Schools out for winter.
Christmas at Marina Market
Cork | 7th November 2025 - 5th January, 2026
The Marina Market transforms into Cork’s ultimate festive destination this winter, filled with Christmas markets, skating, live music and Santa’s magical new experience, The Big Freeze. Enjoy twinkling lights, local food and family fun at Cork’s most atmospheric winter wonderlan
Cinderella | The Everyman
Everyman Theatre | until January 11th, 2026
The Everyman and CADA return with a dazzling new panto, bringing Cinderella to life with laughter, sparkle and a touch of sass. Expect outrageous fun, stunning costumes and a fairy godmother with flair in this festive family favourite.
Aladdin | Cork Opera House
Cork Opera House | until January 18th, 2026
Get ready for a spectacular adventure as Aladdin, Nanny Nellie and friends take you on a thrilling magic carpet ride full of laughter, colour and song. With dazzling costumes, live music and plenty of fun, it’s a festive family favourite that will have audiences of all ages shouting, “Oh yes it is!”
Alpine Skating Trail | Cork
Tedcastle Yard | Until January 25th, 2026
The much-loved Alpine Skate Trail returns to Cork City this winter for a magical skating experience full of twists, turns and festive fun. Set at Tedcastles Yard on Centre Park Road, the 450-metre ice trail winds through a winter wonderland that’s perfect for families, friends and groups of all sizes.
Helix Panto | The Snow Queen
The Helix | November 21st - January 11th, 2026
The Helix Panto returns with The Snow Queen, a sparkling winter adventure from TheatreworX Productions. Join Lola, Buddy, Laurel and friends on a magical journey to Merryville filled with laughter, music and festive fun. A family favourite packed with songs, surprises and plenty of Christmas spirit.
Alpine Skate Trail
Dún Laoighre | October 31st - January 18th, 2026
Alpine Skate Trail returns to Dún Laoghaire Harbour with a 300 metre real ice trail set against the coastal views. Families, friends and school groups can glide through a sparkling winter setting with music, food and seasonal cheer on site.
Draiocht Panto | Freezin, the Panto
Draiocht | January 2nd - 18th, 2026
Coolmine Panto Group brings the classic fairytale Cinderella to life with magic, music and laughter. Join Cinderella, her loyal friend Buttons and the hilarious Ugly Stepsisters for a fun-filled family show packed with songs, jokes and festive sparkle. A sensory-friendly performance will also be available.
Olympia Panto | Olly goes to Oz
Olympia Theatre | December 19th - January 4th, 2026
This Christmas, the 3Olympia Theatre presents Olly Goes to Oz, a hilarious panto adventure where The Wizard of Oz meets Wicked. Join Olly, Polly and Dolly on a laugh-filled journey down the Yellow Brick Road with songs, jokes and panto madness in true 3Olympia style.
Gaiety Panto | Beauty & The Beast
Gaiety Theatre | November 23rd - January 4th, 2026
The Gaiety Theatre’s legendary Christmas panto returns with Beauty and the Beast. Join Belle, the Beast and a hilarious cast led by Joe Conlan as Nana Potts for a dazzling production filled with music, laughter and festive fun. A magical family tradition at Dublin’s most famous Christmas stage.
New Year Festival Dublin
Dublin | December 30th - January 1st, 2026
Celebrate the arrival of 2026 at Dublin Castle with two spectacular Countdown Concerts. Enjoy family fun at the early Matinee show with BIIRD, Florence Road and DJ Shelly Gray or ring in midnight with headliners Inhaler. The celebrations continue citywide with dazzling fireworks displays over Howth and Dún Laoghaire harbours for an unforgettable New Year’s Eve in Dublin.
The Stadium Christmas Panto | Cinderella
National Stadium | December 10th - January 5th, 2026
The Stadium Panto returns with Cinderella, starring panto favourites Sammy Sausages and Buffy in a bigger, funnier and more magical show than ever. Expect laughs, songs and sparkle as TWINK appears on the big screen as the Queen of Fairies in this hilarious festive adventure for all the family.
I swear on my hair!
