Not in a holiday mood yet? Don’t be a cotton-headed ninny-muggins. And if you’re not getting the reference (or our title above) then you obviously need to watch “Elf”!
We’ve gone all elf-ish at Mykidstime HQ and found some fun elf events taking place around Ireland. Son of a Nutcracker! Here are Elf Events to Enjoy With The Kids:
Elf Events Around Ireland
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:
Elftown Galway
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.
Visit the Elf Dressing Rooms at The GAA Museum
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.
Visit the IRE Elves at the International Rugby Experience, Limerick
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.
Christmas Elf Trail at Birr Castle Demesne
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.
Decorate Your Own Gingerbread Man With The Elves at Irish National Stud
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.
Don’t Miss…
Get wrapped up in the magic of Christmas with these fantastic family events and activities around Ireland – seasonal fun guaranteed!
Elf Fun at Castlecomer Discovery Park
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?
Elfie Saves Christmas, Live Musical
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 Movie Showings
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
Elf Experiences at Winterval 2023, Waterford
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
About the Author: Jill Holtz
