Good friends, festive shirts and Dublin streets lit up for Christmas: that’s a promising start to a December night out. If you’re planning the 12 Pubs of Christmas in Dublin, a little preparation can make the evening much more enjoyable.
Our take? Make it about the company, not the count. There’s no prize for visiting every pub, and definitely no need to order an alcoholic drink at every stop.
What is the 12 Pubs of Christmas?
The idea is simple: get a group together, dress for the season and follow a route between pubs. Some groups add playful challenges or a theme to their outfits. You can just as easily make yours a shorter evening with a meal and a handful of favourite stops.
Twelve is the theme, not a target. Soft drinks, alcohol-free options and heading home early all belong in the plan.
Choose a walkable Dublin route
Keep your evening centred on one area rather than trying to cross the whole city. You might plan around the streets near Grafton Street and St Stephen’s Green, explore the South William Street area, or choose a route around Smithfield and Stoneybatter.
Pick a few priority venues and keep alternatives nearby. These are starting points for planning, not a confirmed pub itinerary: check each venue’s opening hours, booking arrangements and group policies before setting off. Don’t assume a pub will admit a large group in Christmas outfits, particularly on a busy December evening.
What to wear: give the Christmas shirt its moment
A Christmas jumper isn’t your only option. A festive shirt brings plenty of personality to the group photo and works well with jeans or chinos for an easy evening outfit.
Choose matching shirts for a coordinated crew, or let everyone pick a different festive design. Add comfortable shoes, a warm coat and something suitable for wet weather. You’ll appreciate the practical layers when you’re walking between stops.
Planning outfits together? Give everyone time to check their size and the current delivery information before ordering. Browse The Christmas Shirt Company’s range for inspiration and find your own festive look.
Keep the challenges friendly
The best challenges create stories, not pressure. Try a festive photo challenge, a Christmas music quiz while you’re waiting for food, or a vote for the evening’s best-dressed guest.
Skip drinking penalties, speed challenges and anything that involves bothering staff or other customers. Nobody should have to explain why they’re choosing an alcohol-free drink or sitting out a round.
Book food into the evening
Make a proper meal part of the plan rather than an afterthought. Book somewhere that can accommodate your group, agree a meeting time and share the details before the day.
Leave room for water breaks and changes of plan, too. A good evening doesn’t need a rigid timetable, especially when some venues are busier than expected.
Be a group the pubs are happy to welcome
Keep doorways clear, be patient with staff and respect a venue’s decision if it can’t accommodate you. Avoid blocking pavements for group photos, keep noise considerate and leave each stop as you found it.
Smaller groups are easier to organise. If your party is large, contact venues ahead rather than relying on everyone getting in together.
Plan the journey home before you leave
Check current public transport services and last departures for your date. Agree a meeting point in case anyone gets separated, charge your phone and have a backup way home.
If you’re drinking, don’t drive. Make transport arrangements in advance and look out for one another throughout the evening.
Your Dublin Christmas night, your way
The best part of the 12 Pubs of Christmas isn’t ticking off twelve doors. It’s catching up with friends, enjoying Dublin’s festive atmosphere and giving that brilliantly bold Christmas shirt an outing.
Choose a manageable route, check with venues, make time for food and keep the plan comfortable for everyone. Whether your night includes three stops or more, good company is what makes it memorable.
