Christmas Events across Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown

Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council has unveiled magical plans for dlr Christmas 2025, promising a season filled with snow, sparkle, and outdoor family fun across the county. Festivities kick off on Friday 21 November with the much-anticipated Santa Parade in Dún Laoghaire.

This year’s joyful scene—complete with snow, twinkling lights, and Saint Bernards—captures everything dlr Christmas is about: community, connection, and the simple joy of celebrating together outdoors.

Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown is all set to sparkle and glow this Christmas with exciting 3D light installations, the Curious Elf Tree and a fairylike forest walk at Cabinteely Park and the traditional Santa Post Boxes where Christmas wishes begin. A highlight of the season will be the dlr Elf Dash in a flurry of snow on Sunday 7 December and festive attractions also include Wonderlights at Marlay Park, The Alpine Skate Trail at St Michael's Pier, Santa in Dún Laoghaire Shopping Centre, The Traditional Fun Fair at Harbour Plaza in Dún Laoghaire town, the iconic bandstand on the East Pier illuminated for Christmas and the traditional Crib on display at St Michael’s to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas.

Cllr Jim Gildea, Cathaoirleach, Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council said:

“Across Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown, we’re delighted to bring the magic of Christmas outdoors once again. This season is a celebration of community, sustainability, and joy — inviting everyone to explore our parks, trails, and town centres under twinkling lights. From the Elf Dash to the fairylike forest walk in Cabinteely Park, we’re proud to offer inclusive and accessible experiences that create lasting memories for families across the county.”


The ever-popular illuminated walking trail in Cabinteely Park is free to attend and open from 4pm to 8pm 7 days a week from Friday 21 November to Sunday 1 February. It is fully accessible for wheelchairs and buggies and an oasis of calm beneath the twinkling lights but look out for mischief-making elves in the Elf Tree. Local legend suggests that this whimsical wonder resplendent with hundreds of little red elves is the very gathering place of the beloved Elf on the Shelf! Where possible, all official Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council Christmas trees are living trees and their lights are LED extra low voltage for safety only using 4.8watts of electricity.

Frank Curran, Chief Executive, Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, highlighted:

“We are proud to announce enchanting plans for Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown this Christmas, promising a season filled with sparkle and outdoor family fun from Friday, 21 November, commencing with the Dún Laoghaire Santa Parade. This year’s programme celebrates the spirit of community, meaningful connection, and the joy of gathering outdoors, featuring magical 3D light installations, the whimsical Curious Elf Tree, Santa Post Boxes, and the much-anticipated return of Wonderlights in Marlay Park and ice skating in Dún Laoghaire.”

For those seeking the perfect insta moment, dlr Christmas features giant Christmas bauble light installations, providing the ideal backdrop for capturing festive memories. A highlight of the season is the dlr Elf Dash on Sunday 7 December  in Cabinteely Park - a festive family fun run in Elf Hats and Christmas costumes and a day of laughter and community spirit.