Make the most of Twixmas with our top five events

The days between Christmas and New Year have a peculiar rhythm. You wake up, pour a cup of tea, and somewhere between the leftovers and the quiet hum of the fridge, you realise you have no idea what day it is. Monday? Thursday? Does it matter? For a week, the calendar takes a holiday too, leaving space for little adventures you didn’t quite get to before Christmas and won’t make it to after New Year’s.

Twixmas, as it’s unofficially known, is the perfect time for wandering, exploring, and quietly reminding yourself that the festive season isn’t over – even if your brain insists it is. The lights glow, the rides creak, and the smell of roasted almonds and hot chocolate remains just as inviting as a week ago. Ireland has plenty to offer for this quiet, in-between week.

1. Wild Lights, Dublin Zoo, Dublin

First up is Wild Lights at Dublin Zoo. Even if you’ve visited before, there’s something special about seeing it after Christmas. The evening air is crisp, the paths quieter than during the pre-Christmas rush. Lanterns in every colour light the trees and enclosures, turning the zoo into a storybook that has come to life. Children’s eyes widen at the glowing creatures, while adults take a deep breath and feel a little magic for themselves.

Families wander at their own pace, couples stroll hand-in-hand, and everyone slows down, enjoying the sparkle without the pressure. Because Wild Lights runs through January, it’s an easy, flexible option: perfect for those “I’ve had enough of leftovers but don’t know what day it is” days. Children’s tickets are €21.50 and those under one are free. Adult tickets are €26.

2. Adventure Lights, Carlingford, Co Louth

Further north, Adventure Lights at Skypark Carlingford offers a slightly more energetic experience without being exhausting. Trees and pathways glow, while light trails and activity zones invite exploration. Kids can run around, families can linger, and the combination of lights, adventure, and rural charm feels like a proper escape from the house. The sea nearby adds a crisp freshness, and the glowing sculptures and gentle fairground creaks make it easy to forget the week’s confusion. Family tickets from €55.

3. Enchanted Winter Gardens, Co Antrim

Up in Antrim, the Enchanted Winter Garden at Antrim Castle Gardens carries the same gentle magic, with a fairground twist. Lanterns light the castle grounds, vintage rides spin, and seasonal food stalls fill the air with inviting smells. By late-December, it’s quieter than the pre-Christmas rush, making it feel more intimate. Families, couples, and friends find themselves smiling without even realising why. The combination of history, fairy-tale lights, and gentle entertainment is a perfect Twixmas experience.

Tickets start at £15.50 ( €17.60) for adults and £10.50 ( €12) for children.

4. Mr Binman Racing Festival, Co Limerick

Then there’s the Mr Binman Christmas Racing Festival at Limerick Racecourse. For anyone who enjoys a bit of action, this is a lively Twixmas outing. Running from 26-29 December, it has jump racing, food, and a festive atmosphere. Families attend together and friends meet up, and even strangers share a small thrill when a horse thunders past. It’s exactly the kind of certainty that makes Twixmas feel grounded. It has a cheerful energy that makes the week feel alive. General admission tickets are €23.

5. Christmas Market, Co Galway

Finally, Galway’s Christmas Market in Eyre Square and the surrounding streets offer a slower, city-based festive stroll. In 2025, the market continues until the end of the year, giving Twixmas visitors a chance to enjoy the stalls without the pre-Christmas crush. Wooden booths, seasonal crafts, food stalls, and the aroma of roasted chestnuts create a gentle hum of festive charm.

Families, couples, and friends can wander at their own pace, perhaps pausing for a hot chocolate or a pastry, and to soak in the lights without any pressure.

There is also a carousel and you can enjoy the sights of Galway on the 32m high Big Wheel. It’s a quiet, cheerful way to enjoy the season while the rest of the world catches its breath. Entry to the market is free.