Twelve days of Christmas in Ireland
Ireland’s Christmas season is a 12-day celebration known as the Twelve Days of Christmas, filled with traditions, family gatherings, and festive cheer. Below, we’ll guide you through the Christmas traditions in Ireland and how each day is celebrated.
1. Christmas Day (December 25th)
Christmas Day in Ireland is all about family, food, and, for some, faith. Many attend Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve, bringing the community together. On Christmas morning, children wake early, excited to find that Santa has visited. A newer tradition, the Christmas Day swim, sees thousands brave the icy waters, with proceeds going to charities. Afterward, families gather for a hearty Christmas dinner, which typically includes roast turkey, ham, stuffing, and seasonal vegetables, followed by traditional desserts like plum pudding and Christmas cake.
2. St. Stephen’s Day (December 26th)
St. Stephen’s Day is a relaxed extension of Christmas, started with a sleep in (hopefully) followed by leftovers, and family visits. Historically, it was marked by the Wren Boys tradition, where children dressed up and paraded through the streets singing songs about the wren. While the practice has faded, many Irish people now celebrate with horse races, football matches, and a lively night out with friends.
To read more about the Wren Boys traditions visit: https://www.theirishroadtrip.com/wren-day-ireland/
3. Dec 27th – 30th: Mid-Holiday Celebrations
The days between St. Stephen’s Day and New Year’s Eve are quieter, offering a time to relax and enjoy cosy evenings with loved ones, often catching up and unwinding.
4. New Year’s Eve (December 31st)
New Year’s Eve in Ireland is a festive occasion, with parties, fireworks, and gatherings of family and friends. A unique Irish tradition is opening the back door just before midnight to “let the Old Year out,” and the front door to “welcome the New Year in.” Another custom, the Banging of the Bread, involves Irish families banging bread against the walls of their homes to drive away bad luck and invite good fortune.
Make sure to read our blog on New Year’s Eve traditions in Ireland: https://atlaslanguageschool.com/3-irish-new-year-traditions-that-stand-out/
5. New Year’s Day (January 1st)
After the revelry of New Year’s Eve, New Year’s Day is often a quiet one, with many people resting, spending time with family, and setting intentions for the year ahead. A large meal is typically enjoyed, and homes are tidied, symbolizing a fresh start.
6. Jan 2nd – 5th: The Quiet Period
These days offer a peaceful lull between the festivities of Christmas and New Year’s. Many use this time to relax and enjoy quality moments with loved ones. As the January sales begin, some savvy Irish mothers take advantage of discounts, stocking up for the next Christmas.
7. Women’s Little Christmas / Nollaig na mBan (January 6th)
The twelve Days of Christmas conclude on January 6th with Women’s Little Christmas or Nollaig na mBan, a celebration honouring the hard work of women during the holiday season. Women traditionally gather for tea and cakes while men take over household duties. It’s also the day when Christmas decorations are taken down, marking the official end of the festive season.
As you can see, Irish people take their Christmas celebrations seriously, with traditions that span the full 12 days.
What Christmas traditions do you celebrate in your country?
Written by Caoimhe O’Keeffe