A Month of Christmas Cheer!

So, it’s December already. This year has just flown in. Time to start making plans for Christmas meet ups and family days out. Dublin has so many Christmas events taking place around the city this month so why not take in the Christmas atmosphere and see just why it’s the most wonderful time of the year.   

A Christmas day out with the Family

Santa's Playland

Santa’s Playland is a fantastic fun-filled experience for the kids which allows them to enter into a magical Christmas wonderland of playtime.  It is filled with Christmas treats, bouncy castles, slides and Christmas displays.

To top it all off the children are visited by Santa and get the chance to sit down with him to let him know what they are hoping for when he comes to visit on the 25^th. They will also receive a gift from Santa on their visit.

Ambassador Theatre.

Monday to Friday - Doors open 12.00pm, last entrance 7.00pm 

Saturday and Sunday - Doors open 10.00am, last entrance at 7.00pm Tickets €10 Monday to Friday, Tickets €12 Saturdays and Sundays.

ADULTS ARE FREE!

Christmas Wonderland

The one that all kids are waiting for, Christmas Wonderland, returns to the RDS on 6^th December 2013. With Ice-Skating, Funderland and a Circus, there is something for everyone at Christmas Wonderland.

ISkate:

Ice-skating is a Christmas favourite for many. I-Skate is Ireland’s largest ice rink and with its penguin balancing aids and double-bladed skates it’s suitable for everyone aged 3 and upwards. There are special off-peak, group and family rates available.

Funderland:

This year Funderland celebrates its 40^th anniversary and so it is no surprise that for many people around the country it is tradition that goes back many years at this stage. Even as an adult though you still get the same excitement that you did when you were brought there as a child. With all the different fast rides, the music, the games the arcade and the atmosphere around the place it is not hard to see why it is a family favourite. Opt to go with a pay-as-you go method or avail of the wristbands which give you 3 consecutive hours of unlimited rides (subject to the height & weight restrictions). Buy your wrist band online before you go and get an extra hour free.

Santa’s Christmas Circus:

Why not try something new this Christmas with the Magical World of Circus. Presented by the world famous Fossett family, Santa's Christmas Circus includes jugglers, acrobats, aerial daredevils and Circus Illusionists as well as Otto the clowns as he tries to help Santa make his way back to the North Pole.  Marion Fossett will also lead the circus artists and audience in a seasonal sing-a-long. Expect to be amazed and entertained.

www.christmaswonderland.ie  

The magic of the Nutcracker

Dublin Castle is giving you the chance every Saturday & Sunday in December to enter the magical world of the Nutcracker. This on definitely be a magical day out for the family. The State Apartments of Dublin Castle will be decorated in the Nutcracker theme as well as having Characters from the fairytale. There will be Drosselmeyer’s children’s magic show each Saturday (12pm – 3pm) and Children’s Storytelling with Clara every Sunday (12pm – 3pm). There will also be plenty of surprises for the little ones along the way including meeting Santa and posting their letter.  On top of all of this there will also be ballet performances in the ballroom and tasty treats from Christmas vendors.  

Price: Adult €4.50, Children €2.00, Senior Citizens/ Students €3.50

www.dublincastle.ie  

Christmas Shows for big and small kids alike.

Christmas Panto

Christmas Pantos is a firm favourite in many households around the country and is always huge hit with the kids. With different Pantos in a number of Theatres you will have your choice shows……..or you can go see more that one.  This year the Christmas Pantos are;

·         The Gaitey Theatre Panto: Snow White and The Seven Dwarfs

Date:
 - December 4^th 2013 – 12th January 2014.
 - Previews commence December 1^st  

·        The Olympia Theatre Panto: Beauty and the Beast starring Jedward  

Date:- 18 December  -  5 January

·        The Tivoli  Theatre: Cherios Jack and the Beanstalk

Date:- 11 December 2013  - 12 January 2014

The Snowman Christmas Special

Who doesn’t love the story of The Snowman? Such a beautiful film that has been watched at home Christmas after Christmas for years. Now following on from its on-going sell-out successes all over the world, The Snowman Movie makes its premiere this December in The O2 Dublin. This is your chance to watch it on an enormous 60 foot screen while Shay Byrne of RTÉ Radio tells the much loved story of James and the flying Snowman accompanied by the Irish Philharmonic Orchestra.

This really special event is on for one day only – December 8^th. The 3pm show has sold out already but you still have a chance to get your tickets for the 6pm showing (limited seats available).

http://theo2.ie/index.php/artist/the-snowman-christmas-special/225

Christmas markets to get something a little extra special.....

Airtricity Dockland’s Christmas Festival

Now on its 9^th Year and promising to be the best one yet, The Docklands Christmas Festival returns to fantastic surroundings of George’s Dock from December 12^th – 23^rd.  With an entertainment area, The Victorian Carnival, the fantastic artisan food and craft market and of course Santa's grotto, it will be impossible not to get that Christmas feeling when you are there.

Opening hours: 
- Monday - Friday 12.00pm-10.00pm
- Saturday - Sunday 10.00am - 10.00pm

Dublin Castle's Festive Market

If you are thinking of attending the The Magic of The Nutcracker at Dublin Castle in December and also considering a visit to a Christmas Market well then you’re in luck. You don’t even have to have to worry about trekking from one side of the city to the other trying to fit it all in. Make a day of it without even having to change venue. Each Saturday and Sunday in December Dublin Castle’s upper courtyard will be transformed into a traditional Christmas market. Take in the fabulous surrounding of Dublin Castle & listen to the choir performing under the tree from 1.30pm – 3.30pm while enjoying some treats from the Christmas vendors including mulled wine, hot chocolate, gingerbread cookies and traditional chimney cake.

On Sunday 15th December the craft fair will take place inside the Bedford Hall. Some of Ireland's best craftsmen, artists and designers will be displaying and selling their work, from pottery to hand knitted scarves and beautiful ceramics to Irish chocolates.

Dame District Christmas Market

With over 24 stalls selling handmade crafts, jewellery, toys, gormet food and drink, plus entertainment from top Irish music and comedy acts, it is one that will fill you with Christmas cheer and excitment. Each night a free concert takes place on the Christmas Stage as well as live Christmas entertainment on two other stages.You can visit this ever growing popular market at Dame Lane from December 13^th – 22^nd.

Grand Canal Hotel is located just 10 minutes walk from Grafton street and is next to Grand Canal Dart station as well as being serviced by numerous buses making it a great location wherever you need to go. We have a great Retail Therapy Package available from the December 15th - January 31st so whether you want to shop for Christmas gifts or get a bargain in the January sales, we have you covered! 

Book your say with Grand Canal Hotel. 

Looking for an extra spcial gift for you friends or loved ones? Why not treat them to lovely getaway with Grand Canal Hotel or Theatre Package Voucher.