One of my favourite memories of Christmas time as a child was looking at the TV schedule to see what movies were going to be on and planning what TV time I’d have – there was no screen time limit at Christmas time (never mind the fact that it was the 70s & 80s!).

So if you like watching a good Christmas movie on TV with your child, here’s a big roundup of what’s on this Christmas 2023.

10.20 – A Christmas Carousel – C4

10.50 – Wolfwalkers – RTÉ2

11.35 – A Song for Christmas – RTÉ1

13.15 – How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World – BBC1

13.15 – Sing – UTV

14.20 – Twinkle All The Way – RTÉ2

14.35  – Scrooged – C4

15.20 – How the Grinch Stole Christmas – UTV

15.25 – Mrs Doubtfire – RTÉ1

16.30 – It’s a Wonderful Life – C4

17.15 – Stickman – BBC1

17.35 – Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald – UTV

18.45 – Paddington – BBC1

19.00 – Men in Black 3 – C4

10.05 – The Boss Baby – BBC1

10.45 – Angela’s Christmas Wish – RTÉ2

12.10 – The Overcoat – RTÉ2

12.30 – Charlotte’s Web – C4

13.00 – Sherlock Gnomes – RTÉ2

13.05 – The Secret Life of Pets – UTV

13.10 – Annie – TG4

13.40 – The Goonies – RTÉ1

14.30 – The Christmas Contract – RTÉ2

14.40 – The Grinch – UTV

14.50 – The Sound of Music – BBC1

15.45 – Miracle on 34th St – RTÉ1

16.10 – 101 Dalmatians – RTÉ2

17.25 – Home Alone 2: Lost in New York – UTV

17.45 – Miracle on 34th St – C4

18.10 – Home Alone – RTÉ2

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07.30 – Paw Patrol – RTÉ2

08.00 – Smurfs: The Lost Village – TG4

08.40 – Puss in Boots – C4

08.45 – Puffin Rock and the New Friends – RTÉ2

08.50 – The Gruffalo – BBC1

09.15 – How to Train Your Dragon: Homecoming – BBC1

09.30 – Finians Rainbow – TG4

09.40 – The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse – BBC1

10.00 – The Witches – RTÉ2

10.15 – The Highway Rat – BBC2

10.25 – Kung Fu Panda 2 – C4

10.40 – Wallace & Grommit: A Close Shave – BBC2

11.15 – Cinderella – BBC1

11.40 – Mirror Mirror – RTÉ2

12.20 – Miracle on 34th St – TG4

12.25 – Wallace & Grommit: A Matter of Loaf and Death – RTÉ1

12.55 – The Addams Family 2 – BBC1

13.25 – The Jungle Book – RTÉ1

13.25 – Sonic the Hedgehog – RTÉ2

14.00 – Ice Age 3 – TG4

14.40 – Beauty & The Beast – RTÉ1

14.55 – Sing – RTÉ2

15.10 – Toy Story 4 – BBC1

14.00 – Mary Poppins Returns – RTÉ1

16.25 – The Wizard of Oz – VM1

16.30 – Sing 2 – UTV

17.00 – Spirit Untamed – RTÉ2

17.30 – Home Alone – C4

18.15 – Into the West – TG4

18.15 – The Lion King – RTÉ1

18.20 – Angela’s Christmas Wish – RTÉ2

19.05 – Home Alone 2 – RTÉ2

07.55 – Zog – RTÉ2

08.25 – The Snail & The Whale – RTÉ2

09.25 – Gangsta Granny – RTÉ2

09.50 – Pokemon: Detective Pikachu – BBC1

10.00 – Chitty Chitty Bang Bang – RTÉ1

10.25 – The Croods – UTV

10.50 – Wallace & Grommit: The Wrong Trousers – RTÉ2

11.25 – Madagascar – RTÉ2

11.25 – Abominable – BBC1

11.40 – Annie – C4

13.15 – Beauty & The Beast – BBC1

15.00 – Chitty Chitty Bang Bang – UTV

15.15 – Peter Rabbit 2 – BBC1

17.00 – The Boss Baby – TG4

17.05 – The Lion King – BBC1

18.30 – Paddington 2 – RTÉ1

18.50 – Raiders of the Lost Ark – C4

08.30 – Mr Stink – RTÉ2

09.20 – Dora & The Lost City of Gold – C4

09.45 – Beethoven – RTÉ2

10.15 – Trolls – BBC1

10.20 – Believe – BBC2

11.25 – Beethoven’s 2nd – RTÉ2

11.40 – Spirit Untamed – BBC1

13.00 – Lemony Snicket – C4

13.55 – The Snail & The Whale – BBC1

14.25 – The Croods 2 – BBC1

15.50 – Ghostbusters – BBC1

17.01 – Are We There Yet? – VM2

17.20 – Smurfs 3 – TG4

17.40 – Stardust – C4

21.00 – 1917 – BBC1

08.10 – Alvin & The Chipmunks: The Squeakquel – C4

08.50 – Fluke – RTÉ2

9.50 – Aliens in the Attic – C4

10.05 – Trolls World Tour – BBC1

10.30 – Wallace & Grommit: A Grand Day Out – RTÉ2

11.00 – K-9 – RTÉ2

11.30 – Inside Out – BBC1

13.55 – The BFG – BBC1

14.20 – Fiddler on the Roof – RTÉ1

15.20 – Brewsters Millions – RTÉ2

15.40 – Ghostbusters 2 – BBC1

17.30 – Stuart Little – TG4

18.40 – Spiderman: Far From Home – RTÉ2

21.00 – Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle – C4

08.00 – A Monsterous Holiday – TG4

09.00 – The Good Dinosaur – BBC1

09.15  – Ben 10 vs. The Universe – RTÉ2

09.20 – Barnyard – C4

10.40 – Wallace & Grommit: A Close Shave – RTÉ2

11.15 – The Witches – RTÉ2

11.25 – Big Hero 6 – BBC1

13.00 – Are We There Yet? – VM2

13.45 – My Girl – RTÉ1

13.55 – Trolls in Harmony – BBC1

14.15 – The Book of Life – BBC1

15.25 – Planes, Trains & Automobiles – C4

15.45 – Alice Through the Looking Glass – BBC1

15.50 – My Girl 2 – RTÉ1

17.20 – Ice Age 3 – TG4

19.05 – The House with the Clock in it’s Walls – RTÉ2

