Markets, movies and singers to bring Dublin's Christmas to life
Movies, markets, festive lights, carol singers and Santa are all set to take Dublin by storm this Christmas.
The city’s programme of events for throughout the festive season will be officially launched later today.
Santa, the Sugar Plum Fairy and Toy Solider from the Nutcracker Suite Ballet, and Dickensian characters from the James Joyce Centre will be among the special guests at the launch at the Mansion House.
Members of the Children’s Choir, Piccolo Lasso, will also entertain the crowd which will include Lord Mayor of Dublin, Cllr Paddy Bourke.
“Bumping into old friends, the sound of Christmas jingles, crisp dry air and shopping for that ’just right’ gift all combine to create a unique and magical experience in the city at Christmas time,” he said.
The launch follows news that the ice rink, held each Christmas in Smithfield for the last five years, will not go ahead this year.
Dublin City Council said it had no alternative but to withdraw the offer of the Smithfield venue.
“Following a public procurement process to operate the rink, the council offered the venue to the partnership, comprising RSVP Event Management and Cousins Entertainment Ltd, on a concession basis for the next four years,” said a spokesperson.
“The city council has been informed of the dissolution of this partnership and the remaining interest, RSVP Event Management, is not in a position to deliver the project.
“The council is not involved in the operation or financing of this event but is extremely disappointed to lose such a seasonal annual event at Smithfield.”
