Category Archives: Christmas

Christmas-Valley-at-Secret-Valley
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The Christmas Valley Experience Secret Valley Wildlife Park Wexford

Breakfast with Santa & the Grinch 
📍 The Hungry Tortoise Café
🕘 Saturday mornings

Join us for a festive breakfast the whole family will love!
Meet Santa, Cindy Lou, and the Grinch himself while enjoying a delicious breakfast at The Hungry Tortoise Café.
Each family will have personal time with Santa to share Christmas wishes and capture some magical photos.

🎁 Every child will also receive their very own selection box!

Please note: Breakfast with Santa does not include entry into the park.

Christmas After Dark at Secret Valley 
🕒 3pm – 7pm

Step into the magic of the zoo after hours and see all the animals as night begins to fall. (Shhh… please be quiet around the sleepy ones!)

Then, head down to Elf Village, where festive adventure awaits:
🎁 Help the elves in their workshop engineer toys
✉️ Visit the Elf Post Office, write your card to Santa, and he’ll personally reply to your home address!
💚 Pop into the Grinch’s Lair for some mischievous fun
🦌 Make your own reindeer dust
🚜 Finish your journey with a magical tractor ride
☕ Enjoy a free hot chocolate for kids and a tea or Americano for adults
🍫 And of course — every child receives a selection box to take home!

Two unforgettable Christmas experiences, one magical place.

BOOK NOW

 

Dublin-Loves-Christmas-at-RDS
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Dublin Loves Christmas at The RDS

‘Dublin Loves Christmas’ to light up the RDS

Opens on Saturday, 15th November and features:

A full-size undercover ice rink

An Observation Wheel with views across Dublin City

An 80-metre Drop Tower and 50-metre Starflyer plus gentle rides for younger visitors

A Spiegeltent which will host an exciting line-up of live entertainment

This festive season, Dublin’s iconic RDS in Ballsbridge will transform into a winter wonderland as it hosts Dublin Loves Christmas, a dazzling new celebration filled with festive magic for all the family.

Dublin-Loves-Christmas-at-the-RDS-Santa

Opening on Saturday 15 November, the free-entry event will open daily from 12pm to 9pm (Sunday, Tuesday and Wednesday, event is not open on Mondays)and 12pm to 10pm (Thursday to Saturday), running until Tuesday 23 December 2025.

The launch was unveiled today with Santa popping into the RDS to spread some early festive cheer! 

Set within the stunning grounds of the RDS, visitors can look forward to a host of show-stopping attractions including a full-size undercover ice rink, a spectacular Observation Wheel offering breathtaking views across Dublin, and thrilling rides such as an 80-metre drop tower and 50-metre Starflyer. There’ll also be a selection of gentle rides perfect for younger visitors.

At the heart of Dublin Loves Christmas will be a Spiegeltent, set to host an exciting line-up of live entertainment and headline acts, with full details to be revealed soon.

We are delighted to be welcoming Dublin Loves Christmas at the RDS this year,” said Emer McGuirk, Commercial Director of the Royal Dublin Society “Our venue offers an incredible setting for families and visitors to come and enjoy the festive magic and create unforgettable memories.”

Carl Ramage Marketing Manager at Jordan Events Group Ireland, the event’s co-organiser, added, “The RDS is the perfect location for this spectacular new festive experience, and we’re thrilled to bring something truly special to Dublin this Christmas.”

Alongside the attractions, visitors can enjoy a traditional Christmas market, showcasing local food and drink producers and artisan gift specialists. Bavarian-style bars will provide the perfect place to relax and soak in the seasonal atmosphere.

Dublin-Loves-Christmas-at-the-RDS

Tickets for the ice-skating sessions – priced from €18 for adults and €13 for children – are available now at dublinloveschristmas.ie.

north-pole-experience
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The North Pole Experience Dublin

We are on the move!! TO TESCO EXTRA LIFFEY VALLEY

Our visit to Santa will be a one-on-one experience that includes the mini walk-through plus a meet & greet with the real life Elf on the shelf, Snowball Fight with Frosty, Gift included. PARENTS FREE!!

