As all you parents know, Santa always takes time out of his busy schedule before Christmas to visit Ireland. From Santa Grottoes, to farm, caves and Santa trains, here are 50 Magical Places to Visit Santa in Ireland grouped by county or region for easy navigation.
But get your skates on as places book up fast!
Elf Town Galway
Dates: November 24th to December 23rd 2023
Looking for the perfect place to visit Santa this year? Elf Town is returning to Galway this Christmas and promises one of the most engaging and interactive Santa visit experiences for all the family to enjoy.
Discover the magic of Christmas with a family visit from November 24th 2023.
Places to Visit Santa in Limerick
Santa’s Magical Cabin at Jetland Shopping Centre
Dates: November 17th to December 23rd
The award winning and original Santa’s Magical Cabin returns for 2023 and will take place at Dunnes Stores Jetland Shopping Centre on selected dates.
Upon check-in an elf guide will meet each family and take them directly to meet Santa Claus in his magical cabin.
Children will be amazed by what Santa knows about them, thanks to the Santa Needs to Know forms, filled in at the time of booking. Santa will also give each child a beautiful age appropriate gift.
Everyone will be entertained throughout by energetic elves who will tell everyone exactly how Santa, his reindeer and all the elves prepare for Christmas.
Tickets can be booked online in advance, to ensure you get your preferred time and date. Each ticket includes meeting and interacting with elves, meeting your elf guide, visiting Santa in his Magical Cabin, Santa knowing personal information about each child and an age-appropriate gift from Santa.
A professional photographer will be on hand to capture all magical moments and you can order 8 x 10 framed prints immediately afterwards if you wish.
Book your visit to Santa’s Magical Cabin here!
Visit Santa’s Secret Workshop 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.
Visit Santa at Stonehall Visitor Farm
Dates: Select dates in December tickets go on sale on October 14th 2023
Santa will be at Stonehall Visitor Farm and Wildlife Park in Kilcornan this December. You will arrive at Stonehall to an array of magical lights and adults will get mulled wine, tea or coffee along with a mince pie. The children can play in the play area while you wait to see Santa in his Grotto. Afterwards visit the stables and meet Rudolph!
Keep up to date on their Facebook page.
Places to Visit Santa in Dublin
Santa’s Magical Cabin
Dates: November 17th to December 23rd
The award winning and original Santa’s Magical Cabin returns for this Winter season and will take place at Dunnes Stores in the ILAC Shopping Centre and the Kilnamanagh Shopping Centre, Tallaght on selected dates.
Upon check-in an elf guide will meet each family and take them directly to meet Santa Claus in his magical cabin.
Children will be amazed by what Santa knows about them, thanks to the Santa Needs to Know forms, filled in at the time of booking. Santa will also give each child a beautiful age appropriate gift.
Everyone will be entertained throughout by energetic elves who will tell everyone exactly how Santa, his reindeer and all the elves prepare for Christmas.
Tickets can be booked online in advance, to ensure you get your preferred time and date. Each ticket includes meeting and interacting with elves, meeting your elf guide, visiting Santa in his Magical Cabin, Santa knowing personal information about each child and an age-appropriate gift from Santa.
A professional photographer will be on hand to capture all magical moments and you can order 8 x 10 framed prints immediately afterwards if you wish.
Book your visit to Santa’s Magical Cabin here!
Visit Santa’s Enchanted Forest Experience at Luggwoods
Tickets on general sale August 28th 2023
Enter Santa’s enchanted forest at Luggwoods, Saggart and be transported on the Luggwoods Express, a tractor drawn carriage, through the mystical forest to the Big Red Farmyard Barn for your visit with Santa. There will be characters to meet, games and activities to enjoy for a memorable family Santa experience. Selected dates in November and December from November 24th to December 23rd 2023.
Keep up to date on their Facebook page.
Visit the Santa Experience at Croke Park
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 Santa at Arnotts
Dates: Various through December
Santa visits Arnotts every year, and this year Santa and the elves are back in person at Santa’s Grotto on the second floor.
All monies raised from Santa visits go to charity. Your visit to Santa includes a souvenir badge for each child. A professional photograph of your visit can be purchased at an additional cost.
