Christmas Events Across the County

Christmas has officially begun in Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown. The day that local children’s hospice LauraLynn light-up their 20ft Christmas tree gifted by Dún Laoghaire–Rathdown County Council always marks the start of Christmas for the county. Light-Up LauraLynn is a very special occasion in the LauraLynn calendar as families, supporters and LauraLynn staff came together to ‘turn on the lights’ of their 20ft Christmas tree.

An Cathaoirleach Councillor Denis O'Callaghan expressed his excitement for the upcoming festive season.

“We are thrilled to bring the magic of Christmas to Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown once again. The countywide festive favourites and the Dún Laoghaire Christmas Festival promises to create cherished memories for all who join us in our celebrations. With a diverse array of activities and attractions, there will be something for everyone to enjoy as we come together to embrace the joy and spirit of the season.”

Commenting at Light Up LauraLynn, LauraLynn CEO Kerry McLaverty said:

“We are delighted to receive the support from Dún Laoghaire–Rathdown County Council for this year’s Light Up LauraLynn event with the donation of our 20ft Christmas Tree. Christmas is such a magical time at LauraLynn. It is a time we come together with our LauraLynn families, to celebrate life and create special festive memories. This stunning tree is the centrepiece to our very special Light Up LauraLynn event and will bring so much happiness to the families who rely on LauraLynn care and support this Christmas.”

Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown twinkles and glows this year with exciting 3D light installations, fairylike walks at Marlay Park and Cabinteely Park and the exciting Dún Laoghaire Christmas Festival promises to be a highlight of the season. The widely anticipated snowy Santa Dash on December 10th in Cabinteely Park will be a blizzard of festive fun and the traditional Santa Post Boxes that magically appear every year around the county are where Christmas wishes begin. From twinkling lights to ice-skating escapades, the whole county is bathed in a magical glow and comes alive with the spirit of Christmas.

The Dún Laoghaire Christmas Festival brings a host of exciting attractions to the heart of Dún Laoghaire town centre. Visitors can look forward to a family ice-skating rink at the Ferry Terminal, a delightful and nostalgic Christmas fun fair and a magical Santa experience at the Maritime Museum.

For those seeking the perfect Insta moment, the festival will feature giant Christmas bauble light installations, providing the ideal backdrop for capturing festive memories. The iconic bandstand will be illuminated for Christmas, casting a radiant glow over the harbour. Additionally, the traditional Crib will be on display at St Michael’s to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas.

Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown will delight residents and visitors with a range of countywide festive favourites. The very popular illuminated Christmas walking trails in Marlay Park and Cabinteely Park walking trails are free to attend and open from 4pm - 8pm every Monday to Friday until January 26th except 25th, 26th of December and 1st of January.

They are fully accessible for wheelchairs and buggies and are an oasis of calm beneath the twinkling lights away from the hustle and bustle of Christmas. Where possible, all official Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council Christmas trees are living trees and their lights are LED which use the smallest amount of electricity feasible.

Santa Post Boxes are in place at dlr LexIcon in Dún Laoghaire, Marlay Park in Rathfarnham, Deerpark in Mount Merrion and Cabinteely Park by special commission of Santa Claus. The postal address is Santa Claus, North Pole, The Arctic, The World, The Universe. The letters are whizzed off to the North Pole via Elf Airlines direct to Santa who replies to every single one. Last post is Tuesday December 19th at 5pm.