I have put together a list of things to do with your family in January in Dublin and surrounding areas. I find sometimes when you are looking for things to do you totally forget what is on so this is a handy guide that you can keep coming back to. Some events are a little drive outside Dublin but I have linked all events so you can see where they are and what suits you best. Hope it gives you some ideas of things to do!

 

Dundrum on Ice

Until Sunday 14th January 2018

Dundrum Town Centre

Dundrum on Ice, Dublin’s most spectacular ice rink brought to you by Tesco Mobile, has returned to its prime location in the Pembroke District for its biggest year ever! Soak up the Christmas atmosphere whether you’re on the rink or watching on from the festive viewing deck. The crisp white, real ice rink is homed in an all new breath taking structure providing a truly magical ice skating experience.

There’s something for everyone, from families and school children to teens and social groups or why not plan that romantic date night on ice!

Ticket information:

https://dublin.ie/whats-on/listings/dundrum-on-ice/

 

 

Wild Lights at Dublin Zoo!

Wild Lights opens on Friday, 3rd November 2017 and runs until Sunday, 7th January 2018

Wild Lights is a must-see experience for family, friends and couples this festive season, where they will embark on an enchanted trail and discover a dazzling array of beautifully crafted, giant colourful lanterns inspired by wildlife.

Visitors will be treated to an awe-inspiring display of lanterns which includes a pride of lions, orangutans, tigers, giraffes, monkeys and much more!

Other highlights include a 16-metre high porcelain elephant tower and a 30-metre long Chinese dragon. At the event, visitors will also be wowed by Chinese performers before browsing at the Chinese craft market, all in one unforgettable setting. There will also be a selection of Chinese foods and warm drinks available for visitors to purchase.

Tickets for Wild Lights are on sale now. Tickets must be pre-booked online.

Please note: Admission to Wild Lights is from 5 – 9pm. Last entry to the event is strictly 8pm.

Wild Lights ticket prices

Adults: €20

Child: €15

Under 3s: €0

Student: €16

OAP: €16

Wild Lights Dublin Zoo Annual Pass Holder Prices

Adults: €18

Child: €12

https://dublinzoo.ie/wildlights/

 

 

Rapunzel Pantomime

Until Sunday 7th January 2018

The Gaiety Theatre, South King Street, Dublin 2, Ireland.

Tickets priced from €19.50

THIS IS NO ORDINARY PANTO, IT’S THE GAIETY PANTO!

A pantomime extravaganza with singing, dancing and laugh out loud shenanigans – hair, there and everywhere!  Join us as we follow Rapunzel on her hair-larious and hair-raising adventures as she tries to escape her Evil-Stepmother who has locked her away in the secret tower.

Legendary panto dame Joe Conlan, who celebrates his 28th year in the industry, will play “Nanny Ninny Noonah” and is joined by Ciara Lyons as “Rapunzel”, Johnny Ward as “Johnny B Goode” and Nicholas Grennell as the King “Larry Lilly Loolah”.

The Gaiety Theatre has hosted the annual Christmas Panto each year since 1873.  Today, families come from far and wide to experience the Gaiety Christmas Panto and for many it has become as much a family Christmas tradition as Santa himself!

http://www.gaietytheatre.ie/index.php/whats-on-buy-tickets/calendar/rapunzel-pantomime/668

 

The Moving Crib

Until Sunday 7th January 2018

Admission free

42 Parnell Square West

Dublin, Ireland Dublin 1

One of Dublin’s best-loved Christmas traditions, the Moving Crib, is back in time for the festive season to enchant children and adults alike.

Tucked away in the basement of St. Martin Apostolate, the Moving Crib has entertained generations of locals and international visitors alike for the past 61 years. 

https://www.visitdublin.com/see-do/details/moving-crib#dates

 

 

 

Sleeping Beauty Pantomime – The Cheerios Pantomime

Until Sunday 14th January 2018

Tivoli Theatre

135 – 138 Francis Street

Dublin 8

Ticket from €15

https://www.facebook.com/TheCheeriosPanto/

 

 

The Three Musketeers

Until Sunday 7th January 2018

Civic Theatre

Tallaght,

Dublin, 24

Tickets:  €15

The King’s treasure has been stolen! Now it’s up to the greatest swordsmen in the land, The Three Musketeers, to get it back. But the evil Cardinal Richelieu and the Wicked Witch of the South West have other ideas. Yes, it’s the Causeway Panto and Dame Lola is back!