Tickets go on sale on October 27th 2023 on Eventbrite
Visit Santa at Jervis Shopping Centre, Dublin
Dates: November 11th to December 23rd
This year the Magic Elves are waiting for you, so they can create the most wondrous Christmas Experience for you and your family. After your family create their very own snow storm, it’s off to see Santa in his incredible North Pole Magic Grotto, receive your presents and have a wonderful Christmas family picture for 2023!
For more information and to book tickets, click here.
Visit Santa at Dublin Zoo
Dates: Every weekend from November 18th to December 23rd 2023
Santa will be back in his grotto at Dublin Zoo this November and December. Included in the ticket price is entry to Dublin Zoo, a visit to see Santa, a gift for each child and a photo key/magnet pack per family.
Keep up to date on their Facebook page.
Meet Santa at the Red Stables, St Anne’s Park, Dublin
Dates: TBC for December 2023
Olive’s Room elves will be on hand to help the children decorate gingerbread biscuits, create a festive decoration and draw a picture or post their letter to Santa. Each child will receive their craft, a gingerbread, hot chocolate. There will be face-painting with the fabulous Rosie from Roar
All profits from the event and photos go to Laura Lynn.
For updates check their Facebook page.
Visit Santa at the DSPCA
Dates: TBC for December 2023
Share in a little magic this Christmas at the DSPCA with a traditional experience. This is a pet-friendly experience so why not bring along your dog to share in the fun!
When you arrive at the DSPCA, you will be met by your own personal Elf Guide who will show you to Santa’s Cabin where you will meet Santa himself and receive a special gift. Afterwards you can enjoy story time with the elves and here all about the adventures of a very special rescue puppy in “A Puppy’s Tail”
Have your face painted, visit the charity shop, and meet some of the animals who are looking for a special home this Christmas.
For more information and to book tickets, click here.
Santa’s Christmas Wonderland at Dundrum Town Centre
Dates: November 25th to December 23rd
Head to the Winter Wonderland, set in a beautifully crafted timber village with thousands of sparkling lights. On arrival, check-in at the ticket office where every child will receive a personal passport that Santa will stamp for you.
With your ticket, step through the Secret Wardrobe into the Magic Garden, and on to the Candy Cane Trail for some riddles and games with the elves. Now it’s only a few short steps through the gingerbread garden and it’s into the Elves’ Workshop where you’ll see some of the amazing wooden toys that the Elves have made. Then head to visit Mrs Claus who has a wonderful collection of story books and is always busy making mince pies for Santa and dinner for the Elves. She will give every child a special note for the Fairies and maybe some secret ‘Reindeer Food’ for Christmas Eve.
Finally, an Elf will call you in to visit Santa for a chat and a wrapped present!
For more information and to book tickets, click here.
Visit Santa at IKEA
Dates: Weekends in December
Bring the little ones to visit Santa for free at IKEA in Dublin, and they can enjoy some festive activities while they visit.
Santa’s grotto is located in the main entrance and he will be there on selected dates in the run up to Christmas. We hear that this Santa is excellent with any children who may have additional needs.
For more information and to book tickets, click here.
Visit the Winter Wonderland Trail at Airfield Estate
Head to Airfield Estate, Dublin’s only 38 acre working farm this yuletide season for a magical Christmas Experience like no other. This year you can enjoy the Winter Wonderland Trail throughout December 2023 as they take a break from their traditional Santa Experience.
Find out more here.
All Aboard The Special Santa Express Trains
Dates: Weekends from November 25th to December 17th 2023
The perfect Santa experience for those with a passion for steam trains, Steam Train Ireland offer Santa Special train journeys on selected dates in November & December from Dublin to Maynooth, and Belfast to Whitehead. Tickets go on sale in October and sell out very quickly.
Keep up to date on their Facebook page.
Places to Visit Santa in the South East
The Christmas Experience at Johnstown Castle, Wexford
Dates: Select dates from December 1st to 23rd 2023
Enjoy an enchanted traditional Christmas at Johnstown Castle where there will be fun activities with the merry elves. Each group will meet Santa and then children will get to pick their very own gift in Santa’s Workshop.