BOOK NOW AS WE SOLD OUT LAST YEAR

Opening Times:

Wednesday – Friday: 3 pm -7 pm

Saturday-Sunday: 11am – 6 pm

Runs from Sat the 22nd of Nov till the 23rd Dec 2025

Advance Booking Only… NON-TRANSFERABLE

Pricing:

Child 15euro + VAT / Tax / Booking Charges (Included: Mini Walk Through Experience, meet & greet with the Real Life Elf on the Shelf / Snowball Fight with Frosty,  Santa Visit and Gift.

Photo optional at 5euro payable on arrival.

PARENTS FREE additional adults 5e payable at the door

Baby under 1 year of age 10euro payable at the door (Walkthrough, Santa visit and photo Only)

T&C

TICKETS / BOOKINGS ARE NON-REFUNDABLE AND NON-TRANSFERABLE

Please arrive 15 minutes before your booking time

www.npedublin.net

Register soon because space is limited.

We hope you’re able to join us!

Book Now

north pole experience

 

Helix-Panto---The-Snow-Queen
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The Snow Queen The Helix Panto Dublin

Dublin’s Most Magical Panto Returns – Bigger, Bolder, and Frostier Than Ever!

21st November 2025 – 11th January 2026

We’re absolutely thrilled to reveal that The Helix Panto 2025 will be…
Everyone’s favourite frozen fairytale – THE SNOW QUEEN!​

Join us this festive season for a sparkling winter adventure like no other. Produced by the sensational TheatreworX Productions, this year’s panto promises a flurry of festive fun, magical mayhem, and all the glittering joy you’ve come to expect from Dublin’s favourite family tradition.

Step into a world of snow-kissed magic as Lola, Buddy, Laurel, and a blizzard of new characters set off on a whirlwind journey to Merryville and beyond. Packed with laughter, surprises, and heart-warming moments, THE SNOW QUEEN is the perfect festive treat for all ages.​

Whether you’re a lifelong panto fan or making magical memories with your little ones for the first time, this is the show you won’t want to miss.​

SENSORY FRIENDLY PERFORMANCE

Tues 16th December 2025 @ 6pm

Review
We were very kindly invited along to The Snow Queen at The Helix. Read our review here

BOOK NOW

the snow queen the helix panto

Christmas Island Wicklow
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Christmas Island Wicklow

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CHRISTMAS ISLAND – THE SANTA EXPERIENCE 2025

Your experience will include an exciting journey on The North Pole Express train, a trip to Christmas Island where you’ll meet Santa’s Elves for activities and entertainment.

Families will depart Christmas Island on Santa’s House Boat to make their way to Santa’s Grotto where each family will have a private visit with Santa.

christmas island

Ticket Options

Christmas Island tickets are available for both day visits and overnight stays. Overnight stays are available on Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings.

Private Santa Visits

Each family will meet Santa individually. Please make separate bookings if attending with friends so each family has a private visit.

Gift for Every Child

Every child leaves with a special surprise from Santa himself, a magical keepsake to remember their visit!

Unwrap More Fun

If you booked a late slot, please arrive early to enjoy extra activities. Early visitors are welcome to stay after their visit.

christmas island

What’s wrapped up in your ticket?

We offer a range of festive experiences included in the ticket price, with optional extras available for an additional cost.

– Enchanted Train Journey through the Fairy Forest
– Meet the Elves, Get creative at Christmas Island
– Meet Santa’s Head Elves for some elf entertainment
– Personal Visit with Santa, All children receive a present
– Treehouse Adventure Golf, Extra fee applies
– Make a Christmas Craft, Extra fee applies
– Downhill Winter Tubing, Extra fee applies
– Christmas Family Photo, Extra fee applies
– Santa’s House Boat Journey, Take a journey
– Mrs Claus, Letters to Santa, Christmas cinema room
– Restaurant, Extra fee applies

The full Christmas experience lasts approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes

Book Now

christmas island

Christmas Island Wicklow

Rathdrum
County Wicklow
Tel : +353 86 727 2872
Email : info@christmasisland.ie
Visit web site

The-Santa-Express-at-Oakfield-Park-Donegal
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The Santa Express at Oakfield Park Donegal

The Santa Express in Oakfield Park is one of Ireland’s most famous festive events, and this year is bigger and better than ever before.
 