Funderland
RDS | December 19th - January 11th, 2026
Christmas would not be Christmas without the tradional visit to Funderland in the RDS. They open before Christmas again this year giving an extra few days of fun and adventure before the rush from St. Stephen's Day into the New Year. Whenever you decide go, you are guaranteed fun for all the family.
Mill Theatre Panto | Hansel & Gretel
Dundrum | December 4th - January 4th, 2026
The DLR Mill Theatre presents a playful new version of Hansel and Gretel in partnership with Golden Bake. This lively family show blends music, humour and festive fun in a one-hour performance designed for a stress-free Christmas outing, with relaxed shows also available.
Wild Lights at Dublin Zoo
Dublin Zoo | November 6th - January 31st, 2026
Dublin Zoo’s award-winning Wild Lights returns with The Wild Kaleidoscope, featuring 13 dazzling zones filled with vibrant colour and spectacular lanterns. See flamingos, peacocks, penguins and red pandas illuminated in stunning displays, including the largest lantern ever showcased at Wild Lights for a magical night-time adventure.
Skating Blanchardstown
Blanchardstown | Until February 1st, 2026
Ireland’s biggest ice skating experience returns to Millennium Park, Blanchardstown, for another magical season on the ice. Perfect for families, friends, schools and groups, the rink offers real ice, festive music and plenty of fun for skaters of all ages. Early Bird tickets are on sale now.
Skating Blanchardstown
Blanchardstown | Until February 1st, 2026
Ireland’s biggest ice skating experience returns to Millennium Park, Blanchardstown, for another magical season on the ice. Perfect for families, friends, schools and groups, the rink offers real ice, festive music and plenty of fun for skaters of all ages. Early Bird tickets are on sale now.
Jack & the Beanstalk
Town Hall Theatre | December 29th - January 11th, 2026
The Renmore Pantomime Society returns with the family favourite Jack and the Beanstalk, promising music, laughter and festive fun for all ages. Galway’s much-loved annual panto brings dazzling costumes, lively performances and plenty of audience participation in a magical show perfect for the holiday season.
Jack & the Beanstalk
Town Hall Theatre | December 29th - January 11th, 2026
The Renmore Pantomime Society returns with the family favourite Jack and the Beanstalk, promising music, laughter and festive fun for all ages. Galway’s much-loved annual panto brings dazzling costumes, lively performances and plenty of audience participation in a magical show perfect for the holiday season.
Christmas at Tearaways
Tearaways Pet Farm & Activity Centre | Sat-Sun up to Christmas and then 27-29th December and 2nd-4th January over the holidays
Enjoy festive fun at Tearaways Pet Farm & Activity Centre, where families can explore indoor and outdoor adventures throughout the Christmas season. Kids can enjoy the 6,000 square foot indoor play centre with slides, tunnels, ball pits and a dedicated toddler zone, while adults relax with a coffee in the cosy café - perfect for keeping everyone happy whatever the weather.
Enchanted Garden Winter Light Festival
Lafcadio Hearn Japanese Gardens | Various from 29th November - 31st December, 2025
Now in its tenth year, the gardens are transformed into a magical winter wonderland filled with glowing lights, sculpted displays and old world charm. Follow the one-way trail through dramatic lighting scenes, hidden fairy doors and classical music, with hot drinks and live winter characters along the way.
Wexford On Ice
Wexford | November 28th - January 4th, 2026
The ice rink offers visitors a chance to experience a true winter wonderland, with a warm viewing area for anyone who wishes to stay cosy while they wait. Whether it’s a family day out, a festive first date or a work night with a difference, Wexford on Ice is the perfect way to celebrate the season.
Treetop Night Lights
Beyond the Trees, Avondale | November 14th & January 23rd, 2026
Step into the forest after dark and experience the wonder of Treetop Night Lights at Beyond the Trees Avondale. Wander high among the trees as glowing trails, illuminated woodland creatures and shimmering light displays transform the forest into a magical winter escape. Open from 4pm to 8pm on selected evenings, this fully accessible adventure offers a peaceful night-time stroll for all ages. Enjoy the festive atmosphere, explore the twinkling canopy and round off your visit with a warm drink at the Seed Café.