Find out more here.
Wells House Christmas Experience, Wexford
Dates: November 25th to December 23rd
Your Christmas Visit to Santa at Wells will include a visit to the North Pole Workshop to meet with Mrs Claus and the elves as they prepare for their busiest time of year, then climb aboard the Wells Express Train and enjoy a magical train journey through the woodlands guided by a Head Elf, and take off on and adventure to help save Christmas!
Spend time in the new Elf Village where old traditions of a visit to Wells at Christmas return like the “Decorate your Bauble” to bring home as a keepsake of your Christmas visit. Don’t forget to post your Santa Letter in the new Mail Room in the Elf Village!
For more information, check the Facebook page.
KringleTown, Waterford
Dates: November 25th to December 22nd
K.Kringle has the pleasure of inviting those on the ‘nice list’ to visit him at KringleTown, a magical indoor/outdoor Christmas event including market stalls, the Christmas Emporium and, of course, Santa!
For more information, check the Facebook page.
Santa’s Train Adventure at Rathwood, Carlow
Tickets go on sale in early September 2023
Santa’s Train Adventure at Rathwood runs on selected dates during November and December.
This year, board the train and keep an eye out for Santa’s reindeer as you travel through the festive forest. You will then make your way to Fossett’s Big Top to see Santa, Mrs Claus and their elves as they perform a special show!
Keep up to date on their Facebook page.
Amber Express Santa Train, Wexford
Dates: Various through November and December 2023
With a little Ho Ho Ho and more than a sprinkling of Christmas magic, the Amber Springs Santa Train Experience is back!
Travelling aboard The Amber Express, following the glimmering lights and sparkling trees to the Amber Christmas Village. Once at the village, you will disembark the Amber Express to explore the village.
Walking around the village you will be able to enjoy a little festive treat and see all the busy little elves working away before going to have your own personal visit with Santa!
Keep up to date on their Facebook page.
Places to Visit Santa in the South West
Santa’s Magical Cabin at Dunnes Stores, Ennis
Dates: November 17th to December 23rd
The award winning and original Santa’s Magical Cabin returns for 2023 and will take place at Dunnes Stores Ennis on selected dates.
Upon check-in an elf guide will meet each family and take them directly to meet Santa Claus in his magical cabin.
Children will be amazed by what Santa knows about them, thanks to the Santa Needs to Know forms, filled in at the time of booking. Santa will also give each child a beautiful age appropriate gift.
Everyone will be entertained throughout by energetic elves who will tell everyone exactly how Santa, his reindeer and all the elves prepare for Christmas.
Tickets can be booked online in advance, to ensure you get your preferred time and date. Each ticket includes meeting and interacting with elves, meeting your elf guide, visiting Santa in his Magical Cabin, Santa knowing personal information about each child and an age-appropriate gift from Santa.
A professional photographer will be on hand to capture all magical moments and you can order 8 x 10 framed prints immediately afterwards if you wish.
Book your visit to Santa’s Magical Cabin here!
Breakfast with Santa at Bunratty Castle, Clare
Dates: Weekends from December 1st to 17th and from December 20th to 23rd 2023
What could be more magical than having breakfast with Santa Claus in the magical surrounds of Teach Nollaig, Bunratty Folk Park? Fun, fanfare and a fantastic array of entertainment and excitement await as Santa hosts a delicious breakfast served by his team of impish elves.
Say hello to Santa as he welcomes you into his Christmas kitchen. Enjoy a sing-a-long with himself, Mrs Claus and their elves as they get up to all sorts of antics!
Keep up to date on their Facebook page.
Santa at Crag Cave, Kerry
Dates: Various dates in December
Bookings open September 2023
In Kerry, Santa’s Winter Wonderland takes place every December. Meet Santa, his elves, his reindeer, see the snow scenes, his bedroom, polar bears, toy shop, have a go on an animated Reindeer ride, play time in Crazy Cave & lots lots more.
Keep up to date on their Facebook page.
Santa at Aillwee Cave, Clare
Dates: Weekends from November 24th to December 23rd
Visit Santa in his workshop at Aillwee Cave on selected dates in December. Along with Mrs Claus and his team of happy Elves, Santa ensures a very special personalised visit for each child.