What’s new at The Santa Express 2025 in Oakfield Park?

Brand new interactive feature. Atlas the Elf hosts a live demonstration in Santa’s state of the art cabin full of maps and plans. Learn how to say “Merry Christmas” in different languages or explore how other countries celebrate the season, and uncover the secrets of Santa’s worldwide delivery route. Every 20 minutes, Atlas welcomes a new group of young explorers to take part in interactive games and festive challenges all designed to help chart the perfect path through the night sky. Children of all ages can play and parents can watch and cheer from the viewing area.

NEW LOG CABINS IN CHRISTMAS VILLAGE:

Tootsie’s Toyshop and The Sensory room have both moved into newly refurbished cabins and completely redecorated. New gifts on offer as well as a large selection of confectionary and Oakfield Park Items.

THE FROST FOUNTAIN AND LIGHT SHOW:

Each year, our Christmas light display grows brighter and this year, the magic has reached the water. Introducing the brand new Frost Fountain: a dazzling spectacle where lights and water come to life across the lake.

BIGGEST CHRISTMAS TREE IN IRELAND

Has got even taller and more spectacular – This magical construction can be seen from the train journey as well as with the newly extended Candyland, Toytown and Unicorn Kingdom.

CHRISTMAS CRAFT, PAINTING ELF DOORS:

Introducing The Magic Door Co. AKA Our Elf Door Painting Station.
Children select their door to become their elf’s portal and paint it however they choose—classic red, snowy white, or rainbow colour explosion! On Christmas Eve, place the finished door out for your elf and it becomes their magic passageway back to the North Pole. Next year, bring it back out to welcome them home in style. A fun and festive craft to start a new family tradition.

EVEN MORE SNOWFALL:

More snow cover across the Christmas village from our snow machines.

NEW HEATED CHALETS:

This year, the cabins outside Santa’s Grotto have been completely transformed. Rebuilt and lovingly redecorated in the style of a ski chalet, they’re now cosier and more magical than ever. As you step off the train, you’ll be welcomed into a warm alpine retreat where Santa’s top elves have been hard at work creating new ways to keep you entertained before your meeting with the Man himself!

Where real snow falls soft and magic fills the air, The Santa Express is back.

Jump on board The Santa Express train and settle in for your journey through the enchanted forests of the North Pole. The railway track winds through beloved worlds like Candy Land and Toy Town, and past new wonders like the Frost Fountain and Snowdrop Glade, where snowflakes dance amongst the trees. Keep an eye out too for Santa’s starlit runway and the biggest Christmas tree in Ireland.

Have you ever wondered how your Elf on The Shelf gets back and forth to the North Pole? With their very own Magic Door, of course. If you’re one of the lucky ones to host a nice Elf on the Shelf, give them a stylish send-off this Christmas with a custom-painted elf door from The Craft Cabin. This year, we’re excited to be opening up Santa’s Map Room, where you can sneak a peek behind the scenes and help Atlas the Elf prepare for Santa’s journey around the world. And for families who need a moment of calm, our Sensory Room has moved into a peaceful log cabin—a quiet space for anyone who needs it.

Santa Express 2025

Your adventure continues at Santa’s cosy grotto, where he’s waiting with a warm smile and a special gift just for you. The elves have been curating new games and tricks to play with you too and there’s more than one surprise for you to discover inside the heated chalet.

