Category Archives: Christmas

Jingle Fest at Emerald Park
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Jingle Fest at Emerald Park

Introducing a NEW Emerald Park Christmas event for 2024, Jingle Fest! 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 from The Hollybops, Boogie Woogies and Hoopixie, meet-and-greets with Christmas characters, Santa letter posting, a fun-filled festive live show ‘The Christmas Star’ in our Big Top ‘Tree’ 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.

Dates

November: 22nd – 24th, 29th, 30th
December: 1st, 6th, 7th, 8th, 13th, 14th, 15th, 17th – 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 ‘Tree’ Tent beside The Lodge, for a festive 25-minute live show. Join Twinkles and Sparkles on a panto-tastic adventure of laughs and silliness as they discover the Christmas Star has been stolen. Without the Christmas Star, the magic of Christmas will be lost forever. Will Twinkles save Christmas? Will Sparkles defeat the bad guy? Will Rudolph ever fly again? Come sing along with the goodies and boo the baddies in a show filled with Christmas spirit and Panto fun.

-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!

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

Santa's Grotto at Dublin Zoo
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Santa’s Grotto at Dublin Zoo

Santa is back at Dublin Zoo for Christmas 2024! Come and visit Santa in his magical Grotto at Dublin Zoo. 

All guests who visit Santa’s Grotto will receive:

  • Day entry to Dublin Zoo
  • A visit with Santa in his magical grotto (located in the farmhouse at Dublin Zoo’s Family Farm)
  • A gift for each child
  • One photo keyring or magnet pack per family group. 

Pre-booking online is essential. Please double check your selected date, time slot, and tickets at the time of purchase. Tickets are strictly non-refundable or exchangeable as per our terms and conditions. 

For event enquiries please email events@dublinzoo.ie or call (01) 474 8900

  • Ticket Prices
  • General Entry Santa’s Grotto – Adult  €20.00
  • General Entry Santa’s Grotto – Child (3yrs – 15yrs)  €31.00
  • General Entry Santa’s Grotto – Under 3yrs  €17.00
  • General Entry Santa’s Grotto – Senior Citizen  €15.50
  • General Entry Santa’s Grotto – Student  €15.50
  • Annual Pass Santa’s Grotto – Adult  Free
  • Annual Pass Santa’s Grotto – Additional Adult  €9.50
  • Annual Pass Santa’s Grotto – Child (3yrs – 15yrs)  €16.00
  • Annual Pass Santa’s Grotto – Under 3yrs  €16.00
  • Santa’s Grotto – Carer  Free

Book Now

north-pole-experience
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The North Pole Experience Dublin

WE ARE MOVING

Yes we are on the move!! TO CITYWEST SHOPPING CENTRE 🎅 🎅 

Our visit to Santa will be a one-on-one experience that includes the mini walk-through plus a meet & greet with the Grinch and real life Elf on the shelf , Also a gift.

Opening Times:

Wednesday – Friday: 3 pm -7 pm

Saturday-Sunday: 11am – 6 pm

Runs from Sat the 24th of Nov till the 23rd Dec 2024

Advance Booking Only… NON-TRANSFERABLE

Pricing:

Child 15euro + VAT / Tax / Booking Charges (Included: Mini Walk Through Experience, meet & greet the Grinch and the Real Life Elf on the Shelf / Santa Visit and Gift Photo optional at €5 payable on arrival.

PARENTS FREE additional adults €5 payable at the door

Baby under 1 year of age €10 payable at the door (Walkthrough and Photo with Santa 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

Northpole Experience

 

Christmas Island Wicklow
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Christmas Island Wicklow

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CHRISTMAS ISLAND – THE SANTA EXPERIENCE 2024

Families can book the Christmas Island experience as a day visit, or as an overnight stay. The lodges for Christmas Island are booked through the Christmas Island website.

2024 Dates:
November: 22, 23, 24, 29, 30
December: Every Thursday to Sunday and Dec 18th & 23rd

Christmas Island Rates
€19.50 Adult
€32.50 Child
€11.00 Infant

Christmas Island + Overnight Stay 2024

The lodges on site are available to book for Christmas Island, and need to be booked through the Christmas Island website.  The touring/camping area is closed for Christmas.

