Monthly Archives: November 2024

Santa's Magical Trail at The Clanard Court Hotel Kildare
Posted in

Santa’s Magical Trail at The Clanard Court Hotel Kildare

The Award-winning Clanard Court Hotel, Athy, Co. Kildare is offering its TWO  magical Santa Experiences again this December for Santa Season 2025

1. Its famous overnight SLEEP OVER which includes Magical Trail experience + Santa Visit with Gift, a Festive Banquet Meal (dinner), Bed & Breakfast Stay + evening Santa’s Magical Show with Elf Entertainment! LEARN MORE HERE

2. Its daytrip DINE, SHOW & SANTA VISIT experience which includes a Festive Banquet Meal (lunch) + Santa’s Magical Show (matinee) + Make-A-Teddy Kit + Santa Visit with Gift LEARN MORE HERE 

santa at the clanard court

Both experiences are running on select dates in December and will absolutely deliver on guaranteed FUN and oodles of Christmas Cheer! Something both our Elf Helpers and Santa Team simply excel at here at the Clanard Court Hotel, where these experiences magically happen every year. WE JUST LOVE CHRISTMAS!

This is the Clanard Court Hotel’s 17th YEAR of running it’s award-winning leading Kildare Santa experiences this year…they really love all things Santa and believe in lots of FUN, MAGIC and SMILES along the way!!! To date Santa’s Magical Trail has raised €133,500 for children’s charities and local community projects. This year we will be supporting Barretstown as our nominated and locally County Kildare based childrens charity.

santa at the clanard court

• Less than 1 hour from Dublin • 20-30 minutes from Naas, Newbridge, Carlow & Portlaoise • 45 minutes from Kilkenny • 1 hour from Waterford • 2 hours from Cork

For More Info and To Book, visit:

https://www.santasmagicaltrail.ie/

the-square-toy-workshop
Posted in

Christmas at The Square Tallaght

Christmas all wrapped up at The Square!

Featuring all new real Ice skating with South Dublin on Ice, Santa’s Toy Workshop Grotto, Kiddy Funfair, Sensory Christmas activities, Free Weekly family entertainment and all your festive shopping- all just 10minutes from  the M50

This Christmas, The Square transforms into Santa’s Toy Workshop, offering a magical playground of festive fun for the whole family.

From our fun-filled Launch Party to everyday delights, families can glide across our real ice rink or spin through the McFaddens Family Funfair, children will marvel at Santa’s magical Toy Workshop Grotto, meeting Santa and his certified elves, enjoy weekly shows and live entertainment including Superhero adventures, Princess shows, and so much more.

For families with additional needs, The Square ensures everyone can enjoy the magic with Sensory Santa Sessions, Sensory Ice Skating sessions, inclusive Sensory Play, and a quiet Sensory Room, designed for relaxation amid the festive excitement. 

With over 140 stores, delicious dining options, free play areas, and activities for all ages, The Square is the ultimate destination for a joyful, stress-free Christmas day out, creating unforgettable memories in a truly magical holiday setting.

christmas at the square

Christmas Launch Party! You Are Invited!!!

Sat 22nd Nov, 12–5pm for a festive day packed with fun! Enjoy live Toys & Princess shows, Santa’s Toy Workshop Grotto opening, Kiddy Funfair, Ice Skating with @southdublinonice, heaps of free entertainment, games, FM104 Roadhog, special guests & of course… Santa himself!

Experience Santa’s Toy Workshop at The Square!

Join our certified Elves on a journey through Santa’s magical Toy Workshop, with fun and surprises around every corner, before a wonder-filled visit with Santa.  Tickets €15 per child  with a special gift for each child to remember the day forever! 

Book early to secure your preferred slot!

For further information on all activities, including pricing and bookings visit www.thesquare.ie/xmas                             

santas ice palace at loughcrew estate
Posted in

Santas Ice Palace at Loughcrew Estate Meath

Loughcrew’s incredible lightshow returns, come and embrace the fun this year at Santa’s Ice Palace as we transform Loughcrew Gardens. On entering the illuminating gardens after dark, imaginative installations and surprises around the gardens. Transfixing to another wonderland of delights. Wrap up warm, bring your camera to take incredible images of festive photos,ideal way to save images of the night.

Experience the magic as you wander along twinkling pathways and illuminated trees, meet Santa himself, have the perfect photo opportunity with him, and watch each child receive a special little gift to cherish the moment.

All tickets are online so that everyone will have a chance to be safe and have time to enjoy the experience.