Eplore the Christmas Village, filled with new places to visit and even more ways to use your Christmas tokens! Mrs. Claus is still hard at work in her bustling Post Office and can’t wait to welcome you. Over at the Holly Hut, Elf Cocoa is whipping up hot drinks to keep you toasty, and in the Treat Truck, Elf Potts has perfected Santa’s favourite cookie recipe. Tootsie’s Toyshop has doubled in size, bursting with surprises

Book Now

Oakfield Park
Oakfield Demesne
Raphoe
Co Donegal
Tel : 0749173922
Email : gardens@oakfieldpark.com

Jingle Fest at Emerald Park
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Jingle Fest at Emerald Park

Join us for the second year of Jingle Fest! The festivities are back, plus some surprises! Filled with magic and wonder, this new event is sure to delight and excite all ages.Jingle Fest logo

An Emerald Park Jingle Fest ticket provides full day access so you can arrive at any time to enjoy the festivities at your leisure, including a walk through our Festive Fairy Woods light tunnel, a Christmas singalong on our Candy Lane Train, access to our Enchanted Entertainment Tent with snow and bubble fun, special performances, meet-and-greets with Christmas characters, Santa letter posting, a fun-filled festive live show in our Big Top Tent, full access to our zoo, playground and over 10 rides & attractions in our Jolly Junior Zone!

A visit with Santa Claus can also be added to your festive day out. This includes a magical visit and a special Christmas coin that can be redeemed in our present room for a gift. Santa Claus visit is optional and additional charges apply. Please select your preferred ticket option at checkout.

and more to be announced…

Dates

November: 21st, 22nd, 23rd, 28th, 29th, 30th
December: 5th, 6th, 7th, 12th, 13th, 14th, 17th, 18th, 19th, 20th, 21st, 22nd, 23rd

-Your magical winter adventure begins the minute you arrive to Emerald Park. Check into the cosy admissions building and set off to discover Jingle Fest, be sure to spot our special Elf cams along the way!

-As you continue along your adventure, enjoy some singing friends, and look on in awe and wonder as you find yourself within the Festive Fairy Woods light tunnel.

-Making your way into our Jolly Junior Zone, warm up those vocal cords as you take off on the Candy Lane Train for a special Christmas singalong with the conductor. All I want for Christmas is Choo! 

-Magic is certainly all around.. enjoy our Pow Wow playground and over 10 rides & attractions in our Jolly Junior Zone, for as long as you like during your winter adventure. Visit our Enchanted Entertainment Tent for meet-and-greets with Christmas characters, gingerbread making, scheduled live performances, and snow and bubble fun in between. Don’t forget to post your letter to Santa!

-Next up, detour to the Big Top Tent beside The Lodge, for a festive 25-minute live show. You will not want to miss it!

-Finish off your winter adventure by sitting down to a tasty, hot, meal in The Lodge restaurant. Why not top it off with a delicious hot chocolate? Tis’ the season after all! Please check in park notice boards for Food & beverage daily opening hours during your visit.

Santa Visit :

It’s the question everyone is wondering, am I on the naughty or nice list? Head to The Lodge to meet with Santa Claus! Santa will give each good girl and boy a special Christmas coin to exchange in our present room for a wonderful Christmas gift. Santa Claus visit is optional. Please select your preferred ticket option when booking.

Book Now

Winterval-Waterford
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Winterval Waterford City

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Ireland’s largest Christmas festival, and now the European City of Christmas, will return to Waterford in November and December for its 13th year with an even bigger and more festive program. Waterford, Ireland’s oldest city, will once again be transformed into a magical Winterval wonderland as it welcomes 1.8 unique festival visitors throughout its 21-day celebration.

Presented by Waterford City and County Council, Winterval 2025 will feature many beloved attractions, exciting new events, and enchanting reimaginings of festival favorites. As the European City of Christmas, the event will offer a world of holiday celebrations, magical experiences, festive family attractions, seasonal surprises, and a variety of free and ticketed events for all ages.

Winterval will run on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from November 21st to December 23rd, 2025.

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Santa is coming back to Winterval

Santa’s Grotto is one of the shining highlights of Winterval, returning to Waterford’s historic underground vaults for 2025, where children can step into Santa’s enchanting Christmas kingdom. From the moment little visitors arrive, they are greeted by cheerful elves, who guide them through a twinkling wonderland filled with festive surprises, sparkling decorations, and the gentle scent of cinnamon and pine.

Inside the grotto, children can meet Santa himself, share their Christmas wishes, and pose for magical photos in a truly immersive festive setting. The experience also includes a special play area designed to delight all senses: soft, colourful toys, tactile activities, and interactive features ensure younger guests have endless fun while exploring Santa’s world.

