Christmas experiences to see Santa across Ireland have really upped their game over the past couple of years. We now have action-packed events with thousands of twinkling lights, express trains, dancing elves and in some cases, the real Santa. Some of the Christmas experiences to visit Santa are hard to beat so in no particular order here are our favourites to date.
Christmas experiences to see Santa across Ireland have really upped their game over the past couple of years. We now have action-packed events with thousands of twinkling lights, express trains, dancing elves and in some cases, the real Santa. Some of the Christmas experiences to visit Santa are hard to beat so in no particular order here are our favourites to date.
Luggwoods, Co Dublin
Over the years Luggwoods has lived up its name as the most authentic Christmas experience in Ireland. Take a magical journey through Santa's enchanted forest on the Luggwoods Express and see the lights of Dublin City twinkle before your eyes. The magical journey begins when you enter the enchanted Luggwoods forest. Make sure you wrap up warm because you are in the majestic rustic foothills of the Dublin mountains! Before your journey to meet Santa Claus, you’ll be greeted by fairy tale characters. You can write a letter to Santa before you board Santa’s tractor drawn carriage which takes you to meet Santa at the Luggwoods Big Red Barn. Here you will dance, prance and get merry as the entertainment continues.
Over the years Luggwoods has lived up its name as the most authentic Christmas experience in Ireland. Take a magical journey through Santa's enchanted forest on the Luggwoods Express and see the lights of Dublin City twinkle before your eyes. The magical journey begins when you enter the enchanted Luggwoods forest. Make sure you wrap up warm because you are in the majestic rustic foothills of the Dublin mountains! Before your journey to meet Santa Claus, you’ll be greeted by fairy tale characters. You can write a letter to Santa before you board Santa’s tractor drawn carriage which takes you to meet Santa at the Luggwoods Big Red Barn. Here you will dance, prance and get merry as the entertainment continues.
Christmas Island, Rathdrum, Co Wicklow
The only Christmas experience in Ireland with both a train & boat ride and over 10km of Christmas lights. A visit to The Santa Experience at Christmas Island is guaranteed to be lots of fun. The kids can make a Christmas Decoration with Mrs Claus, sing & dance with Santa’s Elves & receive an Elf Medal, enter a colouring Competition and visit Santa and get a present. There are numerous magical photo opportunities throughout the Christmas Island experience.
The only Christmas experience in Ireland with both a train & boat ride and over 10km of Christmas lights. A visit to The Santa Experience at Christmas Island is guaranteed to be lots of fun. The kids can make a Christmas Decoration with Mrs Claus, sing & dance with Santa’s Elves & receive an Elf Medal, enter a colouring Competition and visit Santa and get a present. There are numerous magical photo opportunities throughout the Christmas Island experience.
Causey Farm, Meath
With a warm chill in the air visit Santa’s house and help Mrs Claus pack his bag for his big journey across the skies. Slide your way into the toy workshop, check out Santa’s Parlour but listen carefully – you just never know who might arrive down the chimney. Go back in history and follow the Bethlehem Trail to the stable where Mary and Joseph take care of their new arrival, watched over by the cows, donkeys, sheep and lambs.
With a warm chill in the air visit Santa’s house and help Mrs Claus pack his bag for his big journey across the skies. Slide your way into the toy workshop, check out Santa’s Parlour but listen carefully – you just never know who might arrive down the chimney. Go back in history and follow the Bethlehem Trail to the stable where Mary and Joseph take care of their new arrival, watched over by the cows, donkeys, sheep and lambs.
Rathwood Santa Experience, Wicklow
Join in the Christmas story with Mrs Claus and Trixie the Elf then take a magical journey on board the Rathwood Santa Train but watch out for Rudolph and the other Reindeer along the way. Trek through the Enchanted Forest that leads to Santa’s Woodland home where each family will meet Santa individually and receive a special gift from Santa himself. Each child who visits Santa also gets a free hot chocolate & Rathwood activity book.
Join in the Christmas story with Mrs Claus and Trixie the Elf then take a magical journey on board the Rathwood Santa Train but watch out for Rudolph and the other Reindeer along the way. Trek through the Enchanted Forest that leads to Santa’s Woodland home where each family will meet Santa individually and receive a special gift from Santa himself. Each child who visits Santa also gets a free hot chocolate & Rathwood activity book.
Santa's Christmas Magic, Brigit's Garden
An authentic experience with real Christmas magic. Fancy a Christmas family show packed with entertainment and stories with Santa and his Elfie's? This 2.5-hour experience includes mulled apple punch for all, arts & crafts with Mrs Claus, letter writing by candlelight in the Crannog and each family will receive a special candle to light on Christmas Eve.
An authentic experience with real Christmas magic. Fancy a Christmas family show packed with entertainment and stories with Santa and his Elfie's? This 2.5-hour experience includes mulled apple punch for all, arts & crafts with Mrs Claus, letter writing by candlelight in the Crannog and each family will receive a special candle to light on Christmas Eve.
