It’s almost the most wonderful time of the year and there is a festive feeling beginning in Dublin. Dublin is extra special in December with thousands of lights, some very festive events and the return of Wild Lights to Dublin Zoo to look forward to. You still have time to book your festive trip, choosing Aspect Hotel Park West close to Dublin Zoo as your family accommodation. We’re looking forward to playing a small part in your special Christmas memories with your family and friends this year. Here are some highlights of Christmas in Dublin for you to enjoy.
Christmas Markets
Dublin does not have an official Christmas Market but there are plenty of smaller, local markets to find something unique. Mistletown is the best of Dublin’s Christmas markets, held on St Michan’s Street in the old fruit and veg market. The Digital Hub hosts an open-air market on the last Sunday of the month and we’re waiting to hear about their festive dates for 2022. Dun Laoghaire Christmas Market starts on Saturday, November 26th to Friday, December 23rd. Terenure Christmas Market is a one-day event held on 3rd December. Each Christmas market has something unique but most specialise in showcasing artisan, handcrafted goods, local produce and independent traders. You’re sure to find something extra special to add to your stocking.
Wild Lights
Wild Lights has grown from a pilot Christmas event to one of the most popular and impressive additions to the Dublin Christmas calendar. It returns this year to Dublin Zoo from 28th October to January 9th with varying opening hours. The Zoo is closed on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and St. Stephen’s Day. Tickets must be booked in advance and this popular event sells out fast every year.
This year over a thousand breathtaking, dazzling lanterns will portray a fascinating and important story by shining a light on biodiversity. Guests can travel through illuminated forest scenes greeted by gigantic pollinators, bees and beehives. You’ll see the fascinating metamorphosis of a caterpillar into a butterfly and a unique view of collaboration between the residents of a beehive. It’s an apt theme for 2022 with biodiversity and our environment on top of political and social agendas. Guests can explore the diversity of life in the zoo and life under the sea at this extra-special Christmas event that will stay with you for years to come.
Make a weekend of your trip when you book a hotel near Wild Lights in Dublin Zoo. Aspect Hotel Park West, a newly appointed four-star hotel is a nearby option with reasonable rates and a truly warm welcome. We offer the perfect hotel accommodation for couples, families, and groups near Wild Lights.
Ice Skating in Blanchardstown
After missing out for what felt like a decade, we’re delighted to see the return of the much-loved Christmas activity in 2022, Ice Skating. A stunning 800 square meter ice rink will open in Millennium Park beside Blanchardstown Centre on November 18th under 29th January 2023. Once open, eager skaters can book a slot on the ice to perfect their axels – or audition to play Bambi on ice! It’s the ideal activity for almost all ages and abilities with dedicated slots available for ASD individuals. Sessions last 50-minutes- if you can stay upright for that long! €14 Early Bird tickets are now on sale, but be quick as tickets are limited.
Christmas Break in Dublin
What could be better than spending the day Christmas shopping in Dublin City Centre, Liffey Valley or Kildare Village? How about retiring to Aspect Hotel Park West for an evening of dining, drinking and relaxation before you get a great night’s sleep? This Christmas, enjoy a break with your other half or your family and friends and spend the run-up to Christmas enjoying a well-deserved break. Our hotel is close to Wild Lights in Dublin Zoo and a short trip by bus or train from the city centre so you can admire the Christmas lights or visit a festive market. After a long day, enjoy a delicious meal in our newly renovated onsite Willow Restaurant and Bar.
Find the best available rates and Dublin hotel break packages on our website exclusively available when you book direct. We’re excited about Christmas 2022 and hope we can be a small but comfortable part of your plans.