Tickets for Santa’s Grotto are now on sale. Families are encouraged to book early, as tickets often sell out quickly, guaranteeing every child the chance to experience the joy, wonder, and magic of meeting Santa in this unforgettable setting.

* Also available – Sensory Santa @ Winterval – See booking link for more details

BOOK NOW

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Full list of events…

1.        Winterval Illuminates 

2.       Drone Show 

3.       Winterval On Ice

4.       The Winterval Christmas Market

5.       The Winterval Circus 

6.       Glow Fairylight Garden

7.       Visit Santa @ Winterval

8.       Mini Express Train

9.       Panto – Jack & The Beanstalk

10.   Panto – Cinderella 

11.   Snowball Play Fun 

12.   Gingerbread Making

13.   Santa’s Giant Disco Postbox 

14.   The Snowball Stage

15.   Winterval Christchurch Live  – Francis Black

16.   Winterval Christchurch Live  – Pa Sheehey

17.   Winterval Christchurch Live  – Susan O’Neil

18.   Churchyard Sessions – The Knockadollys

19.   Churchyard Sessions – The Poppa Zitas

20.   Churchyard Karaoke Igloo 

21.   K-POP Demon Hunters Sing Along Tribute 

22.   Choral Trail: Brahms ‘A German Requiem’ 

23.   Choral Trail: Lyons Club Appeal Orchestral & Choral Concert

24.   Choral Trail: Lumina Christmas Concert 

25.   Choral Trail: Massed Choirs 

26.   Choral Trail: Olde Worlde Choir

27.   Viking Storytelling 

28.   Movie @ The Reg 

29.   The Elves Workshop 

30.   Winterval Official Opening & Turning on of Christmas Lights

31.   Santa’s Magical Sleigh Ride, Virtual Reality

32.   City Fairground

33.   Viking Elf Trail

34.   Draw Your Hero: The Elf Saves Christmas

35.   WAMA Wreath Making Craft Workshops

36.   Conscious Crafting For Adults 

37.   Conscious Crafting For All The Family 

38.   Polish Christmas Village

39.   Port of Waterford Eye

40.   WCQ Market

41.   Garter Lane Craft Fair

42.   Mirror Magic at the Apple Market 

43.   Suircon

44.   Deise Medieval

45.   Blue Light Showcase

46.   Tractor Parade

47.   Jingle Bells Cycle

48.   Buskaid

49.   Waterford Treasure Children’s Christmas Trail

50.   Enjoy Christmas at Bishops Palace (Bridgerton Tour)

51.   The Santa Cruise, on the Barrow Princess

52.   Rotary Tree

53.   Giving Tree

54.   Tasteful Tours 

55.   Winterval Official Late Nite Club

56.   Primary School Workshops

57.   Walkabout Acts (Bubbles The Elf / Seaweed Girl  / Dancing Santa / Elf Mascots / Olde Worle Choir

58.   Winterval Photo Orienteering

Further details of the 2025 Winterval Festival programme will be revealed over the coming weeks, for now, details on the Santa experience can be viewed and reservations made at www.winterval.ie

winter wonderland at kia ora mini farm
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Kia Ora Mini Farm Wexford

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Visit Santa Claus in Gorey, Wexford

Visit Santa in Gorey, Wexford at his Kia Ora Mini Farm Magical Christmas Experience

Santa Claus is delighted to announce his return to the Wexford Winter Wonderland that is Kia Ora Mini Farm. Come visit the animals, see Santa’s cosy home and view in amazement our enchanting musical light show.

Admission: €24.50 per child, €12.50 per adult, €12.50 under 11 months old

The Booking Time that you are choosing is the actual time that you will meet Santa. You can arrive at the farm any time during our opening times prior to this time but AT LEAST 15 minutes prior to the booking time. All guests on the booking should arrive to check in together. If your booking is late in the evening you should give yourself plenty of time to visit our animals and have a look around the farm before you make your way to visit Santa. Please be outside Santa’s door 5 minutes before your booking time.

