A selection of things to do this weekend around Ireland.
They're back!
Well, Christmas in Dublin just wouldn't be Christmas without a trip to Funderland and thankfully, this year will be no different. There will also be i-Skate and a festive Christmas market running in the RDS until January 14th.
Click here to Win Tickets to Winter Funderland
Santa heads to the Boyne Valley again this weekend for a fun Christmas experience in Red Mountain Open Farm. All Christmas activities are under one roof, so regardless of the weather, you’re guaranteed to have a good time!
From 15-17 December, in The National Basketball Arena, you can try the world’s biggest inflatable course - at an unbelievable 272m long! The Beast is a bouncy castle experience for adults with 32 obstacles and the venue will also have Live DJs, whisky and beer tasting and a Christmas Market.
Seal Rescue Ireland are holding a fun fundraiser on Friday night in Ambrose Maloneys in Courtown. All proceeds made on the night will go to care for the seal pups in the centre.
Santa Express at Oakfield House
Board the Santa Express at the station and enjoy an enchanting train ride through Oakfield’s magnificent woodlands to meet Santa and his special helpers.
As part of Winterval, Waterford, you can make your own Christmas decoration for The Cartamundi Giving Tree and bring it to George’s Court to hang up!
For every decoration, Cartamundi will donate a toy or game to the St Vincent de Paul Charity. Available every day from December 15th to 24th.
A fun two-hour party full of festive activities, games, prizes and face-painting in Waterpoint, Enniscrone on Saturday afternoon!
There may even be a surprise visit from the big man himself
The Dome in Carlow is running Elf Workshops over the next couple of weekends to allow you catch up on the shopping while your little elves - suitable for 4-12 yr olds - have supervised fun with festive arts & crafts, play in the Congo Quest and enjoy a hot chocolate with cookies.
It’s time to get your skates again on for Dundalk On Ice – their real ice rink is fully housed in a festive all weather marquee so that means that rain, hail or snow you will be able to skate away to your heart’s content! They are daily in Market Square until January 7th.
Did you know that Santa is the best skater ever? Find out how good he is on Sunday afternoon at a special festive event in Roller Jam, Limerick. Skate with Santa as part of normal admission or book in advance to meet the talented skater in person and receive a special gift.
Celebrate the festive season with a fun children's party in Wains World, Buncrana on Saturday morning. The party will be two hours of games, colouring and face painting as well as lots of time to play. There will also be treats, prizes and a special appearance by Santa Claus.
The DMEP Christmas concert is a gala occasion full of festive cheer and sparkle, music and song in the An Grianán Theatre on Sunday evening.
It features musicians, singers and groups from across Donegal who are in the music programme organised by the Donegal Music Education Partnership.
The Moving Crib has been a feature of Christmas in Dublin for over sixty years.
Every Sunday in December, enjoy a festive Christmas lunch in the stunning surroundings of the Slieve Donard Resort & Spa.
Christmas Market at The Argory
The Festive period is not complete without a visit to The Argory's Christmas Fair in Armagh, featuring a craft, food and drink stalls, as well as traditional festive entertainment. Soak up the wonderful atmosphere and see the house decorated for Christmas.
The RTE Orchestra & Jenny Green
After raising the roof at Rankin's Wood at Electric Picnic once again this year, 2FM are bringing Jenny Greene and the RTÉ Concert Orchestra on the road to the INEC Killarney on Friday, December 15th. The collaboration has sold out shows all over the country and will perform their last show of 2017 at Ireland’s biggest venue outside of Dublin, the INEC Killarney.
Christmas Experience at Clonfert Pet Farm
Santa arrives in Kildare this weekend and on 9th, 16th & 17th of December. Vist for some Christmas magic, explore Santa's workshop, cowshed theatre and meet Santa and Mrs. Claus.
The Jungle's Christmas Wonderland
This festive family event is unique in its offerings for not only can visitors share a meet and greet with Santa but, they can also have a giggle with his colourful Elves, enjoy The Jungle’s exciting adventure activities, get creative with a spot of Arts & Crafts, grab a cuddle in the Woodland Petting Farm or listen to Mrs Claus' tell a Christmas story.
Enjoy a festive day out each weekend in December with keeper talks, arts & crafts, make Christmas presents for the animals, decorate Christmas cookies, take a ride on our Christmas train and lots more.
There is no getting away from it now, the Christmas season has started and will dominate events for the next two months. This week sees the return of the popular market in Eyre Square, with a 32m observation wheel and lots of Christmas gift ideas. Santa will be there too!
A magical night-time spectacular event, featuring giant colourful lanterns and illuminated animal sculptures inspired by wildlife, is now open at Dublin Zoo.
It promises to get you into a festive mood with Chinese performers and craft market with foods and warm drinks.
Santa's Christmas Magic @ Brigit's Garden
The popular Elfie, Mrs Claus and, of course, Santa head to Galway this weekend with as part of Brigit's Garden Chrismas experience. The event includes lots of fun activities as well as music and entertainment in their special show.
Castlecomer Discovery Park Woodland Christmas Experience
Escape into a magical woodland adventure, hop on board the Santa Express Train and make your way into the heart of Castlecomer Discovery Park Woodland Christmas Experience where Santa, Mrs Claus and a team of elves await your arrival.
Explore Santa’s magical Christmas Village, hear Mrs Claus telling tales about the reindeer and cosy up with a warm brew as you explore this winter wonderland.
Malahide Castle Christmas Experience
Malahide Castle invites you to be their guest at their Christmas Experience with Belle, Mrs Potts and Lumiere. Admission includes a visit to Santa, Mrs Claus and guests, a tour of the castle, age-appropriate gift for the small ones and mulled wine & mince pies for the grown-ups.
‘Be Our Guest’ for this year’s magical Christmas Experience at Malahide Castle! This year we continue the tradition of our wonderful Christmas experience to be shared with old and young alike Santa & Mrs Claus are preparing themselves for the arrival of all the wonderful families who treasure family time and tradition. Visit Santa, Mrs Claus and special guests Lumiere, Mrs Potts and Belle!
Enchanted Garden Winter Light Festival
The Lafcadio Hearn Japanese Gardens in Tramore annual Winter Light Festival starts this weekend. The magic begins as you walk through the entrance gates and you are immediately transported into a world of light and wonderment. Adults are mesmerised by the whole experience, while children of all ages are enchanted as they make their way through this magical winter wonderland.
Glow Cork Christmas Celebration
Cork City transforms into a festive extravaganza this month as GLOW, the annual Christmas festival returns to the Grand Parade.
Don't miss your chance to soar high above the city by taking a ride on the giant Ferris Wheel. After marvelling at the city's twinkling lights from up high, sip a mug of mulled wine and sample handmade treats as you browse the food markets.