 

CHRISTMAS ISLAND EXPERIENCE INCLUDES

  • A journey on the North Pole Express train
  • Adults and children make a Christmas ornament with the Elves
  • Elf Entertainment with Santa’s Head Elves
  • A Journey on Santa’s House Boat to Santa’s Grotto
  • Personal Santa Visit – children and infants receive a present
  • Christmas cinema room
  • Face painting
  • Letters to Santa
  • Playgrounds

CHRISTMAS ISLAND EXTRA ACTIVITIES

  • Christmas Family Photo
  • Paint and Decorate your own Christmas Craft to take home
  • Winter Downhill Tubing – no snow required!
  • Christmas Carvery, Desserts & Drinks at The Lakehouse
  • Games Room
  • Overnight stay in a glamping or boutique lodge
  • Christmas shop

Book Now

Christmas Island Wicklow

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

Rapunzel-Helix-Panto-2024
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Rapunzel The Helix Panto Dublin

The Helix announce ‘Rapunzel’ as this year’s Christmas panto!

Running from 22nd November until 12th January 2025!

The Helix is excited to announce that this year’s Christmas Panto will be ‘Rapunzel’ produced by TheatreworX Productions. This magical production will take to the panto stage from Friday, 22nd November to Sunday, 12th January, 2025. Tickets are available now from www.thehelix.ie

With all the festive cheers and boos of a live panto audience, TheatreworX Productions return to the stage at The Helix this Christmas with all the wit, magic and fun. Promising to bring everything that you can expect from the most magical panto in Dublin, join the cast as they journey through the magical pantosphere of intrigue and adventure! With an exciting new script including plenty of twists and turns, ‘Rapunzel’ promises to be yet another hilarious production for all the family to enjoy with eye catching sets, song and dance!

Rapunzel The Helix Panto

Photographer: Leon Farrell / Photocall Ireland

Packed with talent, the ‘Rapunzel’ cast includes Caoimhe Garvey who returns to the Helix Panto stage playing the lead role, Rapunzel, Dan Miles as Flynn and Rua Barron as the panto baddie, Gothel. AIMS award winner and funny man, Chris Corroon returns to the panto spotlight as Dame Lola, while panto favourites including Aidan Mannion as Laurel and Brian Dalton as Buddy amongst many others return for this wonderful and hilarious adaptation.

Schools across Dublin and Leinster will have the opportunity to enjoy the magic of live theatre at The Helix with an array of school tour dates available. Tickets for school outings and corporate reservations can be booked through www.thehelix.ie. 

Caoimhe Garvey, who plays the lead role of Rapunzel, shared her excitement, “It’s an absolute dream come true to take on the role of Rapunzel. The character is so much fun, and the energy of a live panto audience makes it all the more thrilling. I’m looking forward to returning The Helix this Christmas with the wonderful TheatreworX crew.”

Rapunzel The Helix Panto

 Photographer: Leon Farrell / Photocall Ireland

Creative Director of TheatreworX Productions and producer of The Helix Panto, Claire Tighe said, “We are thrilled to bring ‘Rapunzel’ to The Helix stage this Christmas. With a brand-new script and some exciting surprises in store, it promises to be a magical and fun-filled show for audiences of all ages, we can’t wait for families to experience the joy and laughter that The Helix Panto is known for.”

Michael Brady, General Manager of The Helix said, “We’re excited to welcome audiences back for another unforgettable panto. Claire and the TheatreworX Productions team consistently deliver fantastic shows, and Rapunzel will be no exception. It’s a festive treat for families, schools, and community groups alike.”

‘Rapunzel’ will begin a seven-week run from Friday, 22nd November 2024 to Sunday, 12th  January, 2025.  Tickets priced from €28.50 (plus booking fees) and are on sale now from www.thehelix.ie and at The Helix Box Office.

For more information see www.thehelix.ie or call 01 700 7000.

READ OUR REVIEW OF RAPUNZEL HERE

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

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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 2024

November:

  • Sat 23rd: 2-7pm
  • Sun 24th: 1-7pm
  • Sat 30th: 1-7pm

December:

  • Sun 1st: 1-7pm
  • Sat 7th & Sun 8th: 1-7pm
  • Fri 13th: 4-7pm
  • Sat 14th & Sun 15th: 1-7pm
  • Mon 16th to Fri 20th: 4-7pm
  • Sat 21st to Mon 23rd: 1-7pm

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.com

 

 

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

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Santa and his elves are back for 2024! 