Crag Cave, Kerry
Santa’s Winter Wonderland is returning to Crag Cave for another year. A truly magical experience not to be missed! Meet Santa Mrs Claus & lots of Disney Friends. See Rudolph, live reindeer, polar bears, snow scenes, outdoor Christmas lights and take a ride on the animated reindeer ride.
Santa’s Winter Wonderland is returning to Crag Cave for another year. A truly magical experience not to be missed! Meet Santa Mrs Claus & lots of Disney Friends. See Rudolph, live reindeer, polar bears, snow scenes, outdoor Christmas lights and take a ride on the animated reindeer ride.
Santa At The Park, Tayto Park, Meath
A little bit of the North Pole will be coming to Ireland's only theme park this Christmas with a unique experience to see Santa while you explore Tayto Park. Hop on board the train to visit Santa's Grotto, meet the energetic elves and visit the man himself. Each family will meet Santa individually and all children will receive a special gift. Admission to see Santa includes all-day admission to the park and Christmas themed face painting and arts & crafts by the lake.
A little bit of the North Pole will be coming to Ireland's only theme park this Christmas with a unique experience to see Santa while you explore Tayto Park. Hop on board the train to visit Santa's Grotto, meet the energetic elves and visit the man himself. Each family will meet Santa individually and all children will receive a special gift. Admission to see Santa includes all-day admission to the park and Christmas themed face painting and arts & crafts by the lake.
Santa at Westport, Mayo
At Westport House, magic seekers will be welcomed into the front hall by Santa’s Little Helper who will lead you and your family with a warm welcome from Mrs Claus and story time by the big open fireplace. Santa at Westport offers face painting, gingerbread decorating and a very special visit to see Santa in his magical grotto in the Dining Room. Kids will be captivated by the hard-working elves in the workshop and each attendee will make their own yuletide log to take home. If that wasn't enough, the experience includes a ride on the Westport Train to enjoy magnificent views around the House before you depart.
At Westport House, magic seekers will be welcomed into the front hall by Santa’s Little Helper who will lead you and your family with a warm welcome from Mrs Claus and story time by the big open fireplace. Santa at Westport offers face painting, gingerbread decorating and a very special visit to see Santa in his magical grotto in the Dining Room. Kids will be captivated by the hard-working elves in the workshop and each attendee will make their own yuletide log to take home. If that wasn't enough, the experience includes a ride on the Westport Train to enjoy magnificent views around the House before you depart.
Santa's Magical Trail, Clanard Court Hotel, Kildare
Fast becoming one of Ireland's must-see Christmas experiences, Santa's Magical Trail is topping the charts when it comes to winter wonderlands. Join Santa’s elves on a wonderful 75-minute journey and fun-filled experience for children young and old! Elves escort you through a twinkling trail where you’ll encounter all sorts of characters, Mrs Claus, Santa and for one year only, Willy Wonka! Tickets include a gift, hot chocolate, a chocolate treat and a snowman crafty set.
Fast becoming one of Ireland's must-see Christmas experiences, Santa's Magical Trail is topping the charts when it comes to winter wonderlands. Join Santa’s elves on a wonderful 75-minute journey and fun-filled experience for children young and old! Elves escort you through a twinkling trail where you’ll encounter all sorts of characters, Mrs Claus, Santa and for one year only, Willy Wonka! Tickets include a gift, hot chocolate, a chocolate treat and a snowman crafty set.
Santa House Express, Kildare
Santa’s House Express is back at the 5* Palmerstown House Estate this Christmas for its 5th year running! Santa Claus will be residing in his beautiful Manor home for the weeks coming up to Christmas. Along with Mrs Claus, the Elves, and lots of friendly characters. New attractions will see the arrival of 'All the fun of the fair' a family festival funfair in this extended area with many new attractions added. Enjoy free unlimited rides for all the family when you confirm your booking and join their member's club. When you check-in everyone will receive a boarding pass to let the festive journey begin. Depart on Santa’s Polar Express Train jumping off at Santa’s magnificent Manor Home and enter into the stunning, glistening hallway. In Santa’s house, you will be invited to step inside a magical fun filled room where you will meet the Ring Master, before visiting Mrs Claus in her sitting room where she will tell you all the stories about looking after the main man himself. Venture up the magnificent staircase and visit Santa in his reading room. Santa will greet and spend some time with all the children and of course, have a special present for all the boys and girls who were very good throughout the year. Don’t forget to bring your letter! A warm festive welcome awaits you back at the lodge. Make sure to sample some of the delicious food on offer - The restaurant at Palmerstown will be offering lunch, dinner & hot carvery options daily. There will also be a catering unit outside, serving up delicious hot chocolate and other drinks, as well as crepes and tasty festive treats. Make sure to explore our Enchanted Fairy Forest as well as visiting the stables where you will meet the Reindeer, our resident Turkey and their friends before you say your goodbyes.
Written by Kellie Kearney staff writer at FFHQ who also blogs at www.mylittlebabog.com.