This year she is headed for France, in search of adventure and amour. And by the way who said that a musketeer could only be a swordsMAN? Lola will have something to say about that too!

Join us for this year’s hilarious outing with more comedy, singing and dancing than you can shake your sword at. The Causeway crew will be delighted to see all our friends again, from 4 to 94.

Cheer the goodies and boo the baddies! Laugh and point at the Daddies when Dame Lola gets them up to dance. A fun Christmas show for all the family.

https://www.facebook.com/events/301879466957806/

 

Winter Sunderland

Until Sunday 14th January 2018

RDS Simmons Court

Dublin, Ireland

Funderland at the RDS has been part of Christmas in Dublin for over 40 years. It has been said that Funderland is an annual appointment for thousands of families. We do not open on Christmas Day and close early on both Christmas Eve (6pm) and New Year’s Eve (8pm).

This year’s Funderland is part of the Winter Funderland, and will present the best thrill rides and family attractions in the European fairground including attractions direct from Germany. Funderland comprises of almost 3 acres of attractions housed inside the Simmonscourt Pavilion with many more located in the complex outside.

This year Funderland presents an array of exciting attractions direct from Germany including the Power Wave, Break Dance and the amazing Star Flyer called “Around the World”. We have attractions to suit all ages and tastes. All the old favourites will be there too along with the Funderland Loop, Ireland’s only looping roller coaster!

Besides being able to Pay-As-You-Go (subject to an admission charge) Funderland offers a Pay-One-Price (P.O.P.) Wristband option that may be used for any 3 consecutive hours of your choice for unlimited rides – subject to the usual height and safety restrictions.

If you buy a P.O.P. Wristbands online you save money and get an additional bonus hour so your wristband can be used an unlimited number of times for up to 4 consecutive hours! You must book online at least 10 hours before you can redeem your order at the venue!

It is a strict policy that Wristbands must be worn securely around the wrist in order to be redeemed. If, for any reason, you cannot wear a wristband please consider using the Pay-As-You-Go option instead.

PLEASE NOTE: Wristbands are sold according to a persons height – not their age!

Ticket information:

https://www.winterfunderland.ie/

 

 

 

 

POLLY AND THE BEANSTALK

Until  Sunday 7th January 2018.

Olympia Theatre

Dame Street

Dublin, Ireland 1

Featuring an all singing, all dancing cast, tickets for the Applegreen Christmas Panto POLLY AND THE BEANSTALK are on sale now from ticketmaster.ie or in person from the Olympia Theatre box office.

https://www.facebook.com/olympiapanto/

 

 

The Sound of Music

Until Saturday 6th January 2018

Word Gais Energy Theatre

Grand Canal Dock

Dublin 4

Tickets from €21.00

Group offers: €5 off Groups 10+, Access bookings & General Concession (Children, Students & Seniors) on selected peformances

Irish West End star and The Voice (UK) finalist LUCY O’BYRNE will play the lead role of Maria in Bill Kenwright’s magnificent production alongside CELINE BYRNE who will play the role of Mother Abbess in one of the greatest family musicals of all time.

Produced by Bill Kenwright, directed by Martin Connor, choreographed by Olivier Award winner Bill Deamer and musical direction by David Steadman, this wonderfully lavish staging has been met with five star reviews from critics.

It all began with the story of the Trapp Family Singers and Baroness Maria von Trapp’s 1949 autobiography, which inspired Richard Rodgers, Oscar Hammerstein II, Howard Lindsay and Russel Crouse to create a Broadway musical in 1959. The Sound of Music tells the true story of the world-famous singing family, from their romantic beginnings and search for happiness, to their thrilling escape to freedom as their beloved Austria becomes part of the Third Reich at the start of WWII.

