NEXT SATURDAY, FAMILIES will gather in Dublin for a special December event which isn’t about shopping centres, credit cards and big men in red suits.

The Smithfield Square area will be transformed into a magical light garden where a number of activities will be held.

Organisers say the event was set up to celebrate seasonal themes of winter and light – and is one of few secular events being held this season. 

Author and illustrator Niamh Sharkey will be on hand with the Monkeyshine Theatre Company for creative projects and there will also be outdoor and indoor family theatre, music, cinema screenings and workshops.

Local businesses such as Brown Bag Films, Block T, The Generator and The Cobblestone to celebrate have joined together to highlight the community’s “creativity and energy”.

Lord Mayor of Dublin Christy Burke said, “Dublin City Council is proud to fund and support this unique and imaginative event. Glow is a wonderful addition to Dublin’s Calendar of seasonally-themed events, combining the very best of local creativity and community pride to bring energy and entertainment for all the family to this beautiful historic part of our Capital City.”

Programmed by Grasshopper for Dublin City Council, all the events will be free. Glow coincides with the Dublin Flea and Block T Christmas Cracker Market, taking place over the same weekend.

Highlights for families include:

Glow Tent

A beautifully lit barn tent on Smithfield Plaza will host intimate family performances, workshops and stories. Featuring classical and traditional music sessions, storytelling and workshops.

Brown Bag Children’s Workshops, Block C, Smithfield

Emmy Award winning storyboard artist Marten Jonmark will facilitate workshops and The Ravenous Beast and Henry Hugglemonster creator Niamh Sharkey will host a Glow Monster Doodle where children will draw their glow-in- the-dark monsters on the windows of Block C.

Little Light Outdoor Performance Trail 

Little Light is a magical, interactive performance inspired by a Nordic folktale about the quest for winter light. Little Light is a newly created show featuring lantern making, storytelling, music and trolls presented by Monkeyshine Theatre Company.

Screenings and Family Hub at the Generator Cinema in association with Brown Bag Films

A selection of shorts by Brown Bag Films will be screened throughout the afternoon at the Generator’s downstairs cinema, with a ‘meet the directors’ session and chill- out area for families.

Glow Garden

The Smithfield green will be illuminated with beautiful light installations to create a magical light garden.

The event takes place on 13 December between 1pm and 5.30pm