08.40 – The Gruffalo – RTÉ2

09.40 – The Highway Rat – RTÉ2

10.00 – Calamity Jane – TG4

11.35 – Gangsta Granny – RTÉ2

12.55 – The Water Horse – TG4

13.15 – The Secret Life of Pets 2 – BBC1

13.25 – Wallace & Grommit in the Curse of the Were-Rabbit – UTV

14.35 – Finding Dory – BBC1

15.05 – Jumanji – UTV

17.20 – Wallace & Grommit: The Wrong Trousers – BBC1

18.00 – Paddington 2 – BBC1

18.35 – My Spy – RTÉ1

19.00 – The Sound of Music – BBC4

19.40 – Indiana Jones & The Temple of Doom – C4

08.00 – Yogi Bear – TG4

08.55 – The Snail & The Whale – RTÉ2

09.20 – Stickman – RTÉ2

09.30 – Over the Hedge – UTV

09.55 – Cars 3 – BBC1

11.05 – About a Boy – UTV

11.45 – Mr Stink – RTÉ2

13.05 – Evan Almighty – UTV

13.25 – Madagascar – RTÉ2

13.50 – Zog & The Flying Doctors – BBC1

14.20 – Saving Mr Banks – BBC1

14.55 – Matilda – UTV

15.15 – The Boss Baby – TG4

16.20 – The Jungle Book – BBC1

19.00 – Johnny English Reborn – RTÉ2

08.00 – My Little Pony – TG4

09.00 – The Highway Rat – BBC1

09.55 – Shaun the Sheep: Farmageddon – BBC1

10.30 – Babe – UTV

11.05 – Daddy Day Care – C4

11.15 – The Boss Baby 2 – BBC1

11.45 – Oliver Twist – VM3

12.55 – Paw Patrol – C4

14.15 – Space Jam: A New Legacy – RTÉ2

14.20 – Moana – BBC1

14.35 – Around the World in 80 Days – RTÉ1

14.55 – Mrs Doubtfire – C4

16.00 – Wallace & Grommit: A Matter of Loaf and Death – BBC1

17.00 – Are We There Yet? – VM1

17.20 – Indiana Jones & The Last Crusade – C4

17.30 – Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs – TG4

Dates: December 8th to 23rd 2023 (various dates)

There are several Christmas Concerts taking place in St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Dublin this December including:

• Christmas at the Movies (Dec 8th)
• Viennese Christmas Special (Dec 9th)
• Vivaldi’s 4 Seasons (Dec 10th)
• A Culwick Choral Christmas (Dec 13th)
• Handel by Candle (Dec 15th)
• Jersey Boys by Candlelight – At Christmas (Dec 16th)
• Christmas by Candlelight (Dec 20th & 21st)
• The Snowman (Dec 23rd)

For more information, click here.

Dates: December 22nd & 23rd 2023

Focus Ireland are asking musicians, choirs, musical groups and solo singers to come out to welcome those arriving and departing from Iarnród Éireann stations on December 22nd and 23rd, with a variety of your favourite songs, as they make the Journey Home for Christmas.

Confirmed stations to date include:

• Hueston Station (Dublin)
• Kilkenny Station
• Kent Station (Cork)
• Colbert Station (Limerick)
• Athlone Station (Westmeath)

All proceeds raised will go to Focus Ireland.

For more information, click here.

Dates: December 15th & 17th

The Dublin Gospel Choir returns with a brilliant selection of festive favourites and gospel greats to give you all the Christmas feels!

DGC have long been a household name in Ireland – versatile, vibrant and uplifting with powerful voices and rich harmonies. They have performed with artists as diverse as John Legend, Take That, Duran Duran, Damien Rice, Outkast and Ennio Morricone and their annual slot at Electric Picnic is nothing less than legendary.

Shows include:

• December 15th – The Moat Theatre Nass, Co Kildare
• December 17th – Draoicht, Blanchardstown

On December 18th they host a Christmas Night of Soul in aid of Capuchin Day Center. This will be held at 8pm at Capuchin Day Centre, St Mary of the Angels Church, Dublin 7. It is a free event and all donations are welcome.

For further details and to book tickets, click here.

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Date: December 8th 2023

Internationally-acclaimed and award-winning chamber choir New Dublin Voices and Bernie Sherlock return to the John Field Room at the National Concert Hall with the perfect blend of Christmas music, old and new, for a concert brimming with the spirit of the season.

For more information and to book tickets, click here.

Date: December 9th 2023

The A Capella Knights presents The Knights Before Christmas, a festive evening of music and dance at Galway Cathedral supporting Hand in Hand Children’s Cancer Charity on December 9th.

For more information and to book tickets, click here.

Date: December 17th 2023

Come along for some festive cheer and join in the fun with the Big Christmas singing group celebrating the end of a series of workshops for the annual Big Christmas Sing Concert with a range of old, new and wacky seasonal favourites all led by Elizabeth Drwal.

For more information and to book tickets, click here.

Date: December 10th to 17th 2023

Enjoy the magic of Christmas Classics by Candlelight led by Frank McNamara with special guests.