The unforgettable score features some of the most memorable songs ever performed on stage, including ‘Edelweiss’, ‘My Favorite Things’, ‘Do-Re-Mi’, ‘Climb Ev’ry Mountain’, ‘So Long, Farewell’ and of course, the title song, ‘The Sound of Music’.

www.bordgaisenergytheatre.ie/whats-on

 

 

 

 

Aladdin

Until Sunday 7th January 2018

Mill Theatre Dundrum

Sandyford Road, Dublin

Mill Productions present another seasonal treat for all ages written and directed by Geoff O’Keeffe! The thrilling story of a boy, a lamp and a genie, Aladdin is one of the most popular pantomimes of all. Audiences can look forward to a fun-packed performance full of comedy, slapstick, singing, dancing, dazzling special effects, beautiful costumes and plenty of participation. Guaranteed to entertain both the young and the young at heart.

Show time: 12pm, 2pm, 4pm

Admission: €16/€14 Family of 4 €55

https://www.facebook.com/MillTheatreDundrum/

 

 

Dinosaurs Around the World in the Ambassador Theatre

Dinosaurs Around the World in the Ambassador Theatre is open daily to the public from 10 a.m. with last entry at 6pm for a limited time only.

Dublin’s Ambassador Theatre presents Dinosaurs Around the World, now open for a limited time only. Dinosaurs Around the World takes you back in time on a dinosaur adventure and a tour of an Earth very different from today – a time before the continents as we know them existed, when lush landscapes covered Africa and greenery was the norm in Antarctica! With advanced animatronics, a multi-layered narrative, fossils, authentic casts, cutting-edge research and immersive design elements you’ll experience the Age of Reptiles as it comes to life!

TICKET INFORMATION

Tickets available in advance from Ticketmaster outlets nationwide now, or at the Ambassador Theatre Box Office when you arrive for the exhibtion.

Mon / Tues / Wed / Thu
Adults: €12
Under 15s: €8
Family Pass – 2 adults 2 children: €28
Students/OAPs: €12
Unemployed: €8
Babes in Arms / Children under 4:  Free

Fri / Sat / Sun
Adults: €15
Under 15s: €9
Family Pass – 2 adults 2 children: €38
Students/OAPs: €14
Unemployed: €10
Babes in Arms / Children under 4:  Free

SCHOOL AND GROUP RATES AVAILABLE MONDAY TO FRIDAY
Primary Schools: €8 euro per child / Teachers and guardians go free
Post Primary Schools: €9 euro per child / Teachers and guardians go free
Groups Over 10 people: 10 euro per person

School and Group bookings contact:
Email: group.sales@ticketmaster.ie
Phone Group Bookings at Ticketmaster: 01 6486029

Other groups over 8 people can also book via those contacts.
http://www.ticketmaster.ie/

 

 

Beauty and the Beast

Friday 5th January  – Sunday 14th January 2018

Baldoyle Music Society

St Mary’s Secondary School

Baldoyle Dublin 13

Booking at 085 1378329 or www.baldoylemusicalsociety.ie

 

 

Alice in Wonderland – Coolmine Panto Group

Friday 5th January – Sunday 21st January 2018

Draiocht,

Blanchardstown

Dublin 15

€20 / €17 conc / €15 Relaxed Performance

Join the whimsical fun-filled world of Lewis Carroll and follow Alice as she chases the White Rabbit on a journey into Wonderland. It’s a topsy-turvy place that gets ‘curiouser and curiouser’ as Alice meets unforgettable characters – the Mad Hatter, the Cheshire Cat, Queen of Hearts, Tweedledum and Tweedledee and many more. Filled with spectacular song and dance, this is a classic pantomime for all the family.

FRI 05    7.30PM

SAT 06   2PM & 7.30PM / SUN 07  1PM & 5.30PM

WED 10  7.30PM (RELAXED PERFORMANCE €15)

THU 11   7.30PM / FRI 12  7.30PM

SAT 13   2PM & 7.30PM / SUN 14  1PM & 5.30PM

THU 18   7.30PM / FRI 19  7.30PM

SAT 20    2PM & 7.30PM / SUN 21  2PM

Our Relaxed Performance on Wednesday 10th January will have no sudden noises or bangs, restricted capacity, the ability to move around, softer and brighter lighting and music at a suitable level. We will also provide a chill-out area with low lighting for parents/guardians to bring children who may need to have a little break. If you are attending this performance and would like a Pre-Visit Guide (Visual & Written) in advance from Draiocht, please email philippa@draiocht.ie or let Box Office know when you’re booking on 01-8852622 (Guide available early January). All tickets for this performance are €15.