Santa Elves are waiting with their LISTS of the boys and girls visiting every day. They will guide everyone along the cave passageways singing Christmas Carols all the way. Santa Claus with his helper will meet and chat with each child and of course have a present for everyone. Mrs Claus is there to greet the grownups with a glass of Hot Punch and a Mince Pie.
Keep up to date on their Facebook page.
Places to Visit Santa in the North West
Victorian Christmas Experience at Strokestown Park, Roscommon
Dates: November 26th to December 22nd 2023. Sensory Day on December 14th
The annual Strokestown Park Victorian Christmas Experience has lots of festive attractions for all of the family including;
- A visit to the enchanted woodland.
- Elves will accompany you through the magical tunnel into the secret underground rooms of Strokestown House. Here you will see the elves busy at work preparing for Christmas.
- The highlight of the Victorian Christmas Experience is meeting Santa Claus by the fire in the traditionally decorated library of Strokestown Park House. to receive a Christmas gift.
- Afterwards have a hot chocolate and take part in traditional craft activities.
Tickets can be booked on the Strokestown Park website.
Visit Santa at Lough Key, Roscommon
Date: December 17th 2023 from 1pm to 3pm
Santa, Mrs Claus along with their team of elves and Frosty the Snowman will be making a stop at Lough Key Forest and Activity Park this December 17th. You can:
- Have a meet and greet with Santa
- Enjoy mulled wine and festive treats
- Take some beautiful festive photos.
Booking Details: No booking required for this event. To find out more, check out the Lough Key Forest and Activity Park Facebook page.
Visit Santa at Donegal’s Lapland
Dates: November 24th to December 22nd 2023
Visit Donegal’s Lapland at Doagh Famine Village on selected dates from November to December. See a live festive show with music, elves and Santa coming down the chimney!
After the live show, Santa will take all the children through Santa’s Village to his Toy Factory where they can chose their own little present.
Keep up to date on their Facebook page.
Take the Santa Express at Oakfield Park, Donegal
Tickets on sale from early September 2023
Oakfield Park in Raphoe, Co Donegal invite you to board the Santa Express at the station and have an enchanting train ride through the woodlands to meet Santa and his helpers!
Keep up to date on their Facebook page.
Visit Santa at Westport House, Mayo
Dates: November 19th to December 23rd 2023
In Mayo, Westport House’s Winter Wonderland is a magical family experience brimming with Christmas cheer that will leave the kids starry-eyed and the whole family believing in fairy-tales!
Kids will adore a special visit to Santa in his grotto, story-time by the fireside with Mrs Claus, sing-a-longs with the Elves and festive face-painting to really get them in the Christmas spirit.
Visit the elves hard at work in their Workshop where kids can make their own yuletide log and decorate their own Ginger Bread Man, and stop by the Christmas Wish Tree for the real spirit of Christmas.
Keep up to date on their Facebook page.
Visit Santa at Arigna Mining Experience, Roscommon
Dates: Weekends in December
Santa goes underground this Christmas at Arigna Mining Experience in Roscommon. He will be there on selected dates in December.
Keep up to date on their Facebook page.
Visit Santa at the Wild Arctic Experience, Donegal
Dates: December 1st to 23rd 2023
Be transported to the Arctic North Pole, where you will see singing polar bears, elves working in the toy shop, Santa’s singing Reindeer, magical light up animals, real life Arctic Foxes, Arctic Wolf, Snowy Owl, Santa’s Igloo and you can even post your letter to Santa in the magical Post Box. You may even catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights!
You can then visit Santa in his log cabin where every child will receive a gift from Santa himself.
Keep up to date on their Facebook page.
Places to Visit Santa in Cork
The Magic of Christmas at Fota House & Gardens
Dates: Select dates from November 25th to December 22nd 2023 Tickets on sale from Sepetmeber
Enjoy The Magic of Christmas at Fota House where Santa & Mrs Claus have returned as they make their final preparations for Christmas. They are joined by the Elves, who as always are behind with their jobs and might need your help, festive cheer and a little bit of magic to help them finish everything on time and impress Santa in their quest to become the elf that will accompany him on his journey around the world on Christmas Eve.
