It's an action-packed few weeks in Carrigstown over the festive season as secrets threaten to come to the fore, temptations boil over and new life is welcomed into the world.
Erica and Doug finally give in to passion
Erica has been longingly watching Doug from afar, but she eventually works up the courage to bare her soul to him. Doug reciprocates by telling her that he and Roisin have broken up.
They later move things up a gear in the garage when Erica visits dressed as a Christmas fairy. Erica feels guilty about what happened, but fails to come clean to Darragh.
Erica does however admit about what happened between her and Doug to Dearbhla. She decides she wants to break it off with Darragh, but is scuppered in her attempts to end their relationship. Doug is later panicked when Darragh asks him to be a groomsman. Erica and Doug have to wait to tell Darragh the horrible truth.
Hayley in for a tumultuous time with Ger
Hayley is none too impressed when she discovers Ger money lending at the community centre, and quits her job. Thanks to a tip off from Hayley, the guards arrive McCoy's, but they are unable to find anything incriminating. The Collinses later hear that Ger has left Carrigstown for the day, but slashed tyres change Ger's plans.
Anto is surprised to bump into Ger, and after taking pity on her, he brings her to Christmas dinner. Hayley storms out, and Anto persuades her to come home, leading to an unfortunate event that leaves Hayley in shock. Sharon and Anto later clash as Hayley grapples with the truth.
Sharon is relieved when Hayley turns against Ger. Sharon feels betrayed when she finds out Anto kept Ger's gifts for Hayley, and refuses to forgive him.
She is devastated as Hayley continues to ignore her, while Hayley and Ger take tentative steps towards conciliation. As the countdown to New Year's Eve gets underway, Sharon is shocked to see her family gathered around Ger.
Sash makes a surprise return to Carrigstown with a huge baby bump
A heavily pregnant Sash returns to the village, leaving Decco in shock. Wayne is equally stunned by Sash's homecoming, and passes on the news to Orla. Sash warns Orla and Wayne that she decides what's best for her and her baby.
Orla tries to allay her fears over Sash's return. Wayne assures Sash that he and Orla will keep their distance. Decco invites Dolores and the family to have Christmas dinner with him and Sash, but she is appalled to find out who's coming over.
At dinner, Dolores innocently toasts to a baby she doesn't realize is Sash's. Sash and Orla manage to come to an understanding. Sash tells Wayne and Orla she's leaving Carrigstown as soon as the baby is born.Sash later warns Orla to get Wayne off her case.
Orla accuses Wayne of not supporting her, and the rift between them deepens. The drama really kicks off when Sash's contractions start in the midst of the McCoy's celebrations. Orla and Wayne rush to get Sash to the hospital in time, and Orla supports her as the baby is born. Orla tries to hide her feelings of longing for the baby.
Also happening in Fair City this Christmas...
Bosco supports Eoghan as he faces a tough day
Rose and Bosco decide to brighten Eoghan's Christmas, and Dolores helps with the surprise. However, Rose trips a fuse and plunges the house into darkness. With Bosco's help, the O'Brien's make the most of things, and Eoghan manages to get into the Christmas spirit.
When Renee discovers Bosco is spending NYE alone, she invites him to spend the evening with her and Bob. Bob and Renee celebrate their first anniversary with Bosco in tow. Bosco is furious when he finds out about Renee's snooping and storms out.
Mondo wants to make a home movie
Mondo wants to make some home movies of Ray and decides to cast Nora and Hughie for his mini-movie. Ray decides to get involved in Mondo's movie, and angles for the leading role.
The cast later get in trouble with the props. Not realizing the fix the rest of the cast are in, Ray and Nora bond as they talk about Mondo's inspiration for the script.
Ray is later gutted when Hughie lands the leading role in the film, and Nora is disappointed in Ray when he sulks about his part. Ray feels guilty about his behaviour and Nora encourages him to make things up with Mondo. Later, Hughie announces he wants to quit the movie but Nora won't let him go without a fight.
Fair City airs on Tuesday December 24, an hour-long special on Wednesday 25, Thursday 26, Sunday 29, Tuesday 31, Wednesday January 1 and Thursday January 2.