Book Now

Contact us on 053 94 21166, 086-0836715 or 086-8788424 for details

Opening Hours Christmas 2025

November:

  • Sat 29th: 3-7pm
  • Sun 30th: 1-7pm

December:

  • Sat & Sun: 1-7pm
  • Midweek: 4-7pm*
  • *Closed 8th – 11th of Dec

kia ora mini farm wexford

From start to finish a festive Christmas visit to Santa at Kia Ora Farm in Wexford is full of sparkle and will include:-

  • Thousands of Twinkling Lights
  • Live Stable of Bethlehem
  • Illuminated Light Show
  • Feed the Reindeer and other animals
  • Visit Santa’s Bedroom Kitchen, Workshop and Post Office
  • Post your Letter in Santa’s Post Box

 

kia ora mini farm wexford

From start to finish a festive Christmas visit to Santa at Kia Ora Farm in Wexford is full of sparkle and will include:-

  • Each Family will have their own booking time with Santa Claus. You Can take as many photos as you wish and throughout the farm.
  • Each good child will then be directed to the Giant Present Room to check if their family is on the list to choose their fantastic gift.
  • Please ensure to arrive at least 15 minutes prior to your booking time to ensure that you are ready to meet Santa at the time specified in your booking.
  • Please ensure that everyone on the booking arrives together at the same time to the entrance for check in to the farm at least 15 minutes prior to time booked to see Santa.

 

Address : Courteencurragh, Gorey, Co. Wexford

Phone : 053 9421166 / 086-8788424 / 086-0836715

Web address : www.kiaoraminifarm.ie

 

 

Santa-Experience
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The Santa Experience – Santa’s Magical Cabin

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Santa’s Magical Cabin is back for 2025!

The award winning and original Santa’s Magical Cabin returns for this Winter season!  

Over the past 15 years Santa’s Magical Cabin in association with Dunnes Stores has provided children and adults alike with a wonderful visit to Santa Claus in his magical cabin! 

Upon check-in an elf guide will meet each family and take them directly to meet Santa Claus.

Children will be amazed by what Santa knows about them, thanks to the “Santa Needs to Know” forms. Santa will also give each child a beautiful age appropriate gift. 

Everyone will be entertained throughout by energetic elves who will tell everyone exactly how Santa, his reindeer and all the elves prepare for Christmas. 

Tickets cost €14.00 per child & €7 per adult and can be booked online in advance to ensure you get your preferred time and date.

Each ticket includes meeting and interacting with elves, meeting your elf guide, visiting Santa in his Magical Cabin, Santa knowing personal information about each child and an age-appropriate gift from Santa.

A professional photographer will be on hand to capture all those magical moments and you can order 8 x 10 framed prints immediately afterwards if you wish. The first print is priced at €18 and subsequent prints will be priced at €12 per print. A digital photo package is available whereby you can get all of your photos on a Santa USB stick PLUS 1 printed photo for just €40. A special personalised invitation from Santa to your children can also be purchased for €15 (includes €2.95 postage) which is posted directly to your home. 

Come join the magic!

Venues

  • Dunnes Stores, Ilac Centre, Dublin 1
  • Dunnes Stores, Kilnamanagh, Tallaght, Dublin 24
  • Dunnes Stores, Patrick Street, Cork
  • Jetland Shopping Centre, Ennis Road, Limerick
  • The Kyle Centre, Portlaoise 
  • Dunnes Stores, Ennis Town Centre

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Dates/Times

  • 15th November to 23rd December 2025
  • 12pm to 6pm (generally) See website
  • Please check our online booking system for exact dates and times opening times of your preferred location

Admission

  • Children €14.00 (incl. gift)
  • Adult €7 (no gift)
  • Baby €14 (with gift)
  • Baby €6 (no gift)
  • Special invite: €15

Photos

  • €18 for first photo
  • €12 for each additional copy
  • €40 Digital photo USB + 1 printed photo 

Santa’s Shop

  • Reindeer Food: €4
  • Finding Nutmeg book €12
  • Activity book: €7
  • Finding Nutmeg + Activity book €17

Booking

Book online now at www.santaexperience.ie

Find us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TheSantaExperience/

Instagram: santaexperienceireland