This is a fully interactive traditional Christmas experience for families which brings you through seasonally decorated rooms inside the beautiful historic Fota House. Each room will characters and storylines and the experience ends with an individual family visit to Santa after which he will invite children to visit his North Pole library where each child will receive a gift of two age appropriate books.
The experience lasts 1 hour and tickets can be booked online at www.fotahouse.com
The Santa Experience at Dunnes Stores Cork
Dates: November 17th to December 23rd
The award winning and original Santa’s Magical Cabin returns for 2023 and will take place at Dunnes Stores Patrick St on selected dates.
Upon check-in an elf guide will meet each family and take them directly to meet Santa Claus in his magical cabin.
Children will be amazed by what Santa knows about them, thanks to the Santa Needs to Know forms, filled in at the time of booking. Santa will also give each child a beautiful age appropriate gift.
Everyone will be entertained throughout by energetic elves who will tell everyone exactly how Santa, his reindeer and all the elves prepare for Christmas.
Tickets can be booked online in advance, to ensure you get your preferred time and date. Each ticket includes meeting and interacting with elves, meeting your elf guide, visiting Santa in his Magical Cabin, Santa knowing personal information about each child and an age-appropriate gift from Santa.
A professional photographer will be on hand to capture all magical moments and you can order 8 x 10 framed prints immediately afterwards if you wish.
Book your visit to Santa’s Magical Cabin here!
Cork North Pole Outpost
Booking opens early September 2023
Take a magical journey back to a time where Christmas was about creating magical memories together, at the Cork North Pole Outpost Experience taking place in Cobh on selected dates from November to December.
Keep up to date on their Facebook page.
Santa at Leahy’s Open Farm
Dates: November 25th to December 22nd
Enjoy a magical visit through Santa’s Village at Leahy’s Open Farm on selected dates from November to December.
Journey through the mystical forest where you will find Mrs Claus baking cookies and scones in her little cottage. From there you will step into a magical land of fairies and elves, and of course then meet Santa himself.
Keep up to date on their Facebook page.
Visit Santa at The Pavilion Garden Centre, Ballygarvan
Dates: Weekends from November 25th to December 17th
Santa will return to The Pavilion again this year to greet all the girls and boys in advance of his round the world trip on Christmas morning!
Your Santa visit includes a family photograph and a children’s gift.
Keep up to date on their Facebook page.
Christmas Wonderland at The Farm
Dates: From December 2nd
Full steam ahead for those hopping on board the North Pole Express at Christmas Wonderland at The Farm, Grenagh, where the Christmas elves and fairies have made a magical wonderland for Santa’s arrival.
Keep up to date on their Facebook page
Places to Visit Santa in Galway
Elf Town
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 Santa at Wildlands Winter Wonderland, Galway
Dates: November 17th to December 23rd (various dates)
Baile Beag at Wildlands will be once again transformed into a Winter Wonderland where children can come and visit Santa, play with his elves, meet Mrs Claus, enjoy storytime and receive a gift and a hot chocolate.
For more information and to book tickets, visit the website.
Visit Santa at Athenry Heritage Centre
Dates: December 2nd to 17th 2023
Experience the magic of Christmas in the award winning Athenry Heritage Centre Nollaig Beo Christmas Winter Wonderland experience with fun filled activities for all boys and girls on weekends during December.
Keep up to date on their Facebook page.
Visit Santa at the Galway Christmas Market
Dates: Fridays to Sundays from November 10th to December 17th 2023
A trip to the market is a festive experience like no other. Immerse yourselves in this winter wonderland; marvel at the glittering lights, soak up the festive music, and lose yourselves in a world of colour and merriment. Top off your trip with the little ones by paying a visit to the man in red himself!
For more information and to book tickets, click here.
Visit Santa at Brigit’s Garden, Galway
Dates: December 9th to 18th 2023 (various dates)
Santa and little helper come every year to have fun with Santa’s Christmas Magic Show at Brigit’s Garden. Mrs Claus is usually also in the Garden to add a touch of magic to the Santa Experience.
Keep up to date on their Facebook page.
