Christmas may be a major holiday celebrated all over, but each country has its own unique take on it. In honor of this time of year, we’re spotlighting Ireland’s special traditions and customs. Sure, Christmas can be magical wherever you go, but there’s nothing quite like the festive spirit you’ll find when it comes to the Emerald Isle, where the warmth of the people and the beauty of the season blend together in truly unforgettable ways.
The Countdown to Christmas
Christmas in Ireland is filled with unique traditions that make the holiday season extra special. Many Irish households begin decorating early, with the 8th of December marking the official start of Christmas. Known as the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, it’s also the day when most Catholic schools close, and families head out for their Christmas shopping—a long-standing tradition across the country.
In recent years, Christmas markets have become a popular festive tradition. Galway’s Christmas Markets in Eyre Square, with their festive decorations, wooden stalls, and a ferris wheel, make for a fun evening for all. You can grab a hot drink and stroll through the market, soaking in the festive atmosphere. In Belfast, the Christmas Market at City Hall offers an even bigger experience with food from over 32 nationalities, beer tents, and handcrafted wooden chalets, all set in a German-style market that’s a must-see!
And then there’s the 12 Pubs of Christmas, a festive drinking tradition that’s become synonymous with the season. Groups of friends don silly Christmas outfits and make their way through a route of 12 pubs in cities and towns across Ireland, stopping to enjoy a drink at each one. It’s a fun, sometimes rowdy, way to celebrate the holidays with friends and laughter.
Christmas Eve
The real magic of Christmas in Ireland begins at sunset on Christmas Eve with a tradition that has been passed down for generations. Candles are placed on the largest window sill to symbolize a welcoming light for Mary and Joseph. In the past, these candles burned through the night, but today they are typically lit until bedtime, or electronic candles are used. Attendees of midnight mass also light candles during the service to honor the birth of Christ. Afterward, they exit the church, exchanging “Nollaig Shona Dhuit” (Merry Christmas) in Gaelic-speaking areas. Similar to North America, children head home and eagerly await Santa’s visit.
Christmas Day
When Christmas Day arrives, a feast is in order. Much like in North America, families gather to share a meal, enjoy conversation, and exchange gifts. Children are often given a ‘Selection Box’ filled with chocolates, though they’re not allowed to indulge until after dinner. The traditional Irish Christmas dinner consists of roast stuffed turkey and ham, every kind of potato you can think of, gravy, and cranberry sauce. And of course, no meal is complete without the famous Brussels sprouts. Historically, goose or duck would have been served at Christmas, but these have become less common today. Some regions of Ireland feature a Spiced Beef dish, cooked with sugar, spices, and berries.
If there’s any room left for dessert, you’ll likely find sherry trifle or Christmas pudding soaked in brandy—long-standing staples of the Irish holiday menu. In between all the eating, Irish families enjoy pulling Christmas crackers, playing parlour games like charades, or telling stories and jokes, keeping the festive spirit lively and fun throughout the day.
The Christmas Swim
For the bravest souls, there’s The Christmas Swim—an annual tradition where thousands of people gather along the coast to dive into the frigid Irish Sea. It’s an entertaining sight for onlookers, who bundle up in scarves, coats, and hats, though the swimmers are often diving in for charity. Some prime spots to catch the swim include Sandycove, Guillamene Cove, and Portstewart. After such a chilly dip, there’s nothing better than warming up with another Irish holiday tradition: Whiskey Punch. This hot mix of whiskey, lemon, cloves, and brown sugar warms you from the inside out, perfect for closing out the holiday festivities.
St. Stephen's Day (or Boxing Day)
The day after Christmas, bars and restaurants reopen, and shops start their annual winter sales, but all eyes are on the horse racing on St. Stephen’s Day. The races at Leopardstown, in south Dublin, attract almost 20,000 people each year, offering a chance to stretch the legs after a relaxing Christmas by the fire. Who knows? Maybe you’ll be lucky enough to pick a winner! St. Stephen’s Day is also famous for the Wren Boys procession, one of Ireland’s most iconic traditions. People of all ages go from door to door, singing songs, and often receiving a few euros as a gesture of good luck for the new year.
Little Christmas
Into the New Year, on January 6th, Ireland celebrates Little Christmas, or Nollaig na mBan (Women’s Christmas), which is historically a day of rest for the ladies. Traditionally, women take the day off, meet friends to hit the shops or treat themselves to dinner, while the men take over in the kitchen and do the housework. This age-old holiday is still celebrated by enthusiastic Irish women, although it’s less common today. After Little Christmas, Irish families traditionally take down their decorations, marking the end of the holiday season.
