More than 200 volunteers will provide some festive cheer to those most in need at the 101st edition of the Christmas Day Dinner.
Established in 1924 by the Catholic order of the Knights of St. Columbanus, who continue to lead and organise the event, this Christmas tradition is one of the oldest and largest charitable events held on Christmas Day in Ireland.
As it has done for the past 50 years, the celebration will once again take place at the Royal Dublin Society RDS in Ballsbridge (previously held in Mansion House), where more than 500 guests are expected to enjoy a hot, festive three-course meal cooked by experienced volunteer chefs, accompanied by lively entertainment, including music groups and soloists.
In addition, a further 5,500 takeaway meals will be prepared and, with the help of partner organisations, including Alone, the Simon Community, Saint Vincent de Paul, Age Action Ireland, and Dublin City Council, will be distributed to those in need in their homes or accommodation across the greater Dublin area.
This close collaboration with our partners will ensure that even those unable to attend in person can enjoy a traditional Christmas dinner.
Neither the sit-down dinner nor the takeaway meals could be provided without the continued generosity and care shown by our volunteers, sponsors, and donors.
The Christmas Day Dinner is free of charge for all our guests, and no reservations are required.
Free transport is available for those travelling from Dublin city centre, and the event is supported on-site by An Garda Síochána, the Order of Malta, and Dublin Homeless Awareness Services.
At the RDS, a dedicated area is reserved for families and gifts will be provided to children.
This year, the need for the festive dinner and related services is greater than ever, as recent official reports and leading homelessness services show a continued rise in the number of people experiencing homelessness or relying on emergency accommodation in Ireland.
According to the latest figures, in 2025 over 16,700 people—11,492 adults and 5,274 children—accessed emergency accommodation in the country, with 1,952 homeless people in Dublin alone, marking a 12 percent increase from last year.
“After 100 years, we continue to show what is possible when people come together,” said Trevor Macnamara, Chair of the Christmas Day Dinner Committee.
“This celebration is made possible by the incredible generosity of our volunteers and those contributing to this long-standing tradition of looking out for the most vulnerable in our society”.
“We are deeply grateful,” added Macnamara, “to the RDS for opening its doors to us for more than 50 years. Anyone in need of support is warmly invited to join us at the RDS by taking the free bus from Dublin city centre—no tickets or booking are required—to share in this special Christmas Day event.
“Transportation, meals, and drinks are provided completely free of charge.”
This year, we dedicated our volunteer induction sessions – where volunteers receive training and tasks to support people on Christmas Day – to Brother Kevin Crowley, founder of the Capuchin Day Centre, who devoted his life to supporting marginalised people in Dublin and passed away earlier this year.
His work lives on through the Christmas Day Dinner.
Donations to assist with running the event are very welcome, and can be made via the Christmas Day Dinner iDonate page: https://www.idonate.ie/fundraiser/ChristmasDayDinnerAppeal2025