Visitor Information – Loughcrew Estate & Gardens

  • Tickets: Annual Garden Ticket does not apply.

  • Accessibility: Fully wheelchair accessible.

  • Dog Friendly: Dogs welcome but must remain on a lead.

  • Children Under 2/Carers: Free admission.

  • Parking: Ample on-site parking available.

  • Facilities: Restrooms provided for your convenience.

santas ice palace at loughcrew estate

We look forward to welcoming you to Loughcrew Estate, where magic and sustainability come together for an unforgettable festive experience!

BOOK NOW

 

Loughcrew Estate & Gardens
Oldcastle,
Co. Meath,
A82 X4Y1
Tel : +353 49 854 1356
Email : admin@loughcrew.com

Christmas Festival Slieve Aughty Centre Galway
Posted in

Christmas Festival Slieve Aughty Centre Galway

Christmas Festival & Craft Market

We are thrilled to welcome you back to this year’s magical Christmas Festival!

Santa’s Enchanted House
Santa is back!! Ready to spread joy and hand out gifts to the little ones in his little cozy house! With his trusty helper and a mischievous Grinch watching over the fun, Santa will lead sing-alongs, tell stories, and make sure every child feels comfortable and brave.

Christmas Craft Market
Explore our charming craft market filled with unique, locally-made gifts—perfect for your loved ones. The market adds a touch of holiday magic to the festivities.

Pony Rides & Games
Your children can enjoy festive pony rides in the outdoor arena, filled with Christmas cheer and plenty of fun!

Face Painting & Crafts
Little ones can unleash their creativity with face painting and arts and crafts activities.

Cosy Up
Warm up by the open fires with a cup of hot chocolate, mulled wine, and other festive treats.

Enchanted Forest Walk
Take a self-guided walk through the enchanted forest to visit the Christmas fairies!

Café Delights
Our café is open on weekends, serving delicious goodies and nutritious meals in a warm, festive atmosphere.

Wreath-Making Workshops
Join our wreath-making workshops (booking required) and create beautiful Christmas decorations. Watch as others craft their masterpieces and get inspired! Dates to be announced shortly! 

Festival and Market Hours
We will be open on December 7th & 8th, 14th & 15th from 12 PM to 5 PM.

Get the full Slieve Aughty Christmas Experience

Highlights

  • Market stands.
  • Santa visits and pony rides.
  • Pet the ponies.
  • Check out the farm animals.
  • Visit the Enchanted Forest, where the fairies have been busy decorating for the holiday season.
Important Info
  • The festival does not cancel for weather.
  • The festival requires advance booking.
  • All activities will be outdoors/outdoor covered.
  • Wellies and warm clothing advised.
  • Children must be supervised at all times.
  • We operate a “leave No Trace” policy. All litter must be disgarded responsibly
  • Please carpool and park responsibly. Parking will be managed on festival days
Pricing
  • €28 per child (ages 4-12), including pony rides
  • Adults, teens & toddlers: €5 (toddlers receive a gift from Santa)
  • Special packages available upon request
  • Carers FREE
  • Groups of 10 or more receive a 10% discount!
  • Christmas market: FREE entry (no registration needed)

 

BOOK NOW

Slieve Aughty Centre
Kylebrack
Loughrea
Co. Galway
Email: info@slieveaughtycentre.com
Telephone: +353 (090) 974 5246

Santa-at-Shannon-Aviation-Museum
Posted in

Santa at Shannon Aviation Museum

Visit Santa in his Aviation Wonderland at Shannon Aviation Museum this Christmas and virtually take to the skies while you’re there!

2024 Dates:

Saturday 7th Dec, 
Sunday 8th Dec, 
Saturday 14th Dec, 
Sunday 15th Dec.

Booking is essential and must be done by phone. We will work out the details on an individual basis and do our very best to accommodate.

Slots are limited, please call us on (061) 363687 to book your place. 

Package 1 – Solo Santa Visit

€25.00 per child

Ideal for the littles ones, age 7 or under.

Visit Santa’s Aviation Wonderland at Shannon Aviation Museum.

Experience an aviation inspired Christmas. Get up close to real aircraft, cockpits, jet engines a fighter jet and more! 

On Solo Santa Tickets, we even have tot-size pedal planes and runway outdoors, great for pictures!

Bring your letters along, the crew will stow them aboard for express Jet delivery back to the North Pole! Don’t forget your camera, you can dress up Top Gun style and the crew will even take your family photo!

Flight Simulation is not included in this package.