• St John’s Church of Ireland, Tralee, Co Kerry (Dec 10th)
• St Augustine’s Catholic Church, Limerick (Dec 12th)
• Cathedral of the Most Holy Trinity Within, Waterford (Dec 17th)

For more information, click here.

Date: December 10th 2023

As traditional as Christmas turkey, kick start the festive period with the best variety show of the season. Don’t miss the big sound of the Dublin County Choir and the cream of Irish family entertainment in the company of your favourite soprano and presenter Niamh Murray at National Concert Hall.

For more information and to book tickets, click here.

Date: December 10th 2023

The Kilkenny Choir presents a selection of modern and traditional Christmas carols at St Canice’s Catholic Church, Kilkenny.

For more information and to book tickets, click here.

Date: December 10th 2023

Hear some of Donegal’s finest young musicians and singers along with special guests, perform Christmas carols. Special guests include; Donegal Youth Orchestra, conducted by Vincent Kennedy, The Grand Ukulele Band, the Ukrainian Guitar Ensemble, Harpists Inc. and more.

For more information and to book tickets, click here.

Date: December 13th 2023

The Chester Beatty is pleased to welcome back Cantóirí, a Dublin choir with an international membership. Cantóirí’s repertoire spans the centuries and the globe, and includes songs from Europe, Latin America and the Far East. This festive performance will feature a selection of Christmas songs, old and new, including some of our most beloved carols.

Free, no booking required. For more information, click here.

Date: December 20th 2023

For over 25 years audiences have made The Great Christmas Concert at the National Concert Hall the start of their Christmas Season! Not only will you experience the joyful and uplifting sounds of the voices of children in Piccolo Lasso combined with their adult colleagues in The Lassus Scholars, all blended together with the Orlando Chamber orchestra, but you will also have the opportunity of uniting your voice with theirs as conductor Dr Ite O’Donovan invites you to join in the audience carols!

The programme of festive music includes Christmas favourites from O Holy Night to Jingle Bells; choruses and arias by Haydn, Schubert, Rossini, Reger, Byrd and Handel’s Hallelujah Chorus.

For more information and to book tickets, click here.

Date: November 25th and 26th 2023

Cork International Choral Festival is thrilled to be back 2 evenings of festive carols, song and poetry in the stunning surrounds of St. Fin Barre’s Cathedral.

The choir will be under the direction of Cathrine Mahon Buckley and will be joined by special guests on both evenings.

For more information and to book tickets, click here.

Dates: December 3rd 2023

The Inspire Choral Group are returning to The Headfort Arms Hotel in Kells, Co Meath for their ‘Christmas by Candlelight’ concert.

They promise a magical night of music with a mix of classic and modern Christmas songs to get the whole family in the Christmas spirit.

For more information and to book tickets, click here.

Date: December 19th 2023

The most elegant way to celebrate Christmas with a sublime concert of carols and seasonal classics, staged in an evocative candle-lit style setting at the National Concert Hall.

Featuring the Dublin Concert Orchestra conducted by Michael Bawtree and soloist Harriet Eyley.

For more information and to book tickets, click here.

Movies shown include:

• The Grinch Stole Christmas (Dec 2nd)
• Elf (Dec 2nd)
• Home Alone (Dec 2nd)
• The Santa Clause (Dec 3rd)
• Elf (Dec 3rd)
• Love Actually (Dec 3rd)
• Home Alone (Dec 6th)
• Home Alone 2 (Dec 8th)
• The Polar Express (Dec 9th)
• National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (Dec 9th)
• Home Alone (Dec 10th)
• Love Actually (Dec 10th)
• Elf (Dec 13th)
• Elf (Dec 14th)
• The Polar Express (Dec 15th)
• Home Alone (Dec 16th)
• Elf (Dec 16th)
• Santa Claus the Movie (Dec 16th)
• It’s a Wonderful Life (Dec 17th)

For more information, check the Facebook page.

Movies shown include:

• Elf (Dec 16th)
• Home Alone (Dec 16th)

For more information, check the Facebook page.

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Dates for 2023 TBC

A drive-in movie with a difference!

Watch the Christmas classic movie Elf on the Big Screen, followed by a live link up with Santa direct from the North Pole. And then, by the magic of Christmas, watch as Santa appears in the flesh to greet all the boys and girls.

Showings:

• Dec 11th in Kinnegad
• Dec 18th in Portlaoise

For more information, check the Facebook page.

Movies shown include:

• Home Alone (Dec 6th)
• The Holiday (Dec 7th)
• The Polar Express (Dec 19th)
• Love Actually (Dec 19th)
• Santa Clause 2 (Dec 20th)
• Elf (Dec 20th)

For more information, check the Facebook page.

Movies shown include:

• Home Alone (Dec 8th)
• Elf (Dec 8th)
• Home Alone 2 (Dec 8th)
• Elf (Dec 9th)
• Home Alone 2 (Dec 9th)
• The Polar Express (Dec 10th)
• Elf (Dec 10th)
• Elf (Dec 15th)
• The Grinch (Dec 15th)
• Home Alone (Dec 16th)
• Elf (Dec 16th)
• The Polar Express (Dec 17th)
• The Holiday (Dec 17th)
• The Grinch (Dec 18th)
• Elf (Dec 18th)
• Frozen (Dec 19th)
• Love Actually (Dec 19th)
• The Santa Clause (Dec 20th)
• Home Alone (Dec 20th)
• Home Alone 2 (Dec 21st)
• Elf (Dec 21st)
• Miracle on 34th Street (1994) (Dec 22nd)
• Elf (Dec 22nd)

Other movies will be shown on December 28th, 29th, 30th and 31st.

For more information, check the Facebook page.

Alpacas are a favourite at Wicklow Christmas Market, adored by young and old alike. Alpacas are a softer, somewhat sassier version of the traditional reindeer and they’re sure the put a smile on your face with their antics as they strut and pose like rock stars!