Places to Visit Santa in Wicklow
Visit The Santa Express at Wicklow Christmas Market
Dates: November 18th to December 17th 2023
A day at the Wicklow Christmas Market would not be complete without a visit to see the big man himself, Santa Claus!
All aboard the brand-new Santa Express train as you journey to the North Pole to visit Santa. The elves have been busy building a new train to transport you to Santa’s house.
Santa was so impressed by the work the elves did on the train he designed a new station where you will begin your trip to Santa and Mrs. Claus.
On your way to the North Pole, you will travel through an exciting new addition to the journey called “The Tunnel of Lights” which is sure to build the anticipation before you arrive at the North Pole.
When you reach your destination, you will be greeted by Santa’s elves who will entertain you with a new fun filled show before Mrs. Claus will read a story and lead a sing-along, and of course, you will get to visit with the big man himself, Santa!
Visit Santa at Avoca Powerscourt
Dates: November 18th to December 22nd 2023
Santa is more excited than ever to be coming to Avoca Powerscourt.
Set in the stunning surroundings of Powerscourt Estate, Santa will be ready to meet and greet all his young visitors this Christmas!
For more information and to book tickets, check the website.
Visit Santa’s Cabin at Russborough House, Wicklow
Dates: Weekends from November 24th and December 20th-22nd 2023
The new, expanded route for this year takes you along an enchanted woodland trail, passing the elves cabin and more. Then strap in to your harness and zip line through the trees, traverse the low rope obstacle course to earn your cup of hot chocolate, before completing your journey to Santa’s Cabin in the woods.
Plenty of games and activities on-site so there’s something for everyone to enjoy!
For more information, check the Facebook page.
Visit Santa on Christmas Island at Hidden Valley Holiday Park
Dates: November 24th to December 23rd 2023
Santa will be on Christmas Island at Hidden Valley Holiday Park for festive fun and an unforgettable and unique Christmas experience.
Your experience will include an exciting journey on The North Pole Express, a trip to Christmas Island where you’ll meet the Elves who will try to bring out your creative side before moving on to Santa’s head elves for some more festive elf entertainment. Families will depart Christmas Island on Santa’s House Boat to make their way to Santa’s Grotto where each family will have a private visit with Santa.
You can also book an overnight stay in one of the glamping lodges for 2 adults and up to 4 children, or boutique lodges for 2 adults and up to 4 children.
Keep up to date on their Facebook page.
Don’t Miss…
Get wrapped up in the magic of Christmas with these fantastic family events and activities around Ireland – seasonal fun guaranteed!
Places to Visit Santa in the Midlands
Santa’s Magical Cabin at Dunnes Stores, The Kyle Centre, Portlaoise
Dates: November 17th to December 23rd
The award winning and original Santa’s Magical Cabin returns for 2023 and will take place at Dunnes Stores Ennis on selected dates.
Upon check-in an elf guide will meet each family and take them directly to meet Santa Claus in his magical cabin.
Children will be amazed by what Santa knows about them, thanks to the Santa Needs to Know forms, filled in at the time of booking. Santa will also give each child a beautiful age appropriate gift.
Everyone will be entertained throughout by energetic elves who will tell everyone exactly how Santa, his reindeer and all the elves prepare for Christmas.
Tickets can be booked online in advance, to ensure you get your preferred time and date. Each ticket includes meeting and interacting with elves, meeting your elf guide, visiting Santa in his Magical Cabin, Santa knowing personal information about each child and an age-appropriate gift from Santa.
A professional photographer will be on hand to capture all magical moments and you can order 8 x 10 framed prints immediately afterwards if you wish.
Book your visit to Santa’s Magical Cabin here!
Visit Santa at Birr Castle Demesne and Experience the Magic of Christmas, Offaly
NOTE: 2023 details TBC
You will be greeted and entertained by the Castle elves, before taking a trip to the enchanting Birr Castle. There you will meet Mrs Claus in the library sitting beside an enormous roaring fire reading magical festive stories. Your visit continues to the elegant dining room with its giant Christmas tree where you will meet the man himself… Santa Claus!
