Make Christmas magical: Arboretum is the perfect family day out this Christmas and here’s why

Brought to you by Arboretum 

Take a walk in their winter wonderland.

Now that November has finally rolled around, the Christmas season has well and truly started. That means Christmas shopping, planning visits to Santa's grotto, taking in beautiful festive decorations, and eating lots of delicious Christmas food. There's so much to pack into just two short months but, luckily, there's one place that will let you get most of those top-quality experiences in all at once. Arboretum is the perfect spot to head to if you really want to get in the Christmas mood, give yourself and the kids a wonderful day out, and maybe do some of that necessary (but fun) Christmas shopping while you're at it. There are a whole host of activities and experiences at either of the two Arboretum locations. If you want to see Santa arrive in style, head to their spot in Leighlinbridge, Carlow, where he will be arriving by helicopter on November 16. (He has to give those reindeer a rest before the big day, after all.) If the Kilquade location in Wicklow is an easier option for you, don't worry - all the other experiences will also be held there (hurrah!). The Wicklow Arboretum is only half an hour from Dublin and 20 minutes from Wicklow, so super easy to get to. Take a walk in their five-star Garden Centre, or have a dazzling stroll along their winter garden walks. If you fall in love with what you see or want to try and create your own wonderland at home, there are plant experts there to help you with your own magical winter garden. The kids will have their own winter world to experience, of course, and this year there will be an exclusive surprise inspired by Disney's Frozen 2 in Carlow (we can already feel the excitement!). They will also be able to visit with the one and only Santa Claus in his grotto or, if you arrive early enough, they can even have breakfast there with the man himself and his elves. From November 22, the little ones can visit Santa's reindeer and give them a pep-talk before their around-the-world flight. The Laura Lynn charity postbox will also be there where the kids can post their all-important letters. Then, when everyone is hungry and dying for a comforting hot chocolate (a necessary Christmas treat), you can warm yourselves in Rachel's Garden Café. We're telling you, Arboretum has it all covered. There are loads of shopping options there for the grown-ups too. Just think - you could get all of your Christmas shopping done in one go. That means no last-minute Christmas Eve panic. It's almost too good to think about. For the full lowdown of everything they have to offer, just head over to their website and have a look. It's a Christmas day out that you won't want to miss. Plus, we may be holding a little competition onsite over the next few days to nab yourselves some passes for breakfast in Santa's Grotto and maybe even a cheeky shopping voucher for the parents, so keep your eyes peeled for that! Brought to you by Arboretum Christmas is blissmas this year at Arboretum. Visit arboretum.ie for more information.