A selection of things to do this weekend around Ireland.
Christmas at Powerscourt Stables
Experience some festive animal magic and meet some unbelievably cute creatures at Powerscourt Estate Christmas Stable. Children and adults alike will adore a trip to the Christmas Stables where they’ll meet an incredible array of furry friends, great and small.
Mince pies, magical storytelling, and priceless family memories await you at EPIC Santa Experience in the atmospheric vaults of the CHQ Building.
Children of all ages will be thrilled when Mrs Claus and Santa’s elves greet them with a warm welcome, before leading the way to meet Santa Claus in his enchanting grotto.
Get into the seasonal spirit with an exquisite concert of carols and festive classics staged in full 18th Century costume in an evocative candle-lit style setting. Carols by Candlelight features the Dublin Bach Singers and Mozart Festival Orchestra for tow shows in the National Concert Orchestra
Butler House Garden comes alive this festive season with an enchanting free event for friends and family. Begin your journey in Castle Yard where the twinkle of stars will lead you to the pearl light tunnel that opens into the most magical experience for the young at heart.
The award-winning Children’s Theatre Company, Cahoots NI, are casting a spell over young theatre-goers at the Crescent Arts Centre this Christmas as they bring the enchanting tale, Shh! We Have a Plan to life. Running until the 24th December, prepare to be enchanted and amazed by this unique production featuring magic, music, puppetry and lots more!
Inishowen Gospel Choir Christmas Concert
The Gospel Choir will be performing their own set of Christmas Classics as well as performing alongside some of the region's best original acts. Featuring Neptune M., Great White Lies, Comrade Hat and Velvet Alibi, mulled wine and lot of festive fun!
BuskAid | Using A Beat To Break Down Homelessness
BuskAid is back to rock Waterford City after a hugely successful appeal last year that raised over €4,000!! This Christmas 2017 is going to be bigger, better, busier and buskier!!
Billed as the perfect show for Christmas, there are thirty performances over three weeks in the Pavillion Theatre in Dun Laoighre. Hefty Hugh and Lanky Len have a cunning plan to steal the farmer’s fine prize cow. But they reckon without the tiniest, quietest creature of all: the Ladybird has a plan of her own!
They're back!
Well, Christmas in Dublin just wouldn't be Christmas without a trip to Funderland and thankfully, this year will be no different. There will also be i-Skate and a festive Christmas market running in the RDS until January 14th.
Imelda May, the queen of Dublin big band music, performs in the 3Arena on Friday night. Backed by her stellar band, Imelda May knows how to put on an explosive performance. Jumping from blues to jazz and rock 'n' roll, Imelda is a legend whose performances have to be seen to be believed.
Santa heads to the Boyne Valley again this weekend for a fun Christmas experience in Red Mountain Open Farm. All Christmas activities are under one roof, so regardless of the weather, you’re guaranteed to have a good time!
Santa Express at Oakfield House
Board the Santa Express at the station and enjoy an enchanting train ride through Oakfield’s magnificent woodlands to meet Santa and his special helpers.
As part of Winterval, Waterford, you can make your own Christmas decoration for The Cartamundi Giving Tree and bring it to George’s Court to hang up!
For every decoration, Cartamundi will donate a toy or game to the St Vincent de Paul Charity. Available every day from December 15th to 24th.
The Dome in Carlow is running another Elf Workshop this weekend to allow you catch up on last minute shopping while your little elves - suitable for 4-12 yr olds - have supervised fun with festive arts & crafts, play in the Congo Quest and enjoy a hot chocolate with cookies.
It’s time to get your skates again on for Dundalk On Ice – their real ice rink is fully housed in a festive all weather marquee so that means that rain, hail or snow you will be able to skate away to your heart’s content! They are daily in Market Square until January 7th.
The Moving Crib has been a feature of Christmas in Dublin for over sixty years.
A magical night-time spectacular event, featuring giant colourful lanterns and illuminated animal sculptures inspired by wildlife, is now open at Dublin Zoo.
It promises to get you into a festive mood with Chinese performers and craft market with foods and warm drinks.
Santa's Christmas Magic @ Brigit's Garden
The popular Elfie, Mrs Claus and, of course, Santa head to Galway this weekend with as part of Brigit's Garden Chrismas experience. The event includes lots of fun activities as well as music and entertainment in their special show.
Castlecomer Discovery Park Woodland Christmas Experience
Escape into a magical woodland adventure, hop on board the Santa Express Train and make your way into the heart of Castlecomer Discovery Park Woodland Christmas Experience where Santa, Mrs Claus and a team of elves await your arrival.
Explore Santa’s magical Christmas Village, hear Mrs Claus telling tales about the reindeer and cosy up with a warm brew as you explore this winter wonderland.
Malahide Castle Christmas Experience
Malahide Castle invites you to be their guest at their Christmas Experience with Belle, Mrs Potts and Lumiere. Admission includes a visit to Santa, Mrs Claus and guests, a tour of the castle, age-appropriate gift for the small ones and mulled wine & mince pies for the grown-ups.
‘Be Our Guest’ for this year’s magical Christmas Experience at Malahide Castle! This year we continue the tradition of our wonderful Christmas experience to be shared with old and young alike Santa & Mrs Claus are preparing themselves for the arrival of all the wonderful families who treasure family time and tradition. Visit Santa, Mrs Claus and special guests Lumiere, Mrs Potts and Belle!
Enchanted Garden Winter Light Festival
The Lafcadio Hearn Japanese Gardens in Tramore annual Winter Light Festival starts this weekend. The magic begins as you walk through the entrance gates and you are immediately transported into a world of light and wonderment. Adults are mesmerised by the whole experience, while children of all ages are enchanted as they make their way through this magical winter wonderland.
Glow Cork Christmas Celebration
Cork City transforms into a festive extravaganza this month as GLOW, the annual Christmas festival returns to the Grand Parade.
Don't miss your chance to soar high above the city by taking a ride on the giant Ferris Wheel. After marvelling at the city's twinkling lights from up high, sip a mug of mulled wine and sample handmade treats as you browse the food markets.
