Smithfield Square is turning into TwinkleTown for the second year, and honestly, it couldn’t come at a better time. Between lectures, assignments and pretending you understood what your professor said, a mid-week reset is basically essential for survival. TwinkleTown has everything you need to feel like a functioning human again, starting with the Santa Panto Show and the ice rink. Yes, you’ll probably fall. Yes, someone will record it. Still worth it.
Here’s the smart move: go on a Wednesday. That’s the point of the week, where you’re halfway to freedom but somehow more tired than you were on Monday. TwinkleTown hits perfectly. And remember, your student ID student tickets for the ice rink are €17, including fees for 45 minutes.
If you want to play it safe, book a Santa Panto during the weekend (the shows only run on weekends). It’s a 20 minute show, the ideal break between library sessions or an excuse to get fresh air. Tickets are €5, and if you have a younger sibling, take them. Kids get gifts, and you’ll look like the responsible one.
Now, if you’re the type who needs something “cultural” to justify skipping study time, the Special Tent has your back. Workshops, live performances, wreath making sessions for your front door, The Whileaways, the Cobblestone Collective – check the website because each event has specific dates and you don’t want to miss the one you actually care about.
And since the Pav doesn’t open on weekends (still tragic), TwinkleTown is the next best thing. Grab something to eat, get a drink, walk around with your friends and talk about your lives like you’re solving world issues.The change of environment tricks your brain into feeling productive. It’s a win.
The market also has craft and gift stalls everywhere, which means there’s a 100% chance you’ll spend money you don’t have on things you absolutely don’t need but will convince yourself are “essential”. It’s personality. Accept it.
Then there’s the vintage fairground, the perfect ending. If you’re in a situationship and trying to figure out if it’s going anywhere, take them there. High stakes, no escape: if they’re fun, you’ll know. If they’re boring, you’ll know quicker. Plus, seeing the whole market from the upper viewpoint is the kind of moment that either makes things real or reminds you to block them before finals season.
TwinkleTown basically has everything: chaos, culture, food, distractions – all the core needs of a student in December. Call it self care, call it procrastination, call it survival. Whatever the label is, it works.
