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Family fun

22nd Sep 2021

The ultimate list of Santa Experiences to get booking now

Laura Cunningham

It’s beginning to look a lot like… OK, maybe not just yet.

Yep, she’s back banging on about Christmas in September. I know, I know, but now is the time to book the super popular Santa experiences before they sell out.

Not everyone is as early as us, but rest assured we’ll add more to the list as they launch their events and more tickets go on sale. But in the meantime, you can get booking this lovely lot now.

Who have we missed? We’d love to hear your suggestions of brilliant santa experiences from around the country to add to our list.

This year is the year we’re going to super organised and stress-free come December, isn’t it? …ISN’T IT?!

SANTA EXPERIENCES IN DUBLIN

Luggwoods

Where: Saggart, Co. Dublin

What: “Santa’s Enchanted Forest Walk of Wonder truly is a sight to behold. The Twinkling lights and Seasonal Magic fills the air as you walk the Majestic trail before you meet Santa at his Luggwoods Log Cabin”

Tickets: Book Luggwoods Christmas Tickets here

The Christmas Experience at Airfield Estate

Where: Airfield Estate, Dundrum, Dublin

What: “Set across 5 acres in the surrounds of Airfield House, you can pay a flying visit to the Statue of Liberty, before taking delivery of your special gift during a private visit with Santa.⁠ You’ll then drop into the Claus Café where you can enjoy fragrantly spiced wine or warm chocolate Jersey milk before taking a twirl on the vintage carousel.⁠ Take a walk through the twinkling lights into Antarctica, before cookie decorating in the Elves Kitchen and learn the ancient art of origami in the far east. Peek into Santa’s Alpine Workshop where you can capture a family photograph* on Santa’s sleigh, and post that all-important Christmas list.⁠”

Tickets: Book tickets for Santa at Airfield here 

Visit Santa at EPIC

Where: CHQ, Custom House Quay, Dublin 1

What: Individual appointment with Santa, including a gift and a photo and access to the museum

Tickets: Book your Dublin Santa visit at EPIC here 

VISIT SANTA IN KILDARE

Santa’s House Express @ Palmerstown House Estate

Where: Johnstown, Kildare

What: “Drive-thru Christmas is a magical drive-thru experience visiting the elves in Elf Town, followed by a visit to the awe-inspiring Twinkle Avenue and The Enchanted Forest, before the main event – meeting Santa in his Grotto – the big man himself will have a gift for each child and time to chat with the family. Next up – park up the car and enjoy the fun and thrills at our inclusive, unlimited funfair in the North Pole village. Guests also have the option here to purchase some hot food and festive treats, and an option to get a professional photo gift of their family on Santa’s Sleigh.”

Tickets: Book your tickets for drive-thru Santa in Kildare here 

Santa’s Magical Trail at Clanard Court Hotel

Where: Athy, Co. Kildare

What: A festive meal, access to Santa’s Craftsy Workshop and Build-A-Teddy, santa visit and gift

Tickets: Visit Santa in Kildare here 

SANTA EXPERIENCE IN MEATH

Causey Farm

Where: Navan, Co. Meath

What: The details of this year’s famous “Christmas Experience” are TBC

Tickets: Tickets go on sale on October 1st 

Tayto Park

Where: Ashbourne, Co. Meath

What: “Christmas Experience tickets include all day Park and Zoo entry, Unlimited access to the Junior Adventure Zone* & a Visit with Santa.”

Tickets: Book Santa tickets for Tayto Park here

SANTA EXPERIENCES IN WICKLOW

Christmas Island @ Hidden Valley

Where: Rathdrum, Co. Wicklow

What: Christmas Island is going ahead for 2021, with details TBC

Tickets: Tickets for Christmas Island will be on sale shortly here 

SANTA IN WEXFORD

Kia Ora Mini Farm Magical Christmas Experience

Where: Gorey, Co. Wexford

What: Kia Ora’s Christmas Experience is going ahead for 2021, with details TBC

Tickets: Booking for Kia Ora’s Christmas experience will begin in October 

SANTA IN WATERFORD

Ardmore Open Farm &  Mini Zoo

Where: Ballykilmurry, Ardmore, Co. Waterford.

What: The Winter Wonderland Christmas Experience is coming back this year, with details TBC

Tickets: Not available just yet, but keep an eye on Instagram here for updates

SANTA EXPERIENCE IN CARLOW

Rathwood Santa Train

Where: Tullow, Co. Carlow

What: “The Rathwood Express will take you through the enchanted forest and into Fossett’s Big Top where you can meet Santa and his elves as they put on a magical show, from the comfort of your family carriage! On the Rathwood Express Train, families will stay seated in their pods throughout the entire event, which minimises contact.”

Tickets: Book your Santa train experience here 

SANTA EXPERIENCES IN CORK

Santa at The Barn @ Leahy’s Open Farm

Where: Dungourney Co.Cork

What: “Santa is going to greet all the boys and girls from the Barn at Leahys Open Farm.  He will chat with the kids and adults, there will be presents available and photos can be taken with Santa.”

Tickets: Book your Cork Santa visit at Leahy’s here 

Cork North Pole Outpost Experience

Where: Cobh, Co. Cork

What: “The Cork North Pole Outpost Experience is a fun and imaginative theatrical production bringing to life the real values of a good ol’ fashioned Cork Christmas. Every year the elves bring a truly unique experience for families.”

Tickets: Book you visit to Santa in Cork here 

VISIT SANTA IN GALWAY

Elf Town

Where: Galway Racecourse

What: “Four magical floors, giving you an exceptional, fun-filled journey through Elf Town”

Tickets: Book your Elf Town experience here 

VISIT SANTA IN CLARE

Bunratty Castle

Where: Bunratty, Co. Clare

What: Bunratty Castle is transformed into a winter wonderland of twinkling lights, each year

Tickets: Keep an eye on Bunratty’s social media for updates on 2021’s event 

VISIT SANTA IN MAYO

Winter Wonderland @ Westport House

Where: Westport, Co. Mayo

What: “Santa and his Elves will welcome all into the magnificent grotto at Westport House. Old and young alike can come and enjoy the day with us in the warm and cosy Westport House under the Christmas tree surrounded by festive cheer and beautiful decorations.  Get into the Christmas spirit with a hot drink and have your face painted. Join in the Elves Workshop or drop in and listen to Mrs Claus’ magical Christmas stories. ”

Tickets: Buy tickets for Santa in Mayo here 

VISIT SANTA IN LONGFORD

Centr Parcs

Where: Centre Parcs, Longford

What: Details of Centre Parc’s Christmas experience for 2021 will be announced shortly

Tickets: Keep an eye on the website for updates 

SANTA VISIT IN DUBLIN, CORK, ENNIS, LIMERICK and PORTLAOISE

The Santa Experience

Where: Dublin, Cork, Ennis, Limerick, Portlaoise

What: Private cabin visits with Santa that are autism friendly at all times

Tickets: Book all locations of The Santa Experience here

 

Who have we missed? We’d love to hear your suggestions of Santa experiences around Ireland to add to the list.