The air is getting crisper, the festive lights are being checked twice, and the Christmas countdown is officially on! The Bray and District Chamber of Commerce, bray.ie and Bray Municipal District, Wicklow County Council have once again joined forces to unveil their festive campaign: “Step Into a Magical #ChristmasInBray for 2025.”
This year’s campaign encourages everyone—locals and visitors alike—to shop, hire, and source locally. By taking this simple yet powerful step, you support our local economy, help nurture a vibrant business community, and truly immerse yourself in the town’s many festive events and activities from late November through early January.
Need a little festive magic?
Imagine this: the warm, nostalgic glow of the screen at the Mermaid Arts Centre, wrapped up cosy while watching classic Christmas films; the enchanting, hushed sounds of Candlelight Concerts, where music seems to dance on the air; hands-on festive workshops that spark your creativity, leaving you with a beautiful keepsake; exploring the town centre to find that perfect, unique gift for someone special, knowing every purchase supports a local family; and savouring seasonal dining experiences—from hearty, fireside lunches to elegant, celebratory dinners—you’ll remember all year!
Jonathan Donnelly, President of the Bray & District Chamber of Commerce, said, “There’s no better way to embrace the Christmas spirit than by enjoying everything our wonderful town has to offer. From the magical events that are planned to the fantastic local businesses that make Bray special, it’s the perfect time to shop locally and support our vibrant community.”
Pictured at the launch of the Christmas in Bray 2025 marketing campaign are Jonathan Donnelly of Bray Chamber, Brian Wildes and Stephen Fox of Wicklow County Council, Adam Burke, Councillors Caroline Winstanley and Ned Whelan, Bray MD Cathaoirleach Erika Doyle, Frosty and Santa Claus — photo by Leigh Anderson.
The Magical Christmas Town Centre Lights Switch-On: Saturday, November 22nd
The festive season officially kicks off with a magnificent outdoor party and the official switch-on of the Town Centre Christmas lights on Main Street, taking place at the Civic Plaza on Saturday, November 22nd, from 4:30 pm (Please note the earlier start time).
Everyone is invited for an evening bursting with festive fun! Expect a Christmas DJ spinning seasonal tunes, a heartwarming sing-along led by MC Adam Burke, and even catch a glimpse of some mischievous Christmas characters causing some chaos. The biggest moment? One lucky family will be granted the prestigious honour of pushing the button to officially switch on Bray’s Christmas Lights along with Santa Claus! To throw your hat in the ring, see below to enter.
The closing date for entries is Monday, November 17th, 2025. The winner will be announced on bray.ie’s social media channels and notified directly.
Cllr Erika Doyle, Cathaoirleach of Bray Municipal District, encourages families to soak up the atmosphere and said, “The Christmas Lights Switch-On is the highlight of the festive calendar, a real community gathering that brings the town to life. We encourage everyone to make a day of it—enjoy a delicious lunch at one of the many local eateries, get a head start on your Christmas shopping, and then find the perfect spot in the plaza to enjoy the magic!”
Meet our #ChristmasInBray digital ambassadors!
What’s On in Bray This Festive Season
This year, the town is bursting with festive experiences, unique events, and activities designed to captivate audiences of all ages.
They include:
- See the town illuminated in festive splendour with the magical Town Centre Christmas Lights, the Giant Christmas Tree at the Civic Plaza, and Christmas projections.
- Santa’s Post Box – Children can send their letters to Father Christmas at Bray Town Hall until Friday, December 12th — Read more below!
- #ChristmasInBray Competitions – Show off your creativity in our colouring and photography challenges — Read more below!
- Gift Ideas Galore – Discover top Christmas gifts from local retailers — Read more below!
- #ChristmasInBray Spotify playlist – Get into the holiday spirit! Listen here.
- Kick off the festive season in style at the Purple House Christmas Fair on Saturday, November 8th, from 10 am to 1 pm — a morning of Christmas shopping, seasonal treats, and festive cheer.
- Laugh your way into the festive season! Catch two-time ‘Irish Comedian of the Year’ and ‘You Must Be Jokin’ co-host Eric Lalor headlining the Hardy Har Comedy Club at The Harbour Bar on Thursday, November 13th. Doors open at 8 pm. Free entry!
- Reflections & Adorations—An evening of beautiful music at Christ Church on Saturday, November 15th at 7 pm. Book at https://christ-church-bray.sumupstore.com.
- Santa Claus at Killruddery with Me and the Moon – Various dates in November & December. Limited availability. Book at https://www.meandthemoon.ie/santa-at-killruddery.
- The Made Well Event at Killruddery – Celebrate Irish craftsmanship and conscious design from Friday, November 21st to Sunday, November 23rd.
- Festina Lente Workshops – Festive creativity starts Thursday, November 27th. Book at https://www.eventbrite.ie/o/festina-lente-11124317923.
- Bray Musical Society presents… Cinderella! Get ready for a sparkling pantomime full of laughter, music, and festive fun for the whole family! From November 28th. Book at https://www.gr8events.ie/sales/show_perfs.php?eid=2292.
