The Convention Before Christmas

What's On

Where Christmas Meets Fandom, Craft & Collectibles, Live Shows, Fun Fair, Toy Fair, Comic Con, Christmas Market & Special Guests.

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Buy €5 raffle tickets and win amazing prizes from our prize pool.

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A Festive Adventure For The Whole Family!

Step into a magical Christmas village where holiday dreams come to life! The Convention Before Christmas combines the joy of a traditional Christmas market with the excitement of pop culture and fandom in one unforgettable event.

What To Expect:

Visit Santa Clause's grotto and immerse yourself in the enchanted Christmas village. Complete with snow globe, Prancer's pen, Patche's Toy Machine, Santa's sleigh and more. (Free photo opportunity)
Who-knows, you might see the Grinch, watch out!
Vibrant festive food market with seasonal treats
Unique handcrafted gifts from local artisans (artist alley)
Exciting fun fair with rides and attractions
Interactive holiday-themed entertainment, including free, live theatrical shows with our elves and friends, Cosplay masquerade and panels with special guests, prizes given away hourly via raffle tickets live on stage
Geeky collectibles from the best vendors, for the pop culture fans
Festive photo opportunities throughout the venue (Prancer's pen photo-op, Patche's toy machine photo-op, giant snow globe photo-op and more with Reel Icons costume club)
Come meet Ghost Busters, BumbleBee, Johnny 5, Knight Rider, RoboCop and DJ Kat for photo-ops

Find all your Christmas gifts under one roof, while creating magical memories that will last a lifetime!

Whether you're shopping for that perfect present, enjoying festive foods, meeting Santa, or embracing your geeky side with holiday cosplay, there's something for everyone at The Convention Before Christmas. Don't miss Dublin's most spectacular holiday event of the season!

Special Guests

Meet our incredible lineup of special guests, from beloved Christmas icons to pop culture legends!

Santa Claus

The Big Man Himself

Ho ho ho! Santa Claus is coming to The Convention Before Christmas! Meet the jolly old St Nick himself.

Bring your wish lists and cameras for an unforgettable photo opportunity with the most famous Christmas celebrity of all time.

Santa will be available throughout both days of the event for meet and greets, photos, and to hear all your Christmas wishes. Make sure you have booked your slot to avoid disappointment.

Karol Cristina Da Silva

The Phantom Menace - Rabé

Karol Cristina da Silva is an actress known for her role as Rabé in "Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace."

We're thrilled to announce that Karol Cristina da Silva will be joining us at The Convention Before Christmas 6th and 7th of December!

She will be one of 3 amazing cosplay judges and will be available for photo opportunities.

Dee Tails

"I've got a little something for you"

Dee Tails is an English actor, dancer, rapper, and creature performer—best known for his roles in the Star Wars saga over the last 10 years.

He portrayed memorable characters like Cratinus in The Force Awakens, K-OHN in Rogue One, Slowen Lo in The Last Jedi, and Quay Tolsite in Solo: A Star Wars Story.

He has a wide array of movies under his belt, including Batman Begins. But did you know, Dee Tails was a member in the 90s hip-hop band MN8?

Come see him on the 6th and 7th of December.

Johnny 5

Number 5 is Alive!

The loveable robot from Short Circuit is coming to spread some technological Christmas cheer!

Johnny 5, with his curious personality and heartwarming charm, will be available for meet and greets. This sentient robot has captured hearts for decades, and now you can meet him in person.

Perfect for fans of classic 80s sci-fi and anyone who loves a good robot story. This extremely advanced replica is brought to us from his builder, Ryan and family and this time, Johnny 5 is actually alive, thanks to 21st century tech, upgrades and plenty of input.

Come and meet him on the 6th and 7th of December and don't forget, this guy builds miniature versions of himself, which will be exclusively available for sale at the Convention Before Christmas.

David Butler

Illustrator & Animator

We welcome illustrator and animator David Butler to the Convention Before Christmas!

Why he's a standout guest:

• Illustrator of Tom Crean: Irish Antarctic Hero, a powerful new graphic novel on Ireland's legendary Antarctic explorer, created with author Michael Smith and released earlier this year.

• His portfolio also includes graphic biographies like Michael Collins: Ireland's Rebel Son (2022)

• A graduate of Dún Laoghaire Film Institute whose animation roots run deep, his style brings characters and history vividly to life.

Luke's Deadly Dinosaurs

65 Million years ago? Nah, 6th and 7th of December!

We’re thrilled to welcome Luke O'Connell from @lukesdeadlydinosaurs to The Convention Before Christmas!

Luke is a dinosaur expert and children’s author, having written a few brilliant books just for kids and he’s bringing the prehistoric magic to the event this December!

📚 Live dinosaur talks on stage

📖 Signed copies of his books available

🦕 Meet Reggie the T-Rex – Luke’s incredible dino sidekick, appearing live throughout the weekend!

Get ready to ROAR with excitement, this one’s going to be dino-mite!

Tina Fitzgerald

One for the little guys

We’re delighted to welcome Tina Fitzgerald to The Convention Before Christmas this December!

Tina is the wonderful author of Arid the Honeypot Ant, thehoneypotant a heartwarming, beautifully illustrated storybook loved by children and families alike 🐜❤️.

📖 You’ll also have the chance to meet Tina in person and grab a signed copy of Arid the Honeypot Ant – exclusively available at the convention!

🎄✨ A perfect treat for the little bookworms in your life or a unique Christmas gift with a personal touch!