Festive cheer begins here... Some recommendations from the team at Ariel House on how to spend Christmas week in Dublin and make the best of the build up !
The Docklands Christmas market 2010 is running until the 22nd of December 2010. This year the market is filled with brightly decorated wooden huts and chalets selling unique Christmas gifts, including beautiful Christmas decorations, hand made arts and crafts, and other unusual stocking fillers. The Docklands market also plays host to almost one hundred German traders as well as plenty of home grown Irish stalls. The market is open from 12noon to 8.30pm each day. So whether you're looking for that special gift, a seasonal snack or simply looking to soak up some festive feeling, The Docklands Christmas Market 2010 is the perfect injection of yuletide cheer with a beautiful German twist
The National Concert Hall Family Christmas Show will take place on the 22nd of December where this year they stage Howard Blake’s Christmas masterpiece ‘The Snowman Movie – Live Concert. The animated movie will play out on a large screen accompanied by The Orchestra of The National Concert Hall under the baton of conductor Fergus Sheil. Brian Ormond will tell the story of James and the flying snowman as you watch the film on a big screen. The Family Christmas show will also feature seasonal favourites by an all singing and dancing theatrical group, adding to the spirit and excitement of Christmas.
Now celebrating its 8th year, 7UP Christmas on Ice at the RDS Dublin offers all the fun of real ice skating on a spectacular covered rink. Ballsbridge and the RDS have a unique Christmas atmosphere with lots of festive fun to be found. There's something for everyone from families and school children to teens and social groups. Christmas on Ice at the RDS runs until the 9th of January 2011.
Christmas is not complete without a visit to the panto at the Gaiety! This year the story of Aladdin will be brought to life at the Gaiety Theatre. Starring Boyzones Mikey Graham in the role of Abanazar and the voice of X-Factors Louis Walsh as Master of the World. The performance runs until the 30th of January 2011 and tickets are available from the Gaiety Box Office.
Finally what will we be doing on Christmas Eve ? Ariel House will close for Christmas holidays on Thursday 23rd of December and will reopen on Tuesday 28th. Most of our overseas colleagues will fly home to spend Christmas with family and friends. Those of us who are staying in Dublin will take a trip into the city centre on Christmas Eve morning. Soak up the atmosphere of Grafton Street and the Brown Thomas window which is beautifully decorated this year and perhaps some last minute Christmas shopping or the odd impulse buy! Lunch at Pichet Restaurant followed by a visit to the Nativity Scene at the Mansion House. A quick Hot Port at Keoghs Heritage Pub and then its home on the bus to prepare for a visit from Santa. Happy Christmas Everyone!