It has been a busy year here in the North Pole. After the success of 2022 & 2023 Santa and his elves have been working hard to ensure every family has a wonderful private visit with Santa Claus! 

Upon check in each family will meet their elf guide who will take them directly to Santa’s Magical Cabin. 

As always Santa Claus will have know some special information about your children, give them a lovely age appropriate gift and take some gorgeous professional photos to capture the magic of meeting Santa!

Precise timeslots: In order to reduce wait times and prevent crowds, we have created more precise timeslots. Similar to previous events, check-in will be no more than 10-minutes before your timeslot. Please arrive at check in with your your QR code or confirmation email ready for inspection.

Special needs: Because of the changes we have made to our event we do not have a specific autism friendly day because every day is autism friendly! As always, if your child has specific needs that may not be met at our event, please contact us ahead of time at info@santaexperience.ie, and remind the receptionist on the day so we can make your visit run as smoothly as possible!

Santa and his elves can’t wait to see you this Christmas! 

[Show slideshow]
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

Dates/Times

  • 16th November to 23rd December 2024
  • 12pm to 6pm (generally) See website for times
  • Please check our online booking system for exact opening times of your preferred location

Admission

  • Children €14 (incl. gift)
  • Adult €6.50 (no gift)
  • Baby €14 (with gift)
  • Baby €6 (no gift)
  • Special invite: €14 (plus postage)

Photos

  • €16 for first photo
  • €14 for each additional copy
  • €40 Digital photo USB + 1 printed photo 

Santa’s Shop

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

Booking

Book online now at www.santaexperience.ie

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

Instagram: santaexperienceireland

Youtube: http://youtu.be/NIRE3g7ENBY

 

Lark-Panto-Cinderella
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Cinderella The Lark Panto Dublin

DECEMBER 5TH-DEC 30TH

Please Note
-Public shows are running from the 5th-30th Dec
-11am school shows will run on the following dates 3rd-6th, 10th-13th & 17th-19th Dec
 

The Irish Institute of Music & Song and Sean Gilligan bring you our New Panto – CINDERELLA.

Join the kindest heroine of them all Cinderella and her best friend Buttons, in the greatest fairytale of them all. Joined by the whacky stepsisters Glammy and Whammy, she meets the brave and dashing Prince Liam and his loyal companion Dandini. But when her wicked stepmother Lady DeVille prevents her from getting to the ball, who will save the day? Find out this year at The Lark Panto! Filled with singing, dancing, live music, spectacular costumes and scenery, this is the number one show for families and all those in search of fun and laughter this Christmas!

Book Now

cinderella the lark panto

We were invited along to see Beauty and the Beast, The Larks 1st Panto in December 2023. Read our review here 😉 

The Lark Concert Hall
Church St
Balbriggan
Co. Dublin
Email: boxoffice@thelark.iims.ie
Call: +353 1 960 5400

Winterval-Waterford
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Winterval Waterford City

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Winterval, Ireland’s largest Christmas festival, and now the European City of Christmas, will return to Waterford in November and December for its 12th year with its biggest and most festive programme yet. Waterford, Ireland’s oldest city, will be transformed into a magical Winterval wonderland from Friday, November 15th until Monday, December 23rd 2024.

Brought to you by Waterford City and County Council, Winterval 2024 will see the return of lots of the original attractions, brand new events, and magical reimaginations of so many of the festival favourites.  The European City of Christmas will be a world of Christmas celebration, magical experiences, festive family attractions, seasonal surprises and an abundance of free and ticketed events for all ages to enjoy.

[Show slideshow]

Santa is coming back to Winterval

The Winterval elves have been hard at work preparing and planning for the magic of the annual Winterval Festival and of course, this year creating a great celebration to honour the title of Waterford holding the crown of the European City of Christmas for the first year.

Santa has made preliminary visits to Ireland’s Christmas Festival to ensure his elves are carrying out all of his tip-top plans for his return to the stunning 12th-century caverns that lie beneath the City’s Medieval Museum in the Viking Triangle. The magical space will be transformed for the official grand return of Santa at the 2024 Winterval Festival, which will take place in Waterford for the 12th year this November 15th to December 23rd 2024 where he will spread joy and holiday cheer to boys and girls of all ages.

