Yes, we’ve fully embraced the Christmas vibe here, with Chris Rea driving home for Christmas, wall to wall on all radios. I haven’t heard the Pogues yet, but it’s only a matter of time.

Art – Eithne Jordan’s new exhibition ‘Street’ continues at the RHA with some familiar streets in Dublin featured! John Beattie’s video pieces continue in the same venue. Alice Maher‘s show at IMMA (Earlsfort Terrace) is really impressive, and the Sidney Nolan exhibition is at the other IMMA;  Kilmainham. Siobhan Hapaska & Stephen McKenna are at the Kerlin from Thursday. Pat Harris and Linda Ruttelynckis are at the Taylor Gallery. Hibernation (Group show) is at the Oliver Sears. Tribal Textiles from Iran continues in the Douglas Hyde.

Theatre – Previews of The Dead that starts on the 5th of Dec at the Abbey, and the Peacock has Quietly.  Tender Napalm runs until the  8th at the Project, here is our review.  Cousin Rachel is at the Gate for the Christmas! Reunion runs at the Viking Theatre until the 8th, and is definitely worth checking out. Jezebel by Rough Magic starts on the 5th and runs until the 22nd in the Project cube.

Movies – A season of Christmas movies starts at the Lighthouse, with Diehard tomorrow. It includes Black Christmas (Genius!) and Gremlins (Genius!). There’s also an unusual Hitchcock season at the IFI, with some of his lesser know movies. The Lodger is on this Sunday (9th Dec). Film Fatale are showing Casablanca at the Sugar Club.

Gigs – A few good ones this week, with James Yorkston as part of the prosperous market,  Mono, Chili Gonzales, Richard Hawley, among others. Full gig guide is below.