Bono and Imelda May Light Up Dublin with ‘Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)’ at Annual Busking Gig

Watch Bono and Imelda May bring festive cheer with their soulful duet at Dublin’s beloved Christmas Eve busking tradition.

A Beloved Tradition Lights Up Dublin

There’s something magical about Dublin on Christmas Eve — and this year, it was the sound of Bono and Imelda May’s voices weaving together on Grafton Street that turned up the festive heat. The annual busking gig, a cherished tradition for 15 years, transforms the city center into a musical winter wonderland, bringing together fans, locals, and a star-studded lineup for a cause close to everyone’s hearts.

Bono and Imelda May performing their heartfelt duet in Dublin.

This year, the event raised funds for the Dublin Simon Community, a charity dedicated to supporting people at risk of homelessness in Ireland — a reminder that the spirit of the season is about giving back. It’s the kind of community warmth that makes the cold December air feel snug and inviting.

The Musical Lineup: Stars and Soul in Perfect Harmony

The heart of the night was the duet of Bono and Imelda May performing Darlene Love’s 1963 classic “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home).” Their voices blended with effortless charm and soul, capturing both the nostalgia and the joy of the holiday season in a way only seasoned performers could.

Joining them on Grafton Street were some incredible talents: Oscar-winning singer-songwriter and event organizer Glen Hansard, Danny O’Donoghue from The Script, The Riptide Movement, Danny O’Reilly from The Coronas, and Shobsy. The evening was a live celebration of Irish music, culminating with a rousing rendition of The Pogues and Kirsty MacColl’s iconic “Fairytale Of New York.” Imelda May even took a sweet moment to wish Shane MacGowan a “happy birthday for tomorrow” — a lovely nod to the legendary frontman.

Watch Bono & Imelda May’s Soulful Duet

If you missed the magic in Dublin, here’s your chance to catch Bono and Imelda May’s stirring performance of “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)” from the Gaiety Theatre on Christmas Eve:

It’s a heartwarming reminder of how music can bring people together, especially when the year is winding down and everyone’s looking for a bit of comfort and connection.

A Look Back: More Memorable Moments on Grafton Street

This busking event is no stranger to iconic performances. Over the years, Bono has graced the stage with U2 classics like “Running To Stand Still”, while Shane MacGowan has lent his gravelly voice to “Dirty Old Town.” Irish singer Hozier once joined the festivities with his global hit “Take Me To Church,” showing the event’s knack for blending timeless tradition with contemporary flair.

Each year, the gig manages to capture the evolving landscape of Irish music while honoring the past—a beautiful balance that keeps locals and visitors coming back. It’s one part festive cheer, one part musical pilgrimage.

Bono’s Year of Honors and Reflections

2025 has been a notable year for Bono. Earlier, U2 received the Woody Guthrie Prize, recognizing the band as champions for the voiceless and their powerful use of music to inspire change. Bono and The Edge honored Guthrie’s legacy with performances of “One,” “Sunday Bloody Sunday,” and “Jesus Christ,” blending activism with artistry in a way only they can.

Bono also shared his thoughts on freedom in an op-ed for The Atlantic, reflecting on global struggles and the work needed to bring about lasting change—words that resonate deeply coming from a man who’s used his platform to advocate for justice for decades.

On the creative front, Bono revealed that U2 is “ready for the future,” teasing a new album packed with 25 great songs. For fans, that’s exciting news—proof that the band’s creative fire still burns bright.

Imelda May: A Star Shining Brightly

Meanwhile, Imelda May continues to dazzle audiences with her powerful voice and magnetic stage presence. This year, she was featured on Jools Holland’s legendary ‘Hootenanny,’ sharing the stage with rock royalty like Ronnie Wood of The Rolling Stones, plus Olivia Dean, Lulu, Jessie J, and many more.

Her versatility shines through, effortlessly moving between jazz, rockabilly, and pop, making her a beloved figure in the music scene both in Ireland and internationally.

Celebrating Music and Community

What’s clear from this annual Dublin event is that it’s more than just a concert—it’s a gathering of community, tradition, and heart. From the bustling crowd outside the Gaiety Theatre to the star-studded lineup, the night pulses with joy, generosity, and a shared love of music.

As Bono and Imelda May’s voices echoed through the crisp winter air, it was a reminder that sometimes, the simplest songs sung with the most soul are what stay with us long after the Christmas lights have dimmed.

FAQ

• What is the annual Dublin busking gig?
  It’s a Christmas Eve tradition on Grafton Street, featuring live performances by Irish musicians to raise funds for local charities.
• Who performed ‘Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)’ this year?
  Bono and Imelda May teamed up for a soulful duet of the classic festive tune.
• Which charity benefits from this event?
  The Dublin Simon Community, which supports people at risk of homelessness.
• Have other famous artists performed at this event?
  Yes! Past performers include Shane MacGowan, Hozier, Glen Hansard, and The Script’s Danny O’Donoghue.
• Is Bono working on new music with U2?
  Yes, Bono has mentioned that U2 is “ready for the future” and has 25 new songs for an upcoming album.

If this festive celebration warmed your heart, consider bringing that joy home — shop your favorite album cover posters and music memorabilia at Architeg Prints to keep the spirit alive all year round.