Each booked child will receive an age appropriate gift from Santa as well as a sweet treat and hot chocolate, The experience will last approx. 45 minutes. Pre-booked adult and children tickets also include general admission to the Treehouse adventure playground and gardens (T&Cs apply).
For more details or to book your tickets visit the website or call (057) 9120336
Santa’s House Express at Palmerstown House Estate, Kildare
Tickets on sale August 31st 2023
The Santa’s House Express experience is back for 2023 at the 1,100 acre Palmerstown House Estate.
Take a magical train ride to visit Santa at his manor! And get to decorate festive cookies with Mrs Claus. Afterwards you can spend time in the winter wonderland village and funfair.
Keep up to date on their Facebook page.
Santa’s Magical Trail at The Clanard Court, Kildare
Dates: Select dates in December
Booking opens September 5th 2023 at 10am
Join Santa’s elves on a wonderful journey through Santa’s Magical Trail – a fun filled and action-packed experience for children young and old held at the Clanard Court Hotel, Kildare!
There will be 2 experiences to choose from this year, the traditional sleepover or a dine, show and Santa visit where you will get to make your very own teddy & get a gift from Santa too!
Keep up to date on their Facebook page.
Visit Santa at the Winter Wonderland at Barretstown, Kildare
Dates: November 25th and 26th 2023
Get ready for the fantastic Christmas-filled experience that is Winter Wonderland at Barretstown. Browse through the Christmas market stalls, soak up the Christmas music, enjoy some delicious food in Elizabeth’s Tree House, and take part in the Christmas raffle. And of course, you’ll be able to top it all off with a visit to the man himself in the wonderful grotto…Santa!
There will also be magic tricks, face painting, Christmas stories and the chance to meet the Christmas elves.
For more information and to book tickets, click here.
An Evening with Santa at Arboretum, Carlow
Dates: November 30th to December 22nd 2023 (various dates)
The illuminated Santa experience at Arboretum will be an unforgettable evening for the whole family.
The evening kicks off with a yummy dinner with Santa, Mrs Claus and the elves, where Santa will stop at every table for a chat with his guests.
Next, head outside to experience the sparkling, twinkling winter garden. Follow the winding paths to find your way to the real reindeer all the way from Lapland, before meeting Santa so he can give your child the special present he has for them.
For more information, check the Facebook page.
Visit Santa at Solas Eco Garden Centre, Laois
Dates: December 1st to 23rd 2023
This year at SOLAS, ring in the festive season with a host of events and the Santa Experience. Included in your ticket is the chance to meet Alpacas and sheep, post your letter to Santa, take photos in the family photobooth, visit Santa’s Grotto, meet Santa and receive a small eco-friendly gift.
For more information, check the Facebook page.
Places to Visit Santa in the North East
Visit Santa at Causey Farm, Meath
Dates: Select dates from November 19th to December 23rd 2023
In Meath, have a Causey Christmas Experience at Causey Farm when the farm comes alive with the magic of Christmas.
Slide into Santa’s Toy Workshop and make your way through the Elf door to his Grotto where you will receive a gift from the man himself. Afterwards follow the Bethlehem Train to the stable where you will see live animals at the crib, visit Christmas Cottage to experience an old Irish Christmas and don’t forget to pay a visit to the reindeer!
Keep up to date on their Facebook page.
Santa at Emerald Park, Meath
Dates: November 24-26th and December 1-3, 8-10 and 15-23rd 2023
Your family is invited on a magical journey through Elf-land guided by Santa’s head elf Jingles, who will introduce you to all the elves who are busily preparing for Christmas, leading you to Santa’s House where Santa Claus himself will be waiting to meet you.
Keep up to date on their Facebook page.
Visit the Land of Light Experience, Westmeath
Dates: November 10th to December 23rd 2023
Visit the Land of Light Experience at Belvedere House & Gardens and discover a stunning light display around the parklands that the whole family will enjoy.
Keep up to date on their Facebook page.
Places to Visit Santa in Northern Ireland
There are so many places to catch the big man in red this December in NI – here are just some of the many!
Santa at W5, Belfast
Dates: November 25th to December 23rd 2023
Experience the Great Christmas Upgrade this year at W5 when Santa and his Robot Elves will be greeting you on your Santa visit. You can also enