Christmas in Dublin: What to Wear, What to Expect and How to Book Your Table at The Irish Dance Party

The holiday season in Dublin is a magical time — twinkling lights, brisk air, and the city’s pubs and venues dressed in their festive best. If you want a Christmas night that’s warm, lively and genuinely memorable (not just another dinner-and-drinks evening), The Irish Dance Party at The Merchant’s Arch offers a perfect blend of live traditional music, award-winning Irish dance, and the welcoming buzz of a classic Dublin pub. Below is a practical, human guide to help you know what to expect, what to wear, and exactly how to book your table so your festive night goes off without a hitch. 

What to Expect: the Experience, Step by Step

A festive venue with atmosphere

During Christmas the Merchant’s Arch — the historic 19th-century pub that hosts The Irish Dance Party — is transformed into a cozy seasonal setting with lights and decorations, giving the evening a genuine holiday atmosphere. You’ll be seated at a reserved table inside a classic Dublin pub overlooking some of the city’s best sights. 

Live music, storytelling and award-winning dance

The Irish Dance Party is a two-hour interactive show combining traditional Irish musicianship, storytelling and dynamic dance performances. The musicians play familiar tunes and explain a little of the music’s history; the dancers deliver polished routines and create a celebratory, energetic atmosphere for the whole table. Expect a high-energy mix of listening, watching and participating. 

Everyone gets to join in

A key part of the night is participation: after the professionals perform, the dancers teach the audience three simple Irish dances (timed roughly as two longer blocks and a shorter one), so everyone can try the steps and share some laughs. That interactive element is what makes the evening feel like a party rather than a standard show. 

Food and drinks are available throughout

You’ll be at a full-service pub with a bar and food options. The Merchant’s Arch offers sit-down dinners, buffets and canapé/festive menu options during the holiday season, so you can combine the show with a proper Christmas meal or shared platters depending on your booking. If you want food for a group, the venue publishes festive menus and bespoke group options. 

What to Wear: Stylish,Practical and Festive

Expect chilly Dublin winter weather outside

November–December evenings in Dublin are cool and often damp. Layer up for traveling between venues: a warm coat, scarf and comfortable shoes are sensible for walking the short distances around Temple Bar. Once inside the Merchant’s Arch you’ll be warm and cosy, but a coat check or a place to hang jackets is handy. (Tip: check the weather the day you go and bring a compact umbrella if rain is forecast.)

Dress code: smart casual with festive spirit

The atmosphere at The Irish Dance Party and Merchant’s Arch is relaxed pub-elegance. Smart casual is perfect — think nice jeans or trousers, a shirt or blouse, or a casual dress. Because it’s Christmas, many guests add a festive touch: a knit jumper, subtle sparkle, or a seasonal accessory. If you want to make photos pop, a coordinated festive color (deep green, burgundy, gold) works beautifully against the pub’s warm decor.

Shoes and dancing

You don’t need specialist footwear to participate in the easy dance steps taught during the show — comfortable shoes with a low heel or flat sole are best. If you plan to be more active in the dancing sections, avoid new shoes you haven’t broken in yet.

How to Book Your Table: Practical Steps and Prices

Where the show takes place

The Irish Dance Party is hosted at The Merchant’s Arch, upstairs at 49 Wellington Quay, Temple Bar, Dublin 2 (D02 EY65). The event runs several evenings a week depending on availability — the website notes they take bookings seven days a week where possible.

Tickets and group pricing 

The Irish Dance Party lists standard ticket pricing on their booking page: adults at €25 per person, with a reduced rate for groups over 10 (€23 per person). Student prices are lower (the site lists €15 for students and €12 for local language school students). Pre-booking is essential — walk-ups are not guaranteed, particularly during the busy Christmas season. Always check the booking page again before you buy, as prices and offers can change.

How to book

1. Visit the Irish Dance Party Book Tickets page or use the contact form on the site to reserve tables and confirm availability for your chosen date.
   
2. Decide whether you want show-only tickets or a show combined with food. For group meals or bespoke festive menus, contact Merchant’s Arch directly to discuss festive menu options and group dining arrangements.
3. For larger groups (e.g., corporate parties or big friend groups), mention any special requirements up front (dietary restrictions, seating preferences, celebration details). We routinely handle Christmas parties and can advise on sittings and menu packages.

Smart tips for Christmas bookings

• Book early: Christmas is a peak time — secure your date as soon as possible, especially for Friday/Saturday nights or group bookings. 
• Declare dietary needs: If anyone in your party is vegetarian, vegan or has allergies, let the venue know when booking so they can tailor menu choices. Festive menus and bespoke options are available.
• Tell them it’s a celebration: If you’re celebrating a birthday, anniversary or team party, add that note when booking — small touches can be arranged and it helps the front-of-house staff plan seating and timing.
• Plan arrival time: Aim to arrive a little early to settle in before the show starts — that way your group won’t miss any of the musical or dance segments. The interactive parts are often timed early enough so your whole group can join.
• Capture memories: The Merchant’s Arch provides an atmospheric backdrop for photos — bring a phone with good low-light capability or plan a small group photo after the dancing segment.

Accessibility and Special Requests

If you or someone in your party has accessibility needs, or you require special seating, contact the venue directly before booking. The Irish Dance Party and Merchant’s Arch staff can advise on the best seating arrangements and any assistance available — it’s the safest way to ensure a comfortable evening for everyone. Pro tip: include accessibility details in your initial email so staff can respond with exact information. 

Final thoughts — Why This is a Great Christmas Choice

A night at The Irish Dance Party gives you more than dinner: it’s a compact, lively cultural experience — music, storytelling, professional dance and a chance for your group to learn a few Irish steps together. During the Christmas season, the Merchant’s Arch’s festive setting adds warmth and charm to the evening, making it an ideal option for families, friends and corporate groups who want a memorable seasonal night out in Dublin. If you’re planning a special festive celebration, pre-book your table, check the menu options and get ready for a night of craic, music and dancing.