Dublin's Lord Mayor to occupy snow globe at Spire as city starts Christmas early

Well, that's a bit different.

Shoppers in Dublin will be greeted by an unusual sight today as the city gets into the Christmas spirit - Lord Mayor Críona Ní Dhálaigh will take up a spot in a giant snow globe beside the Spire on O'Connell Street at 11am.

A "winter wonderland" will be unveiled to give a taste of the events on offer in town this festive season.

The mayor (pictured) will be joined in the snow by CEO of business group Dublin Town Richard Guiney, who said we don't have to wait long for the fun to start.

"Christmas kicks off on November 12 when we turn on the Christmas lights on Henry Street," he said.

Lights are turned on on Sunday, November 15 on Grafton Street, and the Christmas tree on O'Connell Street will have its lights turned on on November 26.

Dublin Town will also be aiming to beat their own record of the most people gathered together wearing Christmas jumpers, with more details to be announced soon.