Celebrate the women in your life today – and every day! …
Nollaig na mBan, Little Christmas or Women’s Christmas marks the twelfth and final day of the Christmas period, January 6. Traditionally, this day serves as a reward for the women of the household after all of their hard work over the busy festive period. The women of the house rested and then gathered together to celebrate each other. Finally, a well-deserved day off for roles to be reversed …
The custom was for women to make social calls to the homes of their friends and neighbours for a pot of tea and to enjoy the last of the Christmas cake. This evolved into sharing the dregs of the beverages served over Christmas! It was also believed that it was unlucky to take down the decorations any earlier, so this day remains an important marker for most of us.
It is a day to celebrate the inspiring women in our lives, the women who came before us, who fought and paved the way, and those who have passed away but we remember today and every day.
The tradition of women celebrating together had largely died out until recent years when we saw a welcome revival. There are now dedicated charity swims and festivals, musical and literary evenings, so here’s how you can get in on the fun.
Nollaig na mBan Festival, Dublin North East
Ireland’s only all-female cultural event, the Nollaig na mBan festival is in its fourth year, shining a spotlight on women’s contributions to Dublin’s North Inner City, which often disappears under the radar. Honouring the spirit of community, culture and the achievements of local talent, expect a range of events as the city comes alive with music, art exhibitions, interactive workshops and panel discussions, all centered around supporting and uplifting women.
Concert By Candlelight: Nollaig na mBan, St Andrew’s Parish Church
Another legendary location in Dublin city centre, enjoy music, food, drink and good company, all in aid of a good cause for Arc Cancer Support.
First Fortnight: Nollaig na mBan
Whelan’s in Dublin 2 has curated a celebratory evening featuring three talented Irish artists who reflect this cherished tradition. Tolü Makay is a singer-songwriter well known for her fusion of alternative pop and soul, creating empowering anthems of growth and self-discovery. Described in Poetry Ireland Review as ‘one of the best writers in Ireland today’, Vona Groarke is Ireland’s Professor of Poetry (2025-28) and her latest book, Infinity Pool, was shortlisted for the TS Eliot Poetry Prize 2025, while poet Jan Brieton’s signature combination of humour, wit and poignancy both celebrates and uplifts women. Together, they’ll perform a dynamic mix of poetry and music at the iconic Whelan’s venue, followed by as silent disco from 10.30pm if you’re in the mood!
Nollaig na mBan: Celebrating Maeve Brennan In Words & Music
The Ranelagh-born writer, known as the Long-Winded Lady, was born on Nollaig na mBan in 1917 and was a trailblazer as a much-admired social diarist with the New Yorker during the 1950s to ’60s. Emilie Conway has woven together extracts from Brennan’s writing with an eclectic musical selection that charts her progress from daughter of Irish revolutionaries (her parents were both active in the 1916 Rising) to doyen of New York high society as a respected short story writer, ending in abject destitution in later life. Venerable feminist historian and activist Grainne Blair will give an introduction and perform readings at the United Arts Club in Dublin 2 on Saturday, January 10. Conway has presented this imaginative show to great acclaim and full houses in New York, Chicago, the National Concert Hall and more, so don’t miss your chance to hear this unusual piece of literary chamber music.