You can visit our furry friends every Saturday & Sunday.

Santa and his merry band of elves are looking forward to returning to Galway and meeting all the wonderful boy and girls at Elf Town.

Your journey into Elf Town begins through the Grand Entrance at the Castle gates, where you will meet Glitterpants – Santa’s head Elf – who will get you started on your journey and show you Elf Town’s very own “Elf Town Shuffle”.

During your visit you will also meet Santa’s Reindeer, see Jack Frost’s ice house, the elf postal portal, the LED dance floor with Boogie the Elf, throw snowballs on the Elf Terrace, have a cookie with Mrs Claus, and enjoy a private visit with Santa. Finally, bring the gold coin you receive from Santa to Santa’s Toy Shop and trade it in for the toy of your choice!

Be sure to book your tickets early to avoid disappointment.

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As well as being the largest urban park in Europe, home to Dublin Zoo, Áras an Uachtaráin (President’s residence), Farmleigh House, visitor centre, picnic spots and plenty of playgrounds, Phoenix Park is also home to a large herd of deer.

Head out for a walk or bring the bikes/scooters and while you enjoy the park see if you can spot some of them.

At Coole Park in County Galway, next to the Visitor Centre you’ll find an enclosed space that hosts a herd of deer. It’s also a wonderful place to enjoy the nature walks, explore the forest, spot the swans on the lake or head into the visitor centre and play Hunt The Thimble like Lady Gregory’s grandchildren used to.

It’s free to visit both the park and the Visitor Centre, and there’s a café in the old stables courtyard.

Doneraile Wildlife Park, located 11kms north-east from Mallow, is free to enter and is a lovely place for a walk with the family. There are marked walking trails and there are herds of deer to spot as you go. Next to the house, there is a low level garden maze to enjoy.

You can find reindeer on the woodland walk at Newbridge House and, according to one elf we spoke to, Santa might even be seen coming to feed his reindeer on Christmas Eve before they head off for their epic round the world journey.

Ireland’s Lapland takes place every year at Glendeer Pet Farm with Santa and you will also get to see and feed his real live deer Dancer & Prancer, along with a crib with a live cow and donkey, the Elves’ workshop & lots more Christmas scenes as part of the Christmas experience.

Share in the magic of Christmas and take the Rathwood Santa Train Adventure through the Enchanted Forest to visit Santa as he prepares for the most wonderful time of the year.

The Train Adventure takes you on a ride through the Enchanted Forest where you can meet Rudolph and the other Reindeer along the way before arriving at Santa’s woodland home, where each family meets Santa.

COVID has had a huge impact on Irish small businesses, many of them are family owned. When planning your child’s Christmas gift buying this year we’d love you to support these businesses if you can. Do tell them you found out about them on MyKidsTime if they ask.

And please share this article on your social media as well to get the word out to other parents!

From books and family board games, to big brands like LEGO, Pokémon, Harry Potter, Squishmallows, Play-Doh, Paperchase and Crayola, Eason.com have you covered for all your gifting needs this Christmas.

Toysdirect.ie is run by McGreevy’s in Westport, Co. Mayo, a family-run toy shop since 1904. Their website offers all the top brands including LEGO, Schleich, Siku, and many more. They are committed to offering a great range of quality toys at the best value.

Owner Hazel opened Toy Corner just before Halloween 2019, in the heart of the wonderful village of Moycullen, Galway. Hazel is 7th generation in a lineage of retailers who learned the toy business from her mother and her parents before her. As well as a wide selection of toys on their online shop they also have a Boredom Busting box, a surprise box filled with lots of fun items, to a value of €50.

Did you know Schoolbooks.ie sells more than just school books? They have a range of fantastic gift ideas for busy parents including children’s books, face paints, painting sets, educational toys, games and much more.

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Patsy, owner of Tara Book Co says her aim is to nurture a love of reading in children. Once hooked on reading the benefits are many – increased comprehension, wider vocabulary, building stamina for longer reads. Tara Book Co select their books carefully, age grading each one, to make it easy to choose the right books for your child.

They can offer advice on what’s next for an avid reader or how to help a child struggling with their reading. They are strong promoters of Irish authors, illustrators and publishers, encourage and participate in Shop Local campaigns. Books are a wonderful gift to give – any time of the year.

Jiminy Eco Toys ​is an eco-specialist toy company, named after Pinocchio’s conscience Jiminy Cricket, it’s the brainchild of Dublin mum Sharon Keilthy. Jiminy.ie specialises in toys with low carbon footprints and minimal pollution-potential. They’re made from plants, not petroleum – wood, cardboard, and innovative from-plants bioplastics. You can browse by ages and activity interest area on their online shop.

The Toy Shop, based in Malahide, sells a variety of children’s toys, games, and gifts. Their range of toys has been sourced from mum Ali’s own experience as a mother of 3 children and an aunty of 20 nieces and nephews. From beautiful wooden toys, scooters, art and craft sets, games, puzzles, books, dress up sets, STEM toys they want to feed childrens’ imagination and encourage learning through play.

Nimble Fingers is a family run business based in Stillorgan. They offer high quality educational toys and art materials, thoughtfully selected from a vast number of suppliers both nationally and internationally, with toys, in particular, being selected for their play value. Current product selections include educational and wooden toys, children’s books, arts & craft materials and outdoor toys.

Since her launch in August 2012, the award-winning Lottie Dolls have become something of a global phenomenon securing the approval of industry experts, child development experts, international press coverage and most importantly, positive feedback from the parents and kids who love Lottie.

Each Lottie doll arrives in a giftable, illustrated and collectable “doll box bag” with handles with minimal plastic packaging.