Tickets for ‘Santa At Winterval’ are available for purchase for all the little boys and girls coming to the festival for a visit to Santa Claus,where a band of merry elves will lead little ones to a seat in Santa’s magical grotto and families can enjoy the photo stops and arts and crafts along the way too. The all-new Winterval grotto offers free tickets for adults, and visitors to the main man will each receive a present and printed family photograph.  Santa will host little guests all the way through the festival until December 23rd, 2024.

At Winterval, Ireland’s Christmas Festival, there will be plenty to see and do before you ever head to Santa Claus, with the festival’s firm favourites including the Waterford Illuminates light show, Winterval on Ice, the Glenveagh Christmas Market at Winterval, The Trash Test Dummies Show, live choral sessions and music gigs and lots more set to dazzle and delight.

* Also available – Sensory Santa’s At Winterval

BOOK NOW

[Show slideshow]
Commenting on the festival planning, Winterval festival co-director John Grubb says,

“Trevor Darmody from the Waterford Academy of Music and Arts and I have been reliving our great Christmas pasts over the entire summer as we meet the fellow festive creators across Ireland and beyond.

We have a wonderful, surprising and delightful array of events and activities for all ages in the family and we can’t wait to unveil the full programme of events in the next few weeks too. For now, Santa has given his seal of approval and we are thrilled to say “tickets to see Santa at Winterval are now available.” 

Further details of the 2023 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

arigna-mining-santa-grotto
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Santa’s Underground Grotto at Arigna Mining Experience

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Santa’s Underground Grotto 2024

Arigna, Via Carrick-on- Shannon, Co. Roscommon.  Eircode N41YP78. Please take the R280, R285, and L1001 to Arigna for best route. 

Please be aware that though you book a 1 hour time slot, typical visit time for this event is 2 hours. 

Once again, Arigna Mining Experience comes alive with a festive atmosphere. The visit to Santa in Arigna is a unique, exciting fun-filled event for all the family. Entry to the event includes a visit to Santa in his Underground Grotto, a present for every family member, and admission to enterntainment shows. 

 *Check in at reception upon arrival– PLEASE HAVE QR CODE FROM BOOKING CONFIRMATION READY*

Opening Dates

  • Saturday, November 30th & Sunday, December 1st
  • Saturday, December 7th & Sunday, December 8th                                                                                                                                    
  • Saturday, December 14th & Sunday, December 15th                                                                                                                                       
  • Friday, December 20th & Saturday, December 21st

The bookings will run from 10am-4pm every day except Friday, December 20th when bookings will run from 12pm-5pm. Please note that time you book for is a time slot for arrival to the event, and NOT the specific time you are scheduled to visit Santa. 

 

*Booking on-line only – Unfortunately, there will be no walk in appointments available this year.

*The online booking page closes off at 8am on the day of event so no further bookings will be taken after that time for that day.

Prices

  • Babies/Toddlers (up to 2 yrs)-  €15 each                                                                                                                                     
  • Children (2 yrs – 14 yrs)-   €25 each 
  • Adults (14yrs and older)- €15 each                                                                                                                                            

Santa will have a gift for every family member!

Please Note:

  • tours of the mine are not included in the ‘Santa’s Underground Grotto’ event 
  • due to safety guidelines, there will be a one way system in place for the event to ensure the safety of all our visitors
  • all facilites are indoors/undercover, but the mine and enterntainment area is cold in the winter! It is advisable to wear warm, seasonally appropriate clothing

Thank you for booking ‘Santa’s Underground Grotto’ at Arigna Mining Experience. It is important that you and your guests take the time to read the information below, as by purchasing/presenting tickets for this event, you agree to comply with the Terms and Conditions (see below) of Arigna Energy Valley Company.

We wish all the children and their families a very happy Christmas from Santa Claus, the elves and all of us here at Arigna Mining Experience.

Thank you for sharing our Christmas event with us!

Book Now

Derreenavoggy,
Carrick-On-Shannon,
Co. Roscommon,
N41 YP78

Email: tours@arignaminingexperience.ie
Call: 353 (0) 71 96 46466