5 Christmas activities to do with your kids that cost under €15

With festive events taking place across the country, we decided to find five of the best activities to do with your kids that won’t break the bank

It’s officially the most wonderful time of the year.

There is magic in the air and getting to share this with family makes it all the better.

Luckily, Ireland is teeming with family-friendly events that only help to strengthen the Christmas spirit. Every county is going above and beyond to provide festive entertainment for adults and children alike.

Even the Grinch himself couldn’t help but smile at this fact.

Expensive time

However, Christmas is an expensive time. Between presents, events and Christmas parties, our purses take a substantial hit. Families are trying to save wherever they can.

This is why we decided to search for events across the country that wouldn’t break the bank. Luckily, we found five wonderful local activities which come under €15 and will most definitely help us to all feel a little more joyful and merry.

1. Enchanted Christmas at Slieve Aughty

The Christmas Festival at Slieve Aughty runs until January 6 and is an ideal way to keep the kids occupied until Santa visits. Activities include storytelling, pony rides, face painting and a trip to the Enchanted Forest. It won’t break the bank either with tickets priced at €7.50. Find out more at www.slieveaughtycentre.com

2. Sensory Santa at Delta Sensory Gardens

The Delta Sensory Gardens were opened in 2007 as part of the Delta Centre in Co. Carlow which is a centre for adults with disabilities. The gardens were the first of their kind in Ireland and are used as a therapeutic outlet for those who are attending the service. This Christmas they are making the festive period calming and relaxed for children with special needs, autism and sensory disorders. The centre and gardens will be filled with soothing music, while there will be an opportunity to see the light displays and visit Santa. Tickets cost €10.

Find out more at www.deltasensorygardens.com

3. Meet Santa at the Red Stables

Take a visit to meet Santa at the Red Stables in aid of the LauraLynn Foundation. Located in St Anne’s Park, the kids will be treated to festive face painting while the elves will help to decorate their gingerbread men. Not only this, the Art Nest will be on hand to help the little ones create their own Christmas decorations. Tickets cost €12.50 per child and can be purchased on the Olive’s Room Facebook page.

4. Christmas at Red Mountain Open Farm

This affordable day of fun in Co Meath includes a visit to Santa’s sitting room, the elves’ workshop, the Christmas wishing well, the live nativity scene and a chance to write and post a letter to Santa. All the activities take place under the one roof, so whatever the weather, this is a great option. Tickets cost €7 and can be purchased here.

5. Enchanted Garden Winter Lights Show

Taking place in the Lafcadio Hearn Japanese Gardens in Waterford, this is up there with the best Christmas lights shows in the country. Running until January 5, this is a winter wonderland for both adults and children and includes a visit to the Winter Fairy in her magic dome. Tickets start at €3.

Read more: All together now: The best karaoke and sing-along venues in Dublin for a great night out

Read more: 5 festive things to do in Dublin in the run-up to Christmas

Read more: Mulled wine and gospel choirs: here are all the festive events we want to go to before Christmas