With the Christmas holidays right around the corner, now’s the time to squeeze in all the fun you can. Overdue catchups, family days out, last minute gift shopping at markets and craft fairs — here’s what to pencil in for the month ahead…
Santa’s House Express
November 22-December 23, Palmerstown House Estate, Johnstown, Kildare, more info and tickets here
The much-loved Santa’s House Express has returned to Kildare’s Palmerstown House Estate for its 11th year. Santa’s House Express is an unforgettable day out for the whole family, where you’ll be greeted by a dazzling display of lights and festive cheer, boarding the Santa’s House Express train, where the journey begins with an enchanting train ride through the estate’s scenic grounds leads directly to Santa’s Manor, the heart of the Christmas celebrations. Mrs. Claus is waiting to share her favourite holiday stories and offer delightful festive treats, ensuring everyone feels the Christmas spirit, followed by a visit to Santa’s cozy reading room. After your visit with Santa, the adventure continues back at the Winter Wonderland Village, where the festive funfair is in full swing. Each child receives two complimentary ride tokens, ensuring smiles and laughter all around. The village also features a selection of delicious holiday treats and winter warmers, perfect for indulging in the season’s flavours.
ABSOLUT X
4 December, Centre Point, Dublin, more info here
Celebrating the diversity of what Irish nightlife and club culture could and should be, the fourth instalment of ABSOLUT X is a midweek, afterwork club event headlined by Eliza Rose who will go B2B with Sally C, supported by Irish DJs Dev and Puzzy Wrangler.
Fairy Tree
4-7 December, Blue Teapot Theatre, Galway, more info here
Blue Teapot Theatre’s festive children’s theatre show, Fairy Tree, is a humorous, charming play that incorporates puppetry, original music and song. The play explores the tradition of bringing a fir tree into our homes at mid-winter for twelve days only. It’s a story about fairies, so cold they are freezing in the trees. Two young girls notice them and ask the community to take the fairies into their houses to warm up. Not everyone is pleased about the idea but it is agreed, as long as the fairies don’t overstay their welcome. Will the fairies stick to the agreement?
Gifted
4-8 December, RDS, Dublin, more info here
The iconic Christmas craft fair returns to the RDS this year, complete with the spectacular Christmas food emporium, featuring hundreds of makers and thousands of unique gift ideas. The ultimate destination for anyone interested in handmade, unique, thoughtfully crafted pieces made by independent brands and artisan producers, this is the place to be.
Mary Poppins
From 11 December, Bord Gáis Energy Theatre, Dublin, more info here
Cameron Mackintosh and Disney Theatrical Group are delighted to announce direct from the West End, the spectacular full production of the classic multi award-winning musical Mary Poppins returns to Dublin this Christmas season. Acclaimed Australian stars, Stephanie Jones and Jack Chambers reprise their roles as Mary Poppins and Bert, having both received critical acclaim and nightly standing ovations for their performances in the recent Australian production.
Seasonal Supper Club at Kilruddery
13, 20, 28 & 29 December, Killruddery House & Gardens, Wicklow, more info here
Giving guests a rare opportunity to indulge in a four-course set menu inspired by the bounty of their Walled Garden and Farm, this candlelit Supper Club is crafted by Head Chef Niall O’Sullivan, and you’ll enjoy a delectable meal, perfectly paired with the cosy ambiance of the 19th Century Grain Store, complete with a burning log fire.
Aiséirí
21 December, Leisureland, Galway, more info here
AISÉIRÍ is Galway’s latest day festival, taking place in Leisureland with a very strong lineup. Organised by Shampain, the line-up features Irish talents Just Mustard, Olan Monk and One Leg One Eye. Expect the weird and wonderful in terms of both sight and sound as Salthill’s oldest venue becomes the host for one of the city’s most exciting names in music for quite some time.
Curated x The K Club pop-up boutique
Until 22 December, The K Club, more info here
This beautifully curated pop-up boutique is brimming with glistening trinkets, golden treasures, fine clothing, and luxurious accessories from some of Ireland’s most desired designers. There’ll be all manner of stocking fillers and special gifts just waiting to be discovered from the likes of Paul Costelloe; Helen McAlinden; Melissa Curry; Cobbler’s Lane; Sookyoung Song; Six Roads and The Linen Shirt Company; Caroline Kilkenny; Roisin Linnane; Catriona Hanly and many more of your favourite Irish brands.
Winterval
Until 23 December, Waterford, more info here
Winterval returns for its 12th year with its biggest and most festive programme yet. Waterford, Ireland’s oldest city, will be transformed into a magical Winterval wonderland, and you can expect lots of original attractions, brand new events, and magical reimaginations of so many of the festival favourites.
Winterlee
All month, SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh, Cork, more info here
Transforming SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh into a playground of ice and festive magic, Winterlee is an immersive winter wonderland in Cork city. Designed for families, adrenaline lovers, and evening party-goers, it guarantees an experience that is both immersive and full of surprises. Combining the thrill of a skate trail, a bustling winter village and a vibrant funfair, Winterlee is where winter comes alive.
Wonderlights
All month, Marlay Park and Malahide Castle in Dublin, Fota House in Cork, more info here
Since its inception in 2019 by Follow Fox Events, Wonderlights has transformed its host venues into dazzling landscapes with spectacular lighting displays and immersive projections. Each year brings new, innovative themes that tell a magical story through the use of beautiful lights, colours, nature, and specially composed music and sounds. Immerse yourself in an evening of wonder and joy, perfect for family outings, meet ups with friends, date nights, or group events.
Wild Lights at Dublin Zoo
All month, Dublin Zoo, more info here
Wild Lights, the spectacular, night-time experience at Dublin Zoo, is back with an exciting new theme which will bring you on a ‘A Journey Through Time’. From Earth’s creation and the dawn of dinosaurs to the rise of civilisations and empires as well as first inventions, we discover the history of our planet through the ages. As you journey through the immersive experience, over a thousand breath-taking, magical lanterns will tell the story of evolution and life on earth.
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