Package 2 – Flying Santa Visit

€47.50 per child

Ideal for children over 7 years old.

Dress up Top Gun Style in your flight suit, and complete Santa’s Airport Flight Simulation (preflight brief plus 25 mins flying time)

Take off in your aerobatic Extra 300 aircraft, from a top-secret northern location on a classified Flight Plan to land at Santa’s Private Runway!

You have special permission to make a touch and go and do a few loop the loops, just for fun!

Look out for the runway lights shining as you approach, and keep a close look out for Santa’s Air Traffic Control Tower, Mrs. Claus is up there trying to cope with all the traffic around today! Now it’s time to head back to base, and make your best landing!

Then it’s off to Visit Captain Santa himself, do be sure to bring your letter, you can tell Santa what you want for Christmas!

Flying Santa Package suitable for over 7’s. Supervised at all times by our crew!

Package 3 – B737 Landing & Santa

€75.00 per child

Minimum age 8

Visit Captain Santa Claus & fly a Boeing 737-800 NG 10-mile Approach and Landing Lapland International. (10 min approx)

Ideal for those who want to experience what it is like to fly a passenger airliner, take the Captains seat behind the controls of the most popular one in the world, the Boeing 737-800 NG. Experience the sights sounds and sensations of flight during an Approach and Landing into Lapland International Airport.

This is an experience they will remember for years to come! Limited slots are available, so book this one early.

This option is perfect for the older child, making the occasion feel just as magical as it used to be, especially for the budding pilot!

Package 4 – Full Santa Experience

€95.00 per child

This package combines it all! Minimum age 8

Dress up Top Gun Style in your flight suit, and complete Santa’s Airport Flight Simulation (preflight brief plus 25 mins flying time) Take off in your aerobatic Extra 300 aircraft, from a top-secret northern location on a classified Flight Plan to land at Santa’s Private Runway! 

Look out for the runway lights shining as you approach, and keep a close look out for Santa’s Air Traffic Control Tower, Mrs. Claus is up there trying to cope with all the traffic around today! Now it’s time to head back to base, and make your best landing!

Take the Captains seat of a Boeing 737-800NG Simulator and experience the sounds and sensations of flight as you fly over Lapland approaching into land and then it’s off to visit Captain Santa himself in his Aviation Wonderland. Don’t forget your letter, you can tell Santa everything you want for Christmas!

Full Santa Package suitable for over 8’s. Supervised at all times by our crew!

Extras

€17.50 per Adult & €14.50 for Seniors

All parents must accompany children throughout the Santa experience – Museum Admission applies. Parents are more than welcome to observe the flight simulators and everyone is welcome to take photos as they wish.

Our crew will kit out your family crew with flying suits for their Santa Visit, and Mom and Dad get to be Airline pilots for a great family photo before your visit to Santa in his Aviation Wonderland.

Adults accompany their children all the time, including while in the Boeing 737 Flight Simulator. Parents are also welcome to take photos and videos while their future pilots are at the controls!

BOOK NOW

Shannon Aviation Museum

Link Road, Shannon,
Smithstown, Co. Clare,
V14 PH34
Email : info@shannonaviationmuseum.com
Tel : +353 61 363687

Wild Lights Dublin Zoo
Posted in

Wild Lights at Dublin Zoo

✨ Step into The Wild Kaleidoscope at Dublin Zoo this winter!✨

From November 6th, 2025, Wild Lights returns to Dublin Zoo with its most dazzling theme yet. Step into The Wild Kaleidoscope at Dublin Zoo this winter to explore 13 kaleidoscopic zones bursting with vibrant colour. Join us in celebrating the power of colour in the wild – survival, communication, attraction, and defence.

Admire elegant flamingos and shimmering peacocks and spot the playful penguins and enchanting red pandas. Marvel at radiant lanterns, including the largest EVER lantern featured at Wild Lights (and one of the biggest in Europe).

Whether it’s your first time or a family tradition, experience a night-time spectacular brimming with wonder, magic, and surprises at every step. Like the turning glass of a kaleidoscope, no two visits will ever be the same.

A magical night that saves wildlife

Your Wild Lights ticket protects wildlife – locally and globally.

The heart of Dublin is bursting with vibrant colour. Explore dazzling lanterns and glowing worlds at Wild Lights, uniquely set in Dublin Zoo within the Phoenix Park.