Mum Fiona started Little Ones, a toy shop in Clare and on their website you will find classic toys which are fun, well designed and excellent quality but, above all, we ensure our products provide excellent play value and will spark your child’s imagination. Their suppliers select environmentally-friendly materials to produce gorgeous products which are then treated with non-toxic, water based dyes to add colour and vibrancy.

Little Dreamers started life in Galway in 2006 as a Baby & Nursery Store and now also carries a wide range of quality wooden toys with top brands include Kidkraft, Bigjigs, Le Toy and many more. They also stock educational toys and early learning resources.

Irish mum Suzie started Toys and Games Ireland, carefully selecting educational toys and wooden toys and games that you will enjoy playing with your children. They stock a wide variety, including Melissa and Doug puzzles, Hape wooden toys, Galt Toys, 4M science kits and much more.

The Bubble Room is a family run Irish Business based in Skerries since 2008, specialising in quality wooden toys, books, gifts and gadgets for kids of all ages. Brands stocked include Bigjigs, Orchard, House of Marble, Tobar, Melissa and Doug and many more.

Mimitoys started by mum Myriam Doyle in 2004 and based in Meath, sells unique, fun, quality toys for children up to the age of 14. Myriam says her favourite part of the job is to select toys that are different and will get children and parents to play together. She selects toys that will last, will be enjoyed and played with for years.

Wooden Heart is a family run business in the heart of Galway that has been supplying ethical, safe and high quality wooden toys and unique gifts for over thirty years. They source toys from over a hundred suppliers worldwide. Many of their suppliers are also family-run businesses who manufacture in Europe and are thus able to deliver goods adhering to the highest quality and standards.

Discovery Playtime is an online shop based in Dublin run by a mum of two, Mireia. She sells an abundance of educational, sensory and wooden toys for children aged from 0-6 years to promote learning through play. One of her bestsellers is her unique hands-on Discovery kits with everything you need to help encourage children’s curiosity, creativity and development of skills such as fine motor skills, problem-solving and communication.

World of Wonder Toys is an independent toy and nursery retailer with 6 shops across Munster. They offer a large selection of products for all ages and budgets, from LEGO and Our Generation dolls to outdoor toys, bikes and playhouses.

Kaliedy is an Irish online baby nursery and toy store and the exclusive stockist of Early Learning Centre toys in Ireland. Parents can shop for baby essentials (including Ireland’s largest range of feeding products and brands), nursery items, toys, and books.

Run by brother and sister Conor Brady and Ruth Roberts, Cogs The Brain Shop stocks a genius collection of fun quality products designed to build better brains and learn through play whatever your age. They have a fantastic, affordable range of educational toys, clever games (for adults and kids), puzzles, jigsaw puzzles, wooden toys, wide range of unique desk toys and brain teasers.

Stocking-Fillers.ie is the sister site of Cogs the Brain Shop and a 100% Irish-owned, family-run website offering a wide range of stocking fillers for children and adults. Find plenty of great value stocking fillers, including toys, jigsaws, board games, chocolates and socks.

Founded in 2016, Baba Box is a small Irish business specialising in baby gifts, gifts for new mums, mums-to-be and baby shower gifts featuring a unique mix of beautifully designed, luxury items from some of the best independent brands.

Síológ stocks a collection of high quality, ethically made childrenswear, toys and lifestyle products from independent Irish brands. Síológ (pronounced ‘) is the Irish word for seedling – and to help spread the eco love, each order will include a sachet of native Irish wildflower seeds to attract butterflies, bees and birds.

Robyn’s Nest is a small family-run business in Malahide, County Dublin which stocks a large range of traditional toys from brands like Melissa & Doug, Corrolle, and BigJigs, as well as an extensive selection of jewellery, homewares and and gifts.

Adams Cloud is the much loved series of beautifully illustrated & magical children’s books full of love & hugs to encourage bedtime reading and promote fun, learning & laughter in every family.

Enjoy the adventures and escapades of Adam and friends within the Irish Children’s Book of the Year classics Before You Sleep & When You Were Born along with the 7 other fun filled & educational titles. Also available is Adams Playground Jigsaw.

Visit www.adamscloud.com for these beautiful Irish books & gift sets with free books AND free shipping too if you include a pack.

Cool Food School stocks lots of cool food stuff for kids including their specially designed Food Kutter and Safety Food peeler. They also have a nice Christmas bundle that includes Kiddies Affirmation Cards and 2 pack of Kiddies Food Kutter and Safety Food Peeler.

Owner, mum Deirdre is passionate about teaching children of all ages about the joys of healthy eating.

Founded by Wicklow Mum of 2, Lou and Belle prides itself on bringing new and unique children’s brands to Ireland that are sustainable, high quality and that can be lovingly passed on to future generations. From heirloom dolls to handmade wooden toys and music boxes that play the Harry Potter theme tune, louandbelle.com has a range of beautiful Christmas gifts for the little ones in your life.

The online boutique offers beautifully presented pre-made gift boxes or customers can get creative and curate their own. All gift boxes have been designed by Irish artist Pickled Pom Pom and can be delivered direct to the recipient if required, an ideal solution if sending gifts from abroad.

Wonderfully Weathery Books is an Irish owned business set up to publish a series of children’s picture books. The books are about a land called Weatherville – Where the weather lives!

The aim of these books is to teach children about the weather by introducing them to different weather characters and showing how they interact together to create different types of weather. There are four books available in the Weatherville series:

• Riley Rainbow and the Colour Catastrophe looks at the magic of how rainbows are formed.
• Chloe Cloud and the Friendly Fog explores different types of clouds with a fun twist.
• David Drizzledrop and the Puddle Party dives into understanding the water cycle and where all that rain comes from
• Fifi Flurry and the Sleepy Snowflake is the new book and will jump into the world of snowflakes.

