The origins of the beloved Irish tradition, the 12 Pubs of Christmas, remain somewhat mysterious, but a strong theory suggests it all began in Dublin. According to research by Chloe O’Keeffe, the first documented mention of this tradition dates back to a 1998 letter in the Irish Independent. In this letter, Dermot Hayes described witnessing a group of men embarking on a festive pub crawl around Grafton Street. Their goal? To hit 12 pubs between 8 p.m. and midnight. 

Despite its uncertain roots, the true magic of the 12 Pubs of Christmas lies in its mystery. While we may never know exactly who started this festive phenomenon, that’s part of the charm. A hint of uncertainty allows the tradition to belong to everyone, a cultural celebration that has evolved into countless variations and personal stories. Whether you’re reliving the tradition in its birthplace or carrying it abroad, the 12 Pubs of Christmas is a testament to the joy of gathering, celebrating, and creating memories worth repeating.

Understanding the tradition

You might think you’ve experienced pub crawls before, but the 12 Pubs of Christmas is truly one of a kind. Picture a standard night of bar-hopping, then add festive costumes, outrageous rules, and the kind of holiday cheer that only the Irish can bring. This beloved tradition sees groups of friends tackling the challenge of visiting 12 different pubs in a single night, enjoying a drink at each stop, all while following a set of quirky and often hilarious rules that add to the fun and chaos.

What began as a daring challenge among seasoned drinkers has transformed into a widely embraced social event. These days, the iconic pub crawl attracts office parties, family groups, and friends who are looking for a lively and unique way to celebrate. This tradition it’s not just about the drinks, it’s about the laughs, the togetherness, and the shared experience of a holiday tradition that’s as Irish as it gets.

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Choosing the When & Where: Planning the perfect night

The 12 Pubs of Christmas is a holiday tradition that typically unfolds in the weeks leading up to Christmas, making it a perfect way to embrace the festive spirit. To get everyone on board, Let everyone know ahead of time so they can block off their calendars. Take availability into account and aim for a date that works for the majority, weekends are a popular choice, but a mid-week pub crawl can add a fun twist if your group is feeling adventurous. The earlier you plan, the smoother your night will be!

Once you’ve locked in the date, it’s time to map out your route. Choosing the right pubs is key to a successful experience. Prepare a list of 12 pubs in advance to avoid decision-making chaos once the drinks start flowing. Focus on places that are close to one another to minimize walking time, and consider the vibe of each pub. Are they lively enough to keep the energy up but spacious enough to welcome a large group? Checking in with the pubs ahead of time is a smart move, as some may have restrictions on big groups or events like the 12 Pubs. A little planning goes a long way toward making your festive crawl unforgettable!

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Crafting the Rules: Making it a Challenge

Essential Rules for Every 12 Pubs

While there are no set rules, most groups establish some basic guidelines to ensure everyone stays on track and the fun factor remains high. Here are some essential rules to consider:

1. Keep It Timed: To maintain the momentum of your evening, allocate about 30 minutes per stop. This keeps things lively and ensures you get to visit all the planned spots.
2. The One-Drink Rule: Make it a tradition that everyone enjoys at least one drink at each venue.
3. Appoint a Rule Maestro: Designate one person to be the “rule keeper” for the night. They’ll handle the schedule and remind everyone of the plan.

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Creative and Hilarious Rule Ideas

Beyond the basics, the possibilities for 12 Pubs rules are endless. Get creative and come up with rules that are funny, challenging, and adjusted to your group’s personalities. Here are some ideas to get you started:

1. Christmas Attire Challenge: Everyone must wear holiday-themed outfits, but add a twist, anyone caught without a festive accessory must buy a round.
2. No First Names: All night, everyone must be addressed by a Christmas-themed nickname like “Rudolph” or “Mrs. Claus.
3. Opposite Hand Drinking: Use your non-dominant hand to drink at one pub. If you slip up, take a penalty sip.
4. No Swearing Zone: Ban all swearing in one pub. A slip-up means finishing your drink!
5. Drink Switch: Swap drinks with the person on your right at one pub.
6. Digital Detox: No phones or selfies for one pub—live in the moment!
7. Santa’s Secret Challenge: Each person gets a secret task for the night (e.g., “get someone to wear your hat”). Fail, and you take a penalty.
8. Reverse Drinking: Everyone drinks facing away from the bar. Turning back results in a penalty.
9. The Drink Dictator: One person chooses everyone’s drink for a pub but follows their own rule.
10. Accent Challenge: Adopt a new accent at each pub. Breaking character means a penalty.
11. The Grinch Pub: No smiling or laughing for five minutes. Breaking the rule earns teasing and a penalty drink.
12. Candy Cane Sip: Use a candy cane straw for your drink. Forgetting the straw means finishing your drink immediately.

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Babylon’s Ultimate 12 pubs list

Babylon has put together the ultimate list of pubs for your 12 Pubs of Christmas crawl, carefully crafted for our readers. This guide takes you from south to north, ensuring all the stops are within walking distance, so you can focus on the festive fun without worrying about logistics. Whether you’re looking for lively atmospheres, cozy corners, or a mix of both, this route has everything you need for an unforgettable holiday pub crawl experience.

1. Swan Bar – 58 York St Dublin 2
2. Thomas Moore Inn – 12 Aungier St, Dublin 2
3. Grogans – 15 William St S, Dublin 2
4. The Bar With No Name – Fadebrook House, 3 Fade St, Dublin 2
5. O’Neill’s Bar – 2 Suffolk St, Dublin 2
6. Cassidy’s Bar – 27 Westmoreland St, Dublin 2
7. Doyles – 9 College St, Dublin 2
8. The Cobblestone – 77 King St N, Smithfield, Dublin 7
9. The Hacienda Bar – 15 Mary Street Little, Dublin 7
10. Sin É – 15 Ormond Quay Upper, Dublin 7
11. Walsh’s – 6 Stoneybatter, Dublin 7
12. McGowans – 18 Phibsborough Rd, Dublin 7

Embracing the Craic and Festive Spirit

At its core, the 12 Pubs of Christmas is a celebration of the Irish craic – the enjoyment of good company, witty banter, and a healthy dose of mischief. It’s a tradition that embodies the festive spirit of the holidays and allows people to let loose, have fun, and create memories that will last a lifetime.

So gather your friends, don your ugliest Christmas jumper, and get ready for an unforgettable 12 Pubs of Christmas adventure! Sláinte!