- Christmas Events for Kids at Ballywaltrim Library – The library hosts an exciting programme of festive activities for children, starting Saturday, November 29th. — Read more below!
- Christmas Market & Live Crib – Patrick’s Church, Powerscourt, Enniskerry. Enjoy a magical festive market on Saturday, November 29th, from 11 am to 6 pm. Experience a nativity procession from St. Mary’s Church at 4 pm, making its way through the village to the live crib at St. Patrick’s, followed by carol singing to fill the air with Christmas cheer.
- Killruddery Christmas Wreath-Making Workshops – Various dates in November & December. Book at https://killruddery.com/products/killruddery-cut-flowers-presents-christmas-wreath-making-workshop-1.
- Purple House’s Christmas Candlelight Service – Holy Redeemer Church, on Friday, December 5th at 6 pm. A serene festive gathering.
- Celebrate the season with beautiful choral music at Voices of Bray’s Christmas Concert on Saturday, December 6th at 3 pm in Holy Redeemer Church, Bray — a free, family-friendly festive event.
- Classics by Candlelight at Christ Church – Enjoy timeless music in a magical candlelit setting on Sunday, December 7th, at 7 pm. Book at https://pay.sumup.com/b2c/Q7RC0RMI.
- Bray Arts Christmas Meet-up—Tuesday, December 9th, upstairs in the Martello Hotel from 7 pm. For more information and event updates, visit facebook.com/brayarts.
- Signal Arts Centre Christmas Fair – Browse unique crafts, gifts, and festive treats from Wednesday, December 10th, until Christmas Eve, 10 am to 5 pm daily. Read more at https://signalartscentre.ie/exhibitions/signal-arts-centre-christmas-fair-2025/.
- Hardy Har Comedy Club – Don’t miss their Christmas Cracker Comedy Special on Thursday, December 11th at The Harbour Bar. Doors open at 8 pm. Free entry!
- Christmas by Candlelight – Bray tenor Ross Scanlon returns home for a magical evening of seasonal music and song, joined by Clelia Murphy, Aoife O’Connell, and Edward Finegan. Enjoy a heartwarming programme of Christmas favourites and timeless classics on Friday, December 12th, at 7:30 pm at Holy Redeemer Church, Bray. Book at https://www.gr8events.ie/sales/index.php?event=2381.
- Visit Santa & The Ponies at Festina Lente – Saturday, December 20th and Sunday, December 21st. Book at https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/santa-the-ponies-tickets-1700537727119?
- Festive Shows at the Mermaid – Including Polar Bear & Penguin Family Show and Junior Musicals ‘Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree’. Full listings at https://www.mermaidartscentre.ie/whats-on/all.
- Christmas Movies at Mermaid – From Monday, December 22nd, enjoy Elf, Miracle on 34th Street, Home Alone, and more. Book at https://www.mermaidartscentre.ie/whats-on/all.
- Annual Charity Swim – Start the New Year with the iconic Bray Lions Club swim at noon on New Year’s Day, opposite the Martello Hotel. Thousands have been raised for local causes over the years!
Simply click on the #ChristmasInBray event/activity image below to reveal more information.
Free Car Parking at Herbert Road Car Park at Weekends
To make shopping local even easier, free car parking will be available in the Herbert Road Car Park (Council-owned portion) every weekend from Saturday, November 29th, until Sunday, January 4th, 2026.
Cllr Erika Doyle added, “Supporting our businesses is vital, and we want to make it as convenient as possible. Offering free parking every weekend throughout the festive period at Herbert Road Car Park is a small but important gesture to help everyone shop local first and give a boost to the business community this Christmas and into the New Year.”
Make a break for Bray this festive season…
There’s plenty to keep you and your family busy in between the Christmas events, so why not make a break for Bray this festive season? Use the menu button to start exploring things to see and do, eat and drink, places to stay, and much more!
Hosting An Event?
If you are a local group or business hosting a community event this Christmas, bray.ie is happy to help promote it for free. Just fill out the online submission form here.
Top Christmas Gift Ideas…
Attention local retailers! Do you have the perfect Christmas gift? Submit it here to be featured on bray.ie’s ‘Top Christmas Gifts’ list.
Thanks to the local business community…
We appreciate all the local businesses that have contributed to the Christmas in Bray campaign, events, and activities so far. If your business would like to contribute, don’t hesitate to email the Bray and District Chamber at info@braychamber.ie,” concluded Jonathan.
All events and activities are subject to change without notice. The closing date for entries to the colouring and photo competitions is Friday, December 19th, 2025. Full terms are available here.
Join the conversation
Use the hashtags #ChristmasInBray #StepIntoChristmasInBray #WinterInBray #LoveBray #BestOfBray
The Christmas in Bray marketing campaign is supported by Bray and District Chamber of Commerce, bray.ie and Bray Municipal District, Wicklow County Council. bray.ie is a trading name of Bray Tourism.