The collection of books are available online at www.wonderfullyweatherybooks.com

The Amazon Holiday Toy List is put together to help parents shop and find gifts to delight their child with just a few clicks. Shoppers can shop by age or brand or browse categories such as Pretend Play, Movies and Entertainment and Tech for Kids.

They also have their Toys We Love list which includes some fab choices this year from Bitzee to Barbie! There are plenty of classic brands on there too including Monopoly, Fisher Price and Disney.

This LEGO Creator 3 in 1 animal toy features 3 animals, a parrot toy perched on a branch, a playful frog and a toy fish.

The jointed parts allow movement of the body and there are easy to follow picture gudies to make construction easy and fun.

Suitable for age 7+

Buy from Amazon.co.uk and Amazon.com.

The Melissa and Doug toy dentist play set contains 26 pieces. It is the perfect way for children to learn about dental hygiene while having fun. It can also assist in allaying the fears of kids visiting the dentist as they can ‘pretend’ to clean, fit braces and fill cavities on an over-sized set of toy teeth.

Suitable for ages 3+

Buy from Amazon.co.uk and Amazon.com.

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Barbie is sure to be popular on toy lists this Christmas 2023 and the Barbie Dream House Pool Party is currently one of the top picks on the Amazon Holiday Toy List for 2023.

With 75 accessories, including a stylish pool with a slide from the top of the 3 story house into the pool, a pet elevator and 10 different play areas, hours of fun are guaranteed.

Suitable for ages 4+

Buy from Amazon.co.uk and Amazon.com.

Kids of all ages can blast off to a fun adventure with the Little Tikes adventure rocket. Children can pilot the starship, look through the telescope, fix wires on the exterior maintenance panel or crawl through the escape hatch. And the swivel chair and star viewer screen make it feel like flying through the galaxy, so make a wish and let the dreams soar.

Suitable for age 2+

Buy from Amazon.co.uk and Amazon.com.

Bitzee is a digital toy pet that needs your love and care. Each Bitzee starts as a baby — feed them, play with them, rock them to sleep and give them love to help them grow from baby, to adult, to Super Bitzee

The more you play, the more Bitzee pets you’ll unlock. Use treats to attract a new Bitzee pet. Collect all 15 interactive animals, like a cat, bunny, unicorn and more

Recommended age 5+

Buy from Amazon.co.uk and Amazon.com.

Transformers robots have always been more than meets the eye, but now, through the Transformers Collaborative, fans can experience these larger than life characters as they team-up, mash-up, and meet up with other characters, teams, and people who share this same special quality.

The Tyrannocon Rex figure converts into T. rex mode in 27 steps and the Autobot JP93 figure converts into licensed Ford Explorer mode in 18 steps. Both figures feature deco and details inspired by the Jurassic Park movie.

Recommended age 8+

Buy from Amazon.co.uk and Amazon.com. 

This LEGO Star Wars Ahsoka Tano’s T-6 Jedi Shuttle set includes 4 LEGO Star Wars mini figures, a buildable toy starship, lightsabers and blasters.

Kids can retract the landing gear for flight mode, use stud shooters, land the shuttle and team up with Sabine Wren to battle against Marrok.

Suitable for age 9+

Buy from Amazon.co.uk and Amazon.com.

This classic Fisher Price little people interactive farm play set has lights, music, sounds, and Smart Stages learning content and comes with 1 farmer figure, 4 animal figures, and 2 food play pieces for hours of interactive play fun.

Suitable for 12 months+

Buy from Amazon.co.uk and Amazon.com. 

A Kitty-Powered Russian Roulette Card Game – The hit party game for family and friends who are into kittens and explosions and laser beams and sometimes goats! This fun game is beginner-friendly and quick to learn.

If you draw an Exploding Kitten, you lose and you are full of loser sad-sauce. All the other cards in the deck help you avoid or mitigate your risk of drawing an Exploding Kitten. If you don’t explode, YOU WIN!

Suitable for ages 7+

Buy from Amazon.co.uk and Amazon.com.

The Hasbro Furby interactive toy is predicted to be a top toy hit with boys and girls this Christmas.

They come in a range of colours and want to be your child’s best friend! They can move, talk, sing, glow and react to your child’s voice.

Your Furby can answer up to 600 questions and your child can unlock 5 game modes. It doesn’t connect to the internet but once 2 Furbys are together, they can interact with each other, making them the perfect gift for best friends.

Buy on Amazon.co.uk. and Amazon.com

Showcasing the top toys, ‘must-have’ gadgets and children’s books for this Christmas, the Late Late Toy Show is a uniquely Irish bundle of fun, hosted by the new presenter for 2023, Patrick Kielty.

The most anticipated night of the year for many kids is getting to stay up way past their bedtime to watch the Toy Show, and it is one memory many of us still cherish. To get to do it with our own kids is special, and lots of new (and old) traditions are played out – from Christmas pjs and lots of sweet treats, to seeing who falls asleep first…!

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So, it’s time to make sure you’re fully stocked up and ready with all the Toy Show essentials:

• Christmas PJs or other cosy nightwear
• A blanket or something to snuggle up under
• Hot chocolates with marshmallows (try these polar bear marshmallows for a wintery treat!)
• Sweets and treats for sharing
• Pen and paper to jot down any toys, gadgets or books you think would be good
• Tissues for all the weepy bits!
• Fun Christmas games to play in the ad breaks
• Santa hats, reindeer antlers or other fun Christmas accessories
• A pillow in case any one falls asleep
• Our Late Late Toy Show Bingo game to play while you’re watching

Don’t forget to see if any of our Hot Toys for Christmas predictions make it onto the show too!

The first Toy Show aired on RTÉ in the early 1970s as a 30-minute slot at the end of the regular Late Late Show. Gay Byrne hosted a segment for parents on the current toys for Christmas while the children were tucked up tight!

