TwinkleTown in partnership with Dublin City Council is Now Open
- Danny Joyce | Editor

- Nov 28
- 5 min read
TwinkleTown in partnership with Dublin City Council, the city’s sparkling new Christmas experience is now OPEN in Smithfield in the heart of Dublin city. TwinkleTown in partnership with Dublin City Council is lighting up Dublin this Christmas, transforming Smithfield Square into a magical, festive wonderland for all ages to enjoy. A brand-new tradition in the making, blending entertainment, culture, and festive magic for all to enjoy.

The fantastic Santo Panto and the Magic Present Machine takes centre stage alongside a host of favourite winter attractions including:
Ice Rink – nothing says Christmas quite like a glide on the ice! Grab a pal and get your skates on to enjoy the ice rink at TwinkleTown. From date nights to family days out, the super-size Ice Rink is sure to impress. Relaxed Ice Rink Sessions have also been scheduled, see the website for more information & booking.
The Twinkle Tavern – if you need a little break from the hustle and bustle of TwinkleTown – pull up a seat at the Twinkle Tavern and get comfy with a tasty winter warmer. A perfect spot to rest and recharge while you soak up the Christmas atmosphere.
Ferris Wheel and Vintage Fairground – enjoy the vintage themed fairground and carousel rides at TwinkleTown. Take a gentle spin on the iconic Ferris Wheel to view the lights and the sights from above as Smithfield Square comes to life this Christmas. A beautiful setting to capture those picture-perfect moments with all the family.
The Spiegeltent – the heart of the action and TwinkleTown’s arts and cultural hub. The Spiegeltent is shining a light on local Irish talent, providing a much-needed festive event space for a series of cultural events throughout the Christmas period. The Spiegeltent is where families can enjoy Santo Panto and the Magic Present Machine - a TwinkleTown original, this must-see production is a heart-warming live show packed with music, laughter, magic and a healthy dose of mayhem. Join Santa and his team of mischievous elves spreading Christmas cheer on an epic journey of song and dance for just €5 per person (plus booking fee).
Christmas Market – wander through the twinkling market, enjoy the enchanting light installations and beautiful visual creations, savour the delicious food and drink options available and find the perfect Christmas gift from a range of Irish artisans and makers.

TwinkleTown in partnership with Dublin City Council is proud to have curated a programme of events that champions Irish culture and homegrown talent in a dedicated space for cultural events and live entertainment for everyone to enjoy this Christmas! Details on the line-up include:
Music, Art and Culture @ The Spiegeltent
Hugh Lane Gallery ‘After Hours’
4th December, 18.00 pm – 20.45 pm
Hugh Lane Gallery’s celebrated 'After Hours' cultural and creative evening programme returns to take over TwinkleTown's Spiegeltent this Christmas on December 4th for one night only. Enjoy a creative milieu of live music, a Christmas wreath-making workshop (€35), sustainable Christmas crafting with The Useless Project (€10), a mosaic workshop (€25), and life drawing a Christmas still life arrangement (free but ticketed). Mulled wine will also be on offer to compliment that creative Christmas spirit. Tickets available via hughlane.ie.
Alternative Dublin
9th December and 16th December – 18:30 pm - 20:30 pm (€25.00)
Enjoy some magical merriment and let your creativity flow at a festive Drink & Draw Experience at The Spiegeltent this Christmas. This is not an art class, this is an art party, and no prior experience is necessary. Led by the team from Alternative Dublin, ticket price includes all painting materials and the chance to win some festive spot prizes on the night! Tickets are limited and available via TwinkleTown.ie.
The Cobblestone Collective
Thursday 11th December 18:00-21:00 (free, but ticketed)
Join some of Dublin’s most renowned trad and folk musicians as The Cobblestone Collective take over The Spiegeltent at TwinkleTown on Thursday 11th December. The Cobblestone Collective includes friends and family members of Dublin’s long-established Cobblestone pub, a much-loved home of authentic Irish culture and traditional music. This is a must-see gig if you’re one of many who support the revival of Irish trad and folk music. Entry is free but the gig will be ticketed. Available via TwinkleTown.ie.
Christmas Table Centrepiece Workshop (Velvet & Fern)
17th December – 18:30 - 20:30 (€65)
Who doesn’t love a bit of festive crafting? Build your own bespoke festive centrepiece at the Velvet & Fern Craft Workshop this year at The Spiegeltent. Embrace the creative process guided by Charly of Velvet & Fern who will provide tips on design, assembly and of course, the important personal touch! Ticket price includes all materials and expert guidance. Tickets are limited and available via Eventbrite here.
The Whileaways
18th December 19:00 - 21:00 (doors from 18.30) (€25)
Since forming in 2021, The Whileaways trio have toured across the globe earning widespread acclaim both at home and abroad. The Galway band are celebrated for their unique lyrics and distinctive harmonies - music that truly reaches its full power in a live setting, where their experimental and ethereal sound can be fully appreciated. TwinkleTown visitors can experience this special performance not to be missed at The Spiegeltent on December 18th.
Tickets available on Eventbrite via The Whileaways here.
The Tiny Quartet
3 December, 10 December, 17 December 18.30-20.30pm (Free, but ticketed)
Set to be a crowd-favourite at TwinkleTown this year is popular Irish string trio - The Tiny Quartet. Soak up the Christmas atmosphere while listening to some festive favourites performed by a band that has captivated audiences for years. With violin played by Sarah Lynch, acoustic guitar from Donal Gunne and double bass from Graham Heaney, the band are best known for their unique arrangements of timeless classics spanning all genres including pop, rock, folk, classical and jazz.
Visitors will have three chances to see The Tiny Quartet at The Spiegeltent at TwinkleTown this year and performances will be free (but ticketed) for all to enjoy. Tickets available via Twinkletown.ie.
Crafts @ TwinkleTown Market
There is a huge variety of crafts available at TwinkleTown including the likes of É which creates hand woven tweed throws, scarves, Christmas stockings and more. Unique Oak, creators of Handmade rustic wood crafts made from the best quality Irish oak. Kildare Candle Barn - luxury soy wax candles, reed diffusers, rooms sprays etc. created to evoke memories of joy and feelings of nostalgia. There are many other operators to be enjoyed such as Crafty by illlina (handwoven crafts), Joelle's Home Fragrances (premium home fragrances), Becky (unique handcrafted Turkish home décor), Corleggy Cheeses (award-winning Irish raw milk cheeses), Sandia Dublin (handmade Irish jewellery), Precious Amber (amber Christmas ornaments, jewellery etc.) Cross & Thorn (hand crafted scents) and many more.

Commenting on the arrival of TwinkleTown in partnership with Dublin City Council, Councillor Ray McAdam, Lord Mayor of Dublin said: “It’s fantastic to have a beautiful Christmas experience like TwinkleTown located right in the heart of the city on Smithfield Square. It’s exciting, inclusive, family friendly and a real bright spot in the city’s festive activities this year - I’m really looking forward to experiencing the sparkle of TwinkleTown with my own family this Christmas."
TwinkleTown in partnership with Dublin City Council opens from 11am-9pm from Monday to Friday and 10am – 9pm on Saturday & Sunday. Entry to TwinkleTown is free of charge while some attractions such as the Santo Panto and the Ice Rink require tickets which are available via the website or at the onsite Box Office. Pre-booking online is recommended to avoid disappointment on the day.
For tickets see Twinkletown.ie. For the latest news follow TwinkleTown on Instagram, TikTok and Facebook.
Slán go fóill.