Book Now

 

Phone: 01-474 8900
Email: wildlights@dublinzoo.ie

Santa's Magical Village at Castlecomer Discovery Park Kilkenny
Posted in

Santa’s Magical Village at Castlecomer Discovery Park Kilkenny

Updated 2025 details coming soon….

Step into a whimsical wonderland at Santa’s Magical Village this holiday season where you and your family will visit a wonderfully decorated and festive indoor spaces, join in the Christmas cheer with our mischievous elves and meet the great man himself – Santa Claus!

Refreshments will be available on site in the main building at Jarrow Café or lunch and dinner at the locally renowned TukTuk Wok Bar Asian Restaurant, available for dine in, delivery and collection, www.tuktukstreetfood.ie (056 4440060). Bookings highly recommended as limited spaces were available during last year’s sold out event.

What sounds better than visitors having the opportunity to explore the onsite retailers in the Craft Yard www.castlecomercraftyard.com with a hot chocolate and cookie in hand? Follow us on Instagram (santas_magical_village) as we update Christmas Market days at the Craft Yard. A great opportunity to pick up those last minute gifts for someone special!

Visitors will have the option to explore the park’s extensive trails, visit the playground or experience some of the permanent on site attractions and activities by checking in with The Discovery Park team (056 4440707). Free parking is available to every visitor and ticket holder during this event.

SENSORY DAY – On Friday the 29th of November and Thursday the 12th of December we are welcoming all neuro-diverse families to Santa’s Magical Village and celebrate with Santa your way.

This is event is fully wheelchair accessable.

Call 087 4885972 or email santacastlecomer@gmail.com to enquire about Group or Corporate packages available.

Book Now

Castlecomer Discovery Park
The Estate Yard
Drumgoole
Castlecomer
Co Kilkenny

K2 Alpacas Santa Experience Wicklow
Posted in

K2 Alpacas Santa Experience Wicklow

In the Wicklow mountain’s, a magical world awaits. The experience begins at the Candy Cane forest walk which is transformed it into a captivating Christmas wonderland. Along the trail, Santa’s Elves will entertain you at the Elves Workshop, the Grinch House, and the Christmas Post Office where you can post your Santa Letter. The trail is full of twinkling lights and Christmas decorations. You might even spot the Grinch hiding in the forest!

While children wait to visit Santa, they will be entertained by some naughty elves. When you meet Santa, you will get a special gift and you can tell him what you want for Christmas. You will also get a chance to meet some really cute Alpacas.

There will be lots of opportunities to capture some memorable photos along the Candy Cane forest walk, when you visit Santa or at our many photobooths. After your enchanted journey, enjoy delicious refreshments and seasonal treats as well as browsing the amazing gifts in the Farm shop. By purchasing tickets, you are also supporting the Down Syndrome Centre.

We can’t wait to see you at K2Aalpacas Santa Experience. You will not be disappointed. Click here.

K2 Alpacas

 

Santa's Grotto at Dublin Zoo
Posted in

Santa’s Grotto at Dublin Zoo

Santa’s Grotto Experiences at Dublin Zoo 

Glow Ho-Ho! – Wild Lights & Santa’s Grotto Bundle 

See Santa under a sky of stars and lanterns! This festive bundle combines early evening entry to Santa’s Grotto with a night-time Wild Lights adventure. Meet Santa in his cosy grotto, pick up a special gift and wander through The Wild Kaleidoscope – 13 glowing zones of colour, radiant animals, dazzling habitats, and hidden wonders. 

Zooliday Cheer – Dublin Zoo & Santa’s Grotto Bundle 
Daytime delight with Santa and your favourite animals! Enjoy a magical daytime visit to Dublin Zoo, meet Santa in his enchanting grotto, and take home a special gift. A festive day out filled with wildlife, wonder, and treats – perfect for little explorers. 

Sensory-Friendly Santa & Wild Lights Bundle 
Gentle lights, fewer crowds – the same festive sparkle. On 1 December 2025, enjoy a specially designed evening with softer lighting, reduced sounds, and limited numbers. Meet Santa in his cosy grotto, pick up a special gift and then explore the glowing lantern trails of The Wild Kaleidoscope in a calm and welcoming atmosphere. 

Sensory-Friendly Dublin Zoo & Santa’s Grotto Bundle 

For families who prefer a calmer atmosphere, our sensory-friendly Santa bundle offers a magical morning visit to Dublin Zoo with a gentler and music-free Santa’s Grotto experience. Designed with reduced noise, limited capacity, and thoughtful lighting, this bundle ensures every child has a chance to meet Santa in a peaceful setting. 

Book Now