It proved so popular, that it eventually became a full-show special with Christmas musical entertainment. Lucky children were invited on to test and review the toys and it eventually evolved into the Christmas extravaganza that we love!

It continues to attract record audiences, with nearly 1.6 million people tuning in in Ireland to watch the show live on RTÉ One last year, and 303,000 streams on the RTÉ player online around the world. Viewers watched from 139 countries!

Every year, applications to be in the coveted Toy Show audience attract more than 100,000 entries for just 200 tickets! Not only is it a chance for adults to indulge in some festive fun, dress up in their best (and worst!) Christmas outfits, but there is also the very famous catchphrase to look forward to…”There’s one for everybody in the audience!”

The MS Readathon encourages children to open a wonderful world of adventure and imagination through reading for a great cause.

For kids who are already bookworms, it’s a chance to perhaps challenge themselves with longer, more advanced books.

For children who aren’t so keen on reading, the MS Readathon can help them rediscover the wonder they felt when they first heard those magic words “Once upon a time…”.

The MS Readathon will take place from 1st – 30th November 2023.

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Taking part in the MS Readathon is easy – just sign up at www.msreadathon.ie and start reading. Children can register with their school (teachers, you can register your class) or individually.

Your child can pick whatever books they like, and as many as they like, then ask friends and family to sponsor them. After November 30^th this money should be sent back to MS Ireland.

And for participating schools around the country, the MS Readathon website has lots of teacher resources to print and lesson plans to use.

Over 9,000 people have MS in Ireland. Multiple Sclerosis is a chronic disease, the most common disabling neurological condition affecting young adults in Ireland, which is usually diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 40. Three times as many women as men are affected, and there is no known cause or cure for MS.

MS Ireland is the national organisation providing service, information and support to the whole MS community.

From a dedicated town for Elves to Elf the Movie, there’s lots of elf fun to be had this Christmas, here’s our pick of elf-themed events for families:

Tickets are on sale!

Santa and his merry band of elves are looking forward to returning to Galway and meeting all the wonderful boy and girls at Elf Town.

Elf Town is back for 2023 with a bigger and better experience. The entire journey will take over 2 hours and promises to be full of fun. It is set over 3 buildings, and the Elf Town journey is over 4 floors with each area expertly designed and decorated by the expert team of elves.

Your journey into Elf Town begins through the Grand Entrance at the Castle gates, where you will meet Glitterpants – Santa’s head Elf – who will get you started on your journey and show you Elf Town’s very own “Elf Town Shuffle”.

During your visit you will also:

🎄Visit Jack Frost’s Icy Home!
🎄Meet Santa’s real reindeer and learn all about Rudolph, Dancer, and their friends in the Reindeer House!
🎄Have a boogie on the dance floor with the elves!
🎄See how fast you can spin on the teacup ride!
🎄Decorate cookies with Mrs. Claus!
🌲 Journey to the Enchanted Forest and search for the magical Woodland Elves!
🎄Meet the wondrous characters of Glitterpants, Woodland Elves, Postie, McSkrinchy, and many more!
🎄Write your letter to Santa with Postie the Elf and post it in the Elftown post office!
🎄Decorate cookies with Mrs Claus!
🎄Check out the Elftown Express at the Elf Town Train Station!
🎄Journey to the Grotto for your family’s private visit with Santa where children will be amazed at all Santa knows!
🎄Visit Santa’s Toy Shop stocked from floor to ceiling where you exchange your magical Elftown Coin for any toy you like in the Toy Shop!

Be sure to book your tickets early to avoid disappointment.

Dates: November 18th to December 22nd 2023 (Various dates)

A team from the North Pole are setting up a training camp in Croke Park and they’d love you to visit as they prepare for their special journey around the world on Christmas Eve.

On the Santa Experience, you’ll join the Ice Patrol for a sneak peek inside the North Pole GAA Elf Dressing Rooms before entering their Skills Zone to play some ‘cool’ festive games!

Then it will be time to step inside Santa’s very special Croke Park cabin to meet the man himself. You can take a photo with Santa and tell him about your predictions for the 2024 GAA All-Ireland Championships!

Every child will receive a small GAA-themed gift and photos will also be available to purchase if you wish. You will also get access to the GAA Museum where you can collect your Junior Explorer passport and follow the North Pole GAA trail. And call into Cú Chulainn’s Den to write your letter to Santa and post it in the museum box.

For more information and to book tickets, click here.

Dates: November 30th to December 23rd 2023

Santa has been keeping a close eye on Limerick and was overjoyed to discover that the nation’s new Favourite Building has a panoramic view of the city from which he can plan his epic Christmas Eve journey. But better than that, tucked away within its floors, is the perfect magical haven to house his secret workshop.

Expect a warm welcome to a twinkling world of festive fun. Feel the sense of anticipation grow with each step as you descend to Santa’s busy workshop to meet his special helpers, the IRE Elves, celebrated throughout the city for their exceptional gift-giving expertise.

Of course they might need a little help as they bustle about crafting beautiful toys and treats – but that’s where you come in. Make magical memories, working with the Elves to put the finishing touches to gifts that will make their way around the world. That is all before you meet the star of the show himself. Santa Claus, with his beaming smile and snowy white beard, will captivate both young and old, spreading seasonal cheer for the perfect start to your best Christmas ever!

Santa’s Secret Workshop is produced by award winning, Limerick based production company Honest Arts.

For more information and to book your Santa visit, click here.

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Enjoy the Christmas Elf Trail at Birr Castle Demesne daily 9am-5pm during December.

Have festive fun searching for the resident Elf & Reindeer’s lost name in the gardens. Pick up your trail & pencil at reception, & head off in search of the letters. Includes a little sweet treat at the end if you complete your North Pole Mission!

