On the 6th of January, when the decorations come down and the cooking is finally over, Ireland keeps one more celebration: Nollaig na mBan, Women's Little Christmas. It is the night women traditionally take for themselves, once the work of the festive season is done. Today it usually means dinner, drinks and a long evening with friends, sisters, mothers and daughters.
In 2027 it falls on a Wednesday. Many groups move the celebration to the weekend before or after, so it is worth agreeing the date early.
The mood of the night
Nollaig na mBan sits between the office party and New Year's Eve. It is glamorous, but relaxed: a night among friends rather than a night to impress a room. The ideal dress looks special and feels easy to wear through a long dinner.
Dinner in a restaurant
A sculpted mini or an elegant midi is perfect. Choose one beautiful detail: a bow, a flower, a crystal neckline.
Look at: The Coquette, a crystal sweetheart mini with an oversized satin bow, and The Anemone, a black satin mini with a skirt of white organza roses.
Drinks and dancing afterwards
If the night moves on to a bar, a dress with shine is the right choice. Crystal and beading look wonderful in low light.
Look at: The Bijou, a crystal mini available in six shades, and The Celeste, crystal from the collar to the hem.
A dinner at home
If the celebration is at someone's home, colour does more than shine. A soft pink or a classic red mini looks festive at the table and in photographs.
Look at: The Bisou in pink with a feather hem, and The Valentina in red satin with a bow.
When to order
Every NooraNoir dress is made to measure: cut to your own measurements rather than taken off a rail in a standard size. Making a dress takes about 18 days, and it reaches your door in 5 to 6 weeks in total. Shipping is free on orders over €299. If you are unsure about your measurements or a colour, write to us before you order and we will help.
- For Nollaig na mBan on 6 January: order by the end of November.
Ordering together with friends? Send us a message: we are happy to help a group choose dresses that look beautiful side by side.
Questions we are often asked
What is Nollaig na mBan?
Women's Little Christmas, celebrated in Ireland on 6 January, the feast of the Epiphany. Traditionally it was the day women rested after the festive season; today it is a night out with friends.
Is Nollaig na mBan dressy?
It is as dressy as you make it. Most women choose something between smart and glamorous: a beautiful mini or midi rather than a full evening gown.
See the full Christmas & New Year's Eve collection →
Planning the whole season? Read our Christmas party dress guide.