It’s that time of year again–there’s a crispness in the air, a spring in your step, and a sparkle in your eyes. The buzz of the holidays is all around. It may sound cliché, but this time of the year really is my favorite. There is something about time spent with family and friends, crackling log fires, cups of hot cocoa, and the scents of cinnamon and nutmeg that warms you from the outside in.

For a holiday experience that truly captures the essence of the season, there are few places that can hold a candle to the traditional spirit of Ireland. From the twinkling lights and ornate decorations adorning the streets to the pantomimes and Christmas concerts that headline at theatres, Dublin is like something out of a storybook during the holidays.

The sense of merriment in the air during the holiday season in Ireland is infectious. They are a people lively and genial in nature and the energy and vibrancy of the holiday spirit is celebrated to its fullest.

Dublin plays host to a number of festivals during the holidays that evoke that magical feeling so special to this time of year. The Taste of Christmas festival held at the Convention Centre Dublin showcases the season’s finest food, drink, shopping, and music. What better way to get into the holiday spirit than by sampling signature dishes and warming libations as you check names off your Christmas list!

The Docklands Christmas Market is a truly unique event and one filled with Christmas spirit. This European-inspired market provides an experience of old-world charm in a quaint waterside village setting with market traders selling a range of Christmas gifts, seasonal food, and stocking fillers. Decadence abounds as a host tantalizing treats tempt your senses, from continental delights to traditional mince pies and mulled wine. Santa, carol singers, and fairground delights for the children make this festival one not to be missed.

In tune with the holiday spirit, The Merrion Dublin is offering a variety of holiday packages catered to welcoming travelers and providing them with the ultimate holiday experience. From a quick weekend escape for two to a winter getaway for the whole family, The Merrion has packages for everyone.

Fancy spending Christmas being pampered in an atmosphere of luxury and comfort? The beautifully restored Georgian townhouses that make up The Merrion provide an atmosphere rich in culture, history, and festive spirit. Not to mention the many activities, from heading out for a bustling day of shopping on Grafton Street, to spending a quiet afternoon sitting cozily next to a roaring log fire, to indulging in a luxurious spa treatment at The Merrion’s Tethra Spa, to taking part in the exciting tradition of the Leopardstown Christmas Race Festival–a holiday spent in Dublin will be one filled with memories.

So for a holiday walking in a winter wonderland pack your bags for Dublin!

For more information about holiday packages at The Merrion, visit their website.