Dive into the spirt of things with five magical Christmas experiences to enjoy around Ireland.

From meeting Santa in some unique settings to wandering through sparkling light displays, these ideas will create some unforgettable family memories..

Wild Arctic Experience
Wild Ireland, Donegal  | Various dates until December  23rd, 2024

Journey to the Wild Arctic to meet Santa, his reindeer and some enchanting Arctic creatures. Travel around the North Pole on Ireland’s first Virtual Reality Sleigh Ride, make your own gingerbread masterpieces to take home, enjoy breathtaking Christmas lights display and so much more.

Jurassic Newpark Christmas Experience
Newpark Hotel, Kilkenny | Various dates until December 23rd, 2024

Explore Santa’s enchanting grotto, lend a hand to the busy elves in the workshop, post your letter to Santa, and savour a cup of hot chocolate. Gather around as Mrs. Claus shares heartwarming Christmas stories, create special reindeer food, visit the reindeers, decorate gingerbread cookies, and embark on a magical journey aboard the Christmas train. Join the fun in the baubles scavenger hunt and discover a plethora of other joyful activities awaiting you.

Christmas Festival
Slieve Aughty Centre, Galway | December 7th, 8th, 14th, and 15th from 12 pm to 5pm.

Santa's Enchanted House Santa is back, ready to spread joy and hand out gifts to the little ones in his little cozy house! With his trusty helper and a mischievous Grinch watching over the fun, Santa will lead sing-alongs, tell stories, and make sure every child feels comfortable and brave. The Christmas market is also on with a charming craft market filled with unique, locally-made gifts—perfect for your loved ones. The market adds a touch of holiday magic to the festivities.

Enchanted Garden Winter Light Festival
Lafcadio Hearn Japanese Gardens , Waterford | Thursday to Sunday Nights early December with additional nights added Christmas up to December 31st, 2024.

Now in it’s ninth year, the Enchanted Garden Winter Lights at the Japanese Gardens in Tramore, Co. Waterford is one of the most magical and largest winter light festival of it's kind in Ireland. These unique Japanese Gardens are lit at night by a sea of twinkling lights, animal sculptures, dramatic tree and foliage lighting all creating a magical winter wonderland. Visitors young and not so young are spellbound as they walk via a one way system through the gardens and are met at every turn by stunning displays. The Victorian Garden brings old world charm to the festival and fuels the imagination of all who visit. There will be an opportunity to meet magical characters on your journey or stop by the open fire and enjoy Hot Chocolate or Gluhwein. Hidden fairy doors light up for this special event and a selection of carefully chosen classical and enchanting music fills the air. 

Christmas at the Farm
Moher Hill Open Farm, Clare |  Weekends in December, 2024

Every family will enjoy a private audience with Santa Claus, where each child will receive a gift and have time to chat with Santa. Visitors to Santa can take their own photographs and record their visit to Santa, additionally there will be a professional photographer onsite to capture your magical visit to Santa. A professional photograph can be purchased during your visit. Children will also meet Santa's Elves, play in the indoor bouncing castle, ball pool and under 5's areas, get food to feed all the animals, who are snuggled up in their animal barn while adults can keep themselves refreshed with complimentary tea, coffee or mulled wine and a festive homemade mince pie.

First publised on Rollercoaster.ie