www.draiocht.ie

 

 

Childrens Art Classes

Saturday, January 13 at 11 AM – 4 PM

National Botanic Gardens of Ireland

National Botanic Gardens,

300 Botanic Road, Dublin

Budding Artists

Join our ‘budding’ artists, a creative workshop especially for younger children taking place once a month, under the attentive eye of artist Niamh Synnott. Children are encouraged to take a closer look at the natural world all around them to inspire fun art-making activities. Suitable for 4 to 7 year olds.

Time: 11.00am-12.30pm. Meet at the Education and Visitor Centre

Cost: €10. Booking Essential

Hardy Annuals

Why not join us for a guided discovery of the natural world where you can observe, engage, and be inspired by your surroundings. Participants in this art programme will be encouraged to use materials in fun and interesting ways while taking inspiration from the world of plants on show at Glasnevin. Suitable for 8 to 12 year olds.

Time: 2.00pm – 4.00pm. Meet at the Education and Visitor Centre

Cost: €10 per child. Booking Essential

https://www.facebook.com/events/185253395379881/

 

 

What the Ladybird Heard

Until Sunday 7th January 2018

Pavilion Theatre

Dún Laoghaire

The perfect family show for the Christmas season.

€17.50, €60 Family (certain shows only) | Age guidance: 3yrs+ | Free booking online:

Based on the award-winning picture book by Julia Donaldson and Lydia Monks, this all-singing production by Kenny Wax Family Entertainment is sure to bring a smile to little faces.

With live music, puppetry, plenty of audience participation and lots of laughs, it’s a festive treat for all the family.

Hefty Hugh and Lanky Len have a cunning plan to steal the farmer’s fine prize cow. But they reckon without the tiniest, quietest creature of all: the Ladybird has a plan of her own!

http://bit.ly/ChristmasLadybird

 

 

 

 

Beauty and the Beast

Until Sunday 21st January

The Helix, DCU,

Collins Avenue,

Glasnevin

Dublin

Full Price Tickets:€28.00

Family Tickets €24.50 (each)

TheatreworX Productions return to The Helix this Christmas for yet another panto success with their hilarious adaptation of Aladdin.

A mystical genie, a flying carpet and an old lamp, a beautiful princess, irresistible baddies and an exotic trip to the Far East. It could only be the magical and much loved pantomime, Aladdin!

Join the heroic but hopelessly romantic Aladdin and all the gang for the adventure of a lifetime in the Far East in this year’s fun-filled panto- guaranteed to enthral the whole family.

info@thehelix.dcu.ie

 

 

 

Bring Along a Baby at 10.30am

Monday 22nd January – 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM

National Concert Hall, Dublin, Ireland

Earlsfort Terrace, Dublin, Ireland D02 N527

 Room: John Field Room                                               Prices: Adult: €13

Babies go free!

Bring Along a Baby is an informal, relaxed, accessible chamber music recital of the highest standard, aimed primarily at parents, while babies or very young children sleep, feed and play.

There is no pressure to keep still or quiet, leaving parents free to sit back and enjoy the music. In fact, we encourage the babies to interact naturally with the music, and we have play mats and soft toys to this end.

Of course, the babies benefit from the music as well, so it’s a win-win.

Presented by Learning & Participation

+353 1 417 0077

info@nch.ie

 

 

Coffee & Ballsbridge     Sept 2017  –  May 2018

Until 22nd May  2018

Panda Play Cafe

Old Belvedere RFC

28A Anglesea Road, Dublin, Ireland Dublin 4

Join us at our regular meet up at Panda Play Cafe. It’s a fantastic way to get to know other FGG members over a coffee whilst the kids play in a safe environment and make new friends themselves.

This meet-up is open to families with children under the age 5yrs. For more information about Panda Play Cafe please visit :

http://pandaplaycafe.com/.

 

Hope you like our suggestions!

Have a great January and HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

Eimear x