A selection of things to do around Ireland.
Budding Artists @ National Botanic Garden
Children are encouraged to take a closer look at the natural world all around them to inspire fun art-making activities in a creative workshop especially for younger children (ages 4-7).
Drimnagh Castle | Winter Wonderland
Enter the archway of the spectacular Drimnagh Castle and savour the beautiful smell and sounds of Christmas. Browse WALK’s Christmas market, which provides a lovely mix of seasonal gifts, local artisan wares and tasty local treats. Join Mrs Claus and the elves for festive jokes, songs and stories.
All proceeds will go to support WALK Community Project Fund.
Airfield Estate ASD Friendly Santa Experience
Airfield Estate will be offering an ASD friendly Santa Visit on Saturday 9th December at 10:00 am and 10:30 am, with the visit in a sensory friendly and inclusive environment.
The ASD friendly adjustments are designed to make the visit to Santa more inclusive and accessible for people with sensory sensitivities, and others who can benefit from this environment. Their staff are trained in ASD awareness and are happy to help make your visit more enjoyable.
Castletown Christmas Village comes to the beautiful Castletown House & Parklands in Celbridge, Co. Kildare from Dec. 7th to 10th for a fun, family festive experience that includes unique Christmas gifts in the craft market, indoor cinema, cooking demonstrations, Santa's Grotto, carousel and more.
Candlelight Carols with the Park Singers
Hear your favourite hymns and carols performed in the magnificent setting of Christ Church Cathedral at this wonderfully festive concert. The beautiful voices of this award-winning choir will mingle with the atmospheric candlelit cathedral to create an unforgettable feast for your senses.
The award-winning, all-female choir will perform by candlelight in the magnificent setting of Christ Church on Sunday evening.
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.
Drumcliffe Christmas Tree & Craft Festival
Drumcliffe Church in Sligo will be decorated with over sixty-five themed Christmas trees that have been carefully prepared by local community groups and individuals. As well as the attractive display, there will also have over thirty craft stalls located in a large marquee, live music, festive fun and more. Proceeds in aid of Samaritans Sligo and other charities as chosen by Drumcliffe Select Vestry.
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.
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!!!
Enjoy some festive fun at the Collins Barracks Open Day on Sunday from 2pm-5pm. There will be Christmas carols, trails, storytelling and talks including food historian Regina Sexton on festive food.
The day will also include an exhibition showcasing artworks created by local artists, members of the Henrietta Adult Community Education (HACE) and the Active Retirement Association Phibsboro and inspired by the Museum's Portrait of a Century and The Volunteers exhibitions. No booking required.
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.
Located at Riverside Car park, the first ever Winterland will be filled with Christmas magic including markets, shows, Christmas activities, our magical Christmas trail and of course, Santa Claus. It runs from Friday 8th to Sunday 17th.
Carlow Culinary Christmas Food & Drink Festival
Taking place at Visual in Carlow, this is a 3-day showcase of all things food and drink in the county. Featuring nightly food stalls, giveaways and Food Demonstrations from Neven Maguire, Kevin Dundon and Catherine Fulvio with each visitor getting a free bag of recipes and some free County Carlow products to use over the festive season.
Maynooth Gospel Choir
The Maynooth Gospel Choir are playing a FREE Christmas concert in St. Mary's Church in Maynooth this Sunday.
They will be singing at the 6 pm Mass but will also have a concert from 7:30 - 8:45 where audience singing is optional but clapping is compulsory!
The Moving Crib has been a feature of Christmas in Dublin for over sixty years.
This swash-buckling story mashes up pop culture with well-loved Panto traditions and is sure to have you dancing in the aisles!
From the moment you arrive, you will be immersed in Musketeer madness - we will need you to point young D’Artagnan in the right direction - and that’s before you even take your seat! Running from 24th Nov - 9th Dec in the Moat Theatre, Kildare.
Puss in Boots: The Original Tail
Forget everything you think you know about Puss In Boots and prepare to enjoy the real story of The Original Tail Of Puss In Boots!. Can our heroes thwart the threat of the evil giant, his debt collectors? Will Colin win the girl, free the kingdom and live happily ever after?
With gorgeous costumes, stunning sets, delightful dance and magnificent music, The Butt Drama Circle Christmas Panto promises to once again be a Christmas delight for all the family. Various matinées and evening shows from 24th Nov - 8th Dec.
Every Sunday in December, enjoy a festive Christmas lunch in the stunning surroundings of the Slieve Donard Resort & Spa.
Christmas Market at The Argory
The Festive period is not complete without a visit to The Argory's Christmas Fair in Armagh, featuring a craft, food and drink stalls, as well as traditional festive entertainment. Soak up the wonderful atmosphere and see the house decorated for Christmas.
Find the true meaning of Christmas at the MAC at their heart-warming family show Hansel & Gretel with the brother and sister duo on a magical Christmas adventure. Who knows what friends they will make along the way.
Discover why friendship, laughter and a big bag of sweets are essential to making Christmas the happiest, twinkliest and funniest time of the year with family.
Christmas Experience at Clonfert Pet Farm
Santa arrives in Kildare this weekend and on 9th, 16th & 17th of December. Vist for some Christmas magic, explore Santa's workshop, cowshed theatre and meet Santa and Mrs. Claus.
The Jungle's Christmas Wonderland
This festive family event is unique in its offerings for not only can visitors share a meet and greet with Santa but, they can also have a giggle with his colourful Elves, enjoy The Jungle’s exciting adventure activities, get creative with a spot of Arts & Crafts, grab a cuddle in the Woodland Petting Farm or listen to Mrs Claus' tell a Christmas story.
Enjoy a festive day out each weekend in December with keeper talks, arts & crafts, make Christmas presents for the animals, decorate Christmas cookies, take a ride on our Christmas train and lots more.
There is no getting away from it now, the Christmas season has started and will dominate events for the next two months. This week sees the return of the popular market in Eyre Square, with a 32m observation wheel and lots of Christmas gift ideas. Santa will be there too!
This year's festival starts on Saturday when Santa arrives at John Roberts Square at 4pm.
Visit the Winterval Christmas Market in Cathedral Square for the unique and wonderful Winterval Illuminate Christmas light show every 30 minutes over weekend evenings and every night in the last week before Christmas.
There is also a FREE toddler's play area suitable for under 5s on Saturdays & Sundays at the House of Waterford Crystal.
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.