The Christmas Elf Trail is included in General Admission price. Pre-booking is not essential.

Please note the ‘Christmas Elf Trail’ does not include access inside the Castle or a meet & greet with any Christmas characters.

On December 10th join Head Chef Natalie Collins and her busy Elves in decorating your very own Gingerbread Man at Irish National Stud and Gardens. From 11am to 12pm children will have an opportunity to decorate their very own Gingerbread man that they can bring home to hang on their Christmas tree.

Cost is €10.00 per child and children must be accompanied by an adult. Located in the visitor centre. Admission is required should you wish to visit the grounds.

Pre-booking essential, book online here.

Christmas is always a special time at Castlecomer Discovery Park, and the park is open for winter walks this holiday season.

The Elf Village becomes Christmas central, as fairy houses are lit up making it a wonderful destination for a winter walk and hot chocolate from the Canopy Café.

The ever-popular bouncing nets and Junior adventure course will be open for kids aged 3 – 8 to burn off some pre–Christmas nervous energy. It’s even more exciting as the Junior Woodland Course has been revamped, making it even more enjoyable for your little ones.

There’s also a little “Elf on the Shelf” scavenger hunt for your little ones to enjoy and immerse themselves in a world of elf imagination. The elves are getting up to mischief all around the village, can you find them all?

The Talisman Theatre Company presents Elfie Saves Christmas a brand new live musical suitable for all ages, at:

• The TF Royal Hotel and Theatre, Castlebar on December 16th
• The Dunamaise, Laois from December 17th to 21st
• Watergate Theatre, Kilkenny December 17th

Elf will be showing at these cinemas:

• Draiocht Dublin Monday 18th December 11.30am & 5pm
• The Pavilion Theatre Dublin 21st December 5.30pm
• Retro Drive-In Movies at Leopardstown Race Course, Dublin December 2nd, 3rd, 13th, 14th & 16th December

Winterval is back in Waterford from November 17th to December 2023 and they have some new Elf events for you to take part in at Georges Court Shopping Centre:

• Viking Elf Trail
• The Elves Workshop where you can make cookies with Mrs Claus

Taking the kids to a Christmas market is a lovely pre-Christmas activity, there’s usually music, treats, sometimes a Santa grotto, and plenty of twinkly lights.
Here are some Christmas markets in the UK that are fun to go to:

You’ll find Edinburgh’s Christmas market at East Princes Street Garden, with traditional chalets showcasing the best in festive products and goods from local makers, stocked full of handcrafted decorations and gifts for all the family, or little treats for yourself.

The Forth 1 Big Wheel is also back, bringing breath-taking views of Edinburgh’s winter skyline and the markets below. Then for those rumbly tummies, there are plenty of street food vendors with Bavarian produce and Scottish delicacies as well as bars serving warming winter tipples and hot chocolates.

There’s also a covered ice-rink on George Street and Santa Land in West Princes Street Gardens, with a Christmas Tree Maze, more traditional rides and Santa’s Stories for the wee ones – including a very special Santa’s Paws event.

Dates: 17th November 2023 – 6th January 2024

Each year the centre of Bath is transformed into a magical Christmas shopper’s paradise, as over 170 chalets packed full of gorgeous Christmas gifts line the streets surrounding the Roman Baths and Bath Abbey.

Bath Christmas Market also offers a full programme of entertainment including carol singers, children’s entertainers and musicians that all add to the fantastic festive ambience.

Dates: 23rd November – 10th December 2023

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Winchester’s Christmas Market is recognised as one of the best in Europe, renowned for its unique location, high quality exhibitors and bustling atmosphere. Wonderful Christmas gifts, decorations and festive foods can be found in abundance.

The Christmas Market is situated at the beautiful Winchester Cathedral where you can enjoy many Christmas services as well as an ice rink.

Dates: 17th November – 21st December 2023.

The Manchester Christmas Market offers over 250 stalls nestled with in Piccadilly Gardens and surrounding area.

Visitors can also enjoy the Manchester Christmas Lights Trail and Skate Manchesters’ covered ice rink in Cathedral Gardens.

Dates: 11th November to 22nd December 2023

Birmingham’s Frankfurt Christmas Market and Craft Market can boast being one of the largest outdoor Christmas Markets. The Market is centred in Victoria Square in front of the Council House and along New Street.

The largest authentic German Christmas market outside of Germany or Austria, Birmingham’s Christmas Market offers a large range of traditional goods as well as tempting food and drink. Enjoy the live music programme on Victoria Square while you browse the stalls for a wide selection of gift ideas.

Dates: 2nd November – 24th December 2023

York’s Christmas Market gives a real sense of stepping into a scene from a Dickens tale with bustling Victorian market stalls selling everything from local produce to traditional gifts and crafts, all accompanied by the smell of roasting chestnuts and the sound of carol singers. This year marks the 30th Anniversary of St Nicholas Fair as it’s known locally.

70 alpine chalets line the streets of Parliament Street and St Sampson’s Square from 16th November to 22nd December, creating a festive wonderland with an array of local produce and artisan gifts on offer from local traders. From luxury stationary to Yorkshire Pudding beer, there are lots of unique gift ideas to be found.

Dates: 16th November – 22nd December 2023

St Albans knows a thing or two about markets, having one of the oldest regular markets in the UK, dating back to the 9th century.

The St Albans Christmas Charter Market is located at St Peter’s Street and Market Place this year, with street food, drinks, fashion, flowers, crafts, produce, toys, music and more.

There’s also a Christmas Nutcracker Trail to enjoy, pick up a trail map at St Albans BID Office or at St Albans Museum and Gallery, then go on the hunt to find the 10 Nutcracker Soldiers marked on the map and enter a draw as well.

Dates: 1st – 22nd December 2023