Smithfield has officially switched on its Christmas magic as TwinkleTown opens for the season — transforming Smithfield Square into a brand-new festive hub packed with winter activities, food stalls and family-friendly entertainment. The best part for anyone feeling the pinch this year: entry to the main market area is completely free, thanks to a partnership with Dublin City Council.
Running from 28 November to 4 January, TwinkleTown is set up as a full Christmas village experience with shows, a skating rink, a Ferris Wheel and a sprawling market lit up by thousands of lights. It’s shaping up to become one of Dublin’s newest holiday traditions, especially for families looking for a budget-friendly day out.
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Wait for Elfis In partnership with Dublin City Council, Twinkle Town brings a whole lot of Christmas magic to Smithfield This brand new festive experience is open every single day until January 4th from 11am to 9pm. Entrance is free, but make sure to book the Ice Rink and Santa Ponto in advance ️
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The biggest draw is the Santo Panto, a brand-new Christmas show created especially for TwinkleTown. Tickets are €5 plus booking fee, and because it blends classic panto with an immersive Santa experience, it’s expected to book out early. Sensory-friendly shows run at 10am on each day the show is scheduled.
Twinkle Town Smtihfield Dublin
Photographer: Sasko Lazarov / Photocall Ireland
Nearby, the extra-large ice rink is open daily, with 45-minute sessions priced between €17 and €24, including skates. A family-of-four ticket is €66, and skating aids for children are €5. Kids under 12 must be accompanied by an adult, and children under 3 aren’t allowed on the ice. Sensory-friendly skating sessions take place on:
Sat, 29 Nov – 11:00
Wed, 3 Dec – 11:00
Sun, 14 Dec – 11:00
Sat, 20 Dec – 11:00
For those who prefer to stay off the ice, the festive Ferris Wheel offers a view over Smithfield’s Christmas lights, and fairground rides are available throughout the event. Tickets for both can be bought onsite.
Food and drink stalls line the market area, with festive crafts, treats and gifts creating the atmosphere of a traditional Christmas village. Dogs are welcome throughout the market (but not on the ice rink), and the Spiegeltent will host cultural performances from local Irish artists throughout December.
There’s also the Twinkle Tavern, a cosy stop-off point serving festive drinks in a rustic lodge-style setting — ideal for warming up before heading back out into the market.
Twinkle Town Smtihfield Dublin
Photographer: Sasko Lazarov / Photocall Ireland
TwinkleTown is fully accessible for wheelchair users and visitors with special needs, though organisers note that parts of the market are on cobblestone. Those with accessibility requirements are advised to email info@twinkletown.ie before booking ticketed attractions.
Opening hours:
• Weekdays: 11am–9pm
• Weekends: 10am–9pm
• Closed on: 1, 8, 24, 25 and 26 December
Getting there:
Smithfield is well served by buses including the 83, 83A, 39, 39A, 145, C1–C6, S2, 26, 37, 70, 69, 69X, 782, and others. Nearby bus stops include St Michan’s Church and Arran Quay (both a 3-minute walk). The Red Line Luas stops just a couple of minutes away, and Heuston Station is a 25-minute walk or a short hop on the 145, S2 or any C-route bus.
Parking options nearby:
• Park Rite Smithfield (3 mins)
• The Hardwicke Car Park (7 mins)
• Four Courts Car Park (9 mins)
Anyone planning to attend attractions like the rink or the Santo Panto should book in advance on twinkletown.ie, as these are expected to sell out quickly.
For families, couples and anyone trying to squeeze in a bit of festive cheer without blowing the budget, TwinkleTown offers a brand-new way to celebrate Christmas in Dublin — and with free entry, it’s likely to become a go-to stop throughout the season.
