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In Dublin, Christmas is set for a new backdrop. For the first time, TwinkleTown will take over St Patrick’s Park in 2026, with illuminations, choirs, rides and Irish handcrafted gifts. The park at the foot of St Patrick’s Cathedral will host this new experience from 27 November to 23 December, complementing the event at Smithfield Square.
The news was announced by Dublin City Council on 24 September. It gives travellers another reason to explore the Liberties during the festive season, with a site to enjoy both on a stroll and as a family outing.
A new Christmas village at St Patrick’s Park
Illuminations and choral voices at the foot of the cathedral
TwinkleTown presents St Patrick’s Park as a place where lights and music will set the pace of the visit. Choirs will perform in partnership with Sing Ireland, while a Twilight Garden and rides designed for younger visitors will complete the experience.
The choice of park gives this new venue an instantly recognisable setting. The cathedral’s silhouette accompanies the walk: heritage becomes the backdrop to a seasonal event, without turning the visit into a rush from one attraction to the next. Simply plan a stop, listen to a performance when one is scheduled, then continue exploring the neighbourhood.
Irish gifts and something to eat
The organiser has also announced Irish handcrafted gifts, an internationally inspired food offering and an area for festive drinks. For travellers, the appeal lies in bringing several pursuits together in one place: browsing, finding a souvenir or stopping off between visits.
Stallholders and performances may vary from day to day. If you are visiting specifically for a choir, craftsperson or activity, check the detailed programme rather than assuming they will be there throughout the opening period.
TwinkleTown can now be experienced at two sites in Dublin
Smithfield Square retains its fairground atmosphere
At Smithfield Square, TwinkleTown is scheduled to run from 20 November to 31 December. The site will include an indoor ice rink, the Santo Panto show, a Ferris wheel and fairground attractions. St Patrick’s Park offers a different mix, with a greater focus on lights, choirs and activities for younger visitors.
The two venues complement one another, but their facilities are not interchangeable: the ice rink is planned for Smithfield. It is worth bearing in mind before deciding where to take the children, especially if time for the outing is limited.
A stroll to plan around your preferences
The organiser estimates that the two sites are around a 20-minute walk apart. This remains approximate: allow extra time if you are with children, stopping along the way or visiting during a busy period. To enjoy both on the same day, the announced dates overlap from 27 November to 23 December.
You can also visit TwinkleTown on two separate occasions. This leaves room for the rest of your stay’s discoveries and avoids turning a Christmas stroll into an overly packed itinerary.
What to know before visiting TwinkleTown 2026
Free entry, with activities charged separately
General access to both sites is advertised as free and open to all ages. This free access covers entry only: attractions, some shows, purchases and food are additional expenses. Check which tickets are required and the official prices before setting your budget.
St Patrick’s Park is scheduled to open from 11 am to 9 pm, Monday to Friday, and from 10 am to 9 pm on Saturdays and Sundays. These are the site’s opening hours; they do not guarantee that every activity will run continuously.
A municipal Christmas programme still in preparation
TwinkleTown forms part of a wider programme led by Dublin City Council, with illuminations and projections at several locations in the city centre. The council has also announced an extension of the TwinkleTrail and plans to unveil its full programme in November. Some locations have yet to be confirmed.
The city says it is preparing a bid for the title of European Capital of Christmas: this is a proposed bid, not an award already received. For planning a trip, TwinkleTown’s confirmed dates and activities are currently the most concrete points of reference.
Information checked on 6 October 2026 with Dublin City Council and the official pages for TwinkleTown, St Patrick’s Park and Smithfield Square. Opening hours and programme are subject to change.
