12 Pubs Of Christmas In Ireland: Everything You Need To Know

It’s the Christmas season once more, and you want to spend quality time with your loved ones. The holiday season in Ireland is marked by a unique and treasured custom known as the “12 Pubs of Christmas.”

This festive festival, which mixes the joy of Christmas with the warmth of Irish pubs, has grown in popularity in recent years, not just across the Emerald Isle but also among visitors wishing for a true Irish Christmas.

In this post, we’ll explore more closely the 12 Pubs of Christmas custom, including its history, regulations, and what you can anticipate if you decide to join in on the fun.

12 Pubs Of Christmas In Ireland: Everything You Need To Know

 

The Origin of the 12 Pubs of Christmas

The origins of the Twelve Pubs of Christmas are uncertain, however, it is said to have started in Ireland in the early 2000s. It is most likely a modern and entertaining way to celebrate Christmas with friends and colleagues.

There has been significant disagreement in recent years concerning the effect of the 12 Pubs of Christmas on local communities since it has been linked to an increase in alcohol-related events and disruptions.

As a result, several bars and local governments have made steps to control or prohibit the practice in specific locations.

Essential Things in Planning the 12 Pubs of Christmas in Ireland

The Pubs

The success of your 12 Pubs of Christmas excursion is highly dependent on the pubs you choose. To accommodate everyone’s tastes, choose a mix of classic and modern enterprises. Choose places with distinct personalities and welcoming atmospheres.

Some bars may even provide holiday-themed cocktails or decorations to add to the festive atmosphere. Investigate the places and plan a path that minimizes travel between pubs, since this will keep the group together and allow everyone to engage completely.

The Guest List

The goal of the 12 Pubs of Christmas is to create a joyful and pleasurable ambiance. It is critical to invite the ideal people who can add to the event’s mirth and togetherness.

Include friends who are recognized for their cheerfulness, excitement, and ability to maintain a high level of energy.

The Time and Date

Spend only 30 minutes in each Pub. The first and most important reason to arrange your 12 Pubs of Christmas event is to secure the availability of your attendees. To maximize the fun and camaraderie, choose a date that’s convenient for everyone in your company.

Choosing the appropriate time and day also allows you to evaluate the opening hours and accessibility of the pubs you intend to visit. During the Christmas season, certain pubs may have limited hours, while others could be closed for special occasions.

The Christmas Attire

Planning your Christmas clothing gives a festive touch to the occasion. Your clothing becomes a conspicuous reflection of your festive happiness as you travel from one bar to the next.

Dressing dressed in seasonal garb, such as ugly Christmas sweaters or reindeer antlers, may help foster a sense of community and camaraderie among your fellow pub crawlers.

Most Famous Rules of the 12 Pubs of Christmas

1. The No Swearing Pub

The “No Swearing Rule,” which compels players to refrain from using any profanity or harsh language while in a certain pub, is one of the more unique rules that some groups have implemented into their 12 Pubs of Christmas experience.

While this rule may appear strange at first, it provides a distinctive touch to the celebration and motivates participants to stay in a joyous and courteous mood throughout the night.

2. The Wrong-handed Pub

Participants must consume their drinks using their non-dominant hands. For example, if you are right-handed, you must hold and sip your drink with your left hand, and vice versa for left-handed people.

This seemingly easy assignment adds a new level of difficulty to the pub crawl, resulting in some humorous mistakes and laughter along the route.

3. The No Phones Pub

The “No Phones Pub” regulation is particularly fascinating among the numerous rules and obstacles that participants face throughout the 12 Pubs of Christmas.

Participants are expected to leave their smartphones at home for the length of their visit to this designated bar. The idea is to promote face-to-face contact, talks, and shared experiences.

4. The No Toilet Pub

The No Toilet Pub rule is precisely what it sounds like there are no bathroom facilities accessible for participants in one of the 12 pubs.

This means that if you have to use the toilet, you must either wait or go on to the next pub on the crawl. Although it appears to be a simple rule, it adds an exciting aspect of difficulty and adventure to the night.

5. The Silent Pub

It’s a bar stop where visitors must remain completely silent throughout their stay. That means no talking, yelling, or laughing; instead, use silent gestures and facial expressions to interact with your fellow pubgoers.

6. The Accent Pub

Participants are asked to assume a foreign accent of their choice once they attend the chosen establishment, whether French, Australian or any other country.

The goal is to communicate with one another and the bar staff in this foreign accent, which frequently results in fits of laughter and enjoyment as players comically simulate their chosen accents.

7. The No Names Pub

The No Naming Pub Rule is straightforward yet stringent. Participants are not permitted to say the names of other participants. This restriction applies to both spoken and written communication, such as messaging or social media updates.

8. The Shot Pub

Participants must consume a shot of their preferred spirit in a certain establishment. This spirit varies from person to person, and it provides a chance for people to express their uniqueness and sense of adventure.

Participants frequently choose a favorite or unusual spirit, making this rule an exciting and personal feature of the crawl.

9. The Compliment Pub

The rule encourages participants to approach strangers and provide genuine compliments. This guideline is a lovely reminder of the warmth and generosity that the holiday season signifies.

10. The Standing Pub

No Sitting! This rule requires competitors to stand for the whole of their time at each bar, which is not as simple as it may sound after a few beers.

11. The Selfie Pub

Participants are urged to strike up discussions with individuals they’ve never met before, followed by a selfie. The images that arise serve as both souvenirs of the night and documentation of the varied people encountered throughout the crawl.

12. The Celebration Pub

While the preceding pub trips are filled with joy and banter, the final pub visit has a particular place in the hearts of those who participate in the 12 Pubs of Christmas. The spectacular celebration concludes in the “12th pub,” often known as the “Celebration pub.”

The last pub makes an excellent backdrop for a group shot. This treasured photograph captures the mood of the evening and serves as a keepsake of the 12 Pubs of Christmas.

Common Punishments for Breaking the Rules of the 12 Pubs of Christmas

1. Take a Shot.
2. Introduce Yourself at the Front of the Bar.
3. Walk like a Penguin on your way to the next Pub.
4. Buy a stranger a drink.
5. Don’t talk for the next 30 minutes.

Tips for Joining the 12 Pubs of Christmas

Stay Hydrated and Eat

It’s tempting to get carried away with 12 pubs to check out and remember to remain hydrated and eat. To prevent overindulging, regulate yourself by sipping water in between alcoholic beverages.

Also, have a substantial breakfast before you begin, since food can assist in absorbing some of the alcohol while keeping you energized throughout the crawl. Many pubs provide delectable Christmas-themed meals, so make sure to sample the local fare along the route.

Drink Responsibly

The 12 Pubs of Christmas may be fun but remember to drink sensibly and know your limitations. Alcohol may creep up on you, especially if you make many stops and drink different things.

Remember that the purpose is to enjoy the festive environment and time spent with friends, not to overindulge and jeopardize your ability to enjoy the remainder of the Christmas season. Maintain a healthy pace and stay safe.

Final Thoughts on 12 Pubs of Christmas in Ireland

The 12 Pubs of Christmas in Ireland are more than simply a seasonal ritual; they are a cultural phenomenon that encapsulates the festive spirit.

This holiday pub crawl has evolved from humble beginnings to worldwide appeal, becoming an essential feature of Irish Christmas celebrations. We’ve covered all you need to know about this fun custom, from its origins and guidelines to how to plan a successful pub crawl.