor and outdoor Market is set against the backdrop of historic glasshouses​​.
• Discover the top hotels close to the Botanic Gardens.
• Located 30 minutes drive from Dublin city centre.

Bremore Castle Christmas Market

• Awaiting Dates – Held in the walled garden of Bremore Castle, this Market showcases local traders, artists, and businesses. It's a great place to support local artisans and enjoy delicious food and drinks​​.

Rathfarnham Castle Christmas Market

• Awaiting Dates – An outdoor market on the grounds of the 16th-century Rathfarnham Castle, offering artisan goods, local art and crafts, food, and festive warm drinks.
• Located 25 minutes drive from Dublin city centre.

The Fumbally Market

• Awaiting Dates, typically held on the days leading up to the 8th December – An indoor Dublin Christmas market, Fumbally is perfect for finding unique gifts from independent artists, crafters, and traders. The Market features a variety of items, including notebooks, local honey, and hand-made knitwear​​.

Light Festivals

• Every year in Dublin, large-scale light installations in different places create a magical atmosphere.
• Malahide Castle hosts Wonderlights, where the grounds are transformed from November to January with illuminated creatures in the woodland and a light display resembling the Northern Lights and shooting stars.
• Dublin Zoo also offers Wild Lights until early January, featuring giant lantern sculptures and light shows scattered throughout the animal habitats, along with food huts serving hot chocolate and snacks.

Dublin New Year Festival

• 30th December 2026 – 1st January 2027 – Ring in 2026 with New Year's Festival Dublin (NYF Dublin), Ireland's biggest New Year Celebration. Gather together in the heart of Dublin as the city comes alive over four days with a host of spectacular events taking place across the city.
• National Museum of Ireland, Collins Barracks will host live entertainment, including music, DJs, food, and street performances, as part of New Year's Festival Dublin's Festival Quarter.
• Dublin Castle will have headline concerts as part of New Year's Festival Dublin.
• Meeting House Square will host a New Year's Day celebration on January 1st, 2024, with performances from Ireland's best musicians.

Gay New Year Parties

• Mother is a famous gay club in Dublin known for its electronic music and hosts a very special New Year Celebration in the heart of the city just off Grafton Street.
• Euphoria is a monthly club night in Temple Bar famous for its high-energy music circuit nights and go-go dancers.
• Profile Dublin produces some of the city’s most iconic gay nights held throughout the year and during the city’s holidays and Pride celebrations.
• Check out the top hotels close to Grafton Street, the heart of the city and home to the best stores for last-minute Christmas shopping. 

Popular Gay Venues during NYE

• PantiBar is a popular gay bar in Dublin known for its outrageous dances and cabaret shows.
• Street 66 is a laidback live music venue and craft beer bar with a lovely outdoor beer garden.
• The George is one of the oldest gay bars in Dublin and features two dance floors, themed nights, and drag shows.

Fireworks Display

• December 31st, Midnight – Enjoy the spectacular fireworks display that lights up the Dublin sky.
• The best viewing spots are usually along the River Liffey or from one of Dublin's many bridges.

Liffey Lights Midnight Moment

• This is a magical, free event where the sky over the River Liffey is illuminated with a stunning light show.
• The event adds a unique visual element to the New Year's celebrations.

New Year's Day Traditions – Brunch and a Swim?

• The fun doesn't stop on New Year's Day. Join the locals for a traditional swim in the Forty Foot, a renowned swimming spot in Dublin Bay, or enjoy a leisurely brunch in one of the city's cosy cafes. The following are our top 3!
• Daddy's: Located in Rialto, Daddy's has become a trendy destination for foodies and coffee enthusiasts. The brunch menu is vibrant and flavourful, focusing on local produce.
• Two Boys Brew: Situated on the North Circular Road in Phibsboro, Two Boys Brew is a must-visit for brunch enthusiasts. Influenced by the Australian café scene, this spot offers delicious dishes like mushroom toast, hotcakes, and superb coffee.
• Drury Buildings: At 52-55 Drury Street in Dublin 2, Drury Buildings offers a tapas-style menu perfect for sharing. The space is creatively designed, featuring colourful art and exposed brick, with a view of the Fade Street crowds. Known for its excellent cocktails, this spot is ideal for a brunch gathering with friends or family.

Recommended Hotels in Dublin

• Dublin's two famous gay bars are The George on South Great Georges Street and Panti Bar on Capel Street. Here are the hotels we recommend that have good reviews and keep you close to the bars and the city's top attractions:

The Merrion Hotel,    The Westbury Hotel,    Westin Dublin,    The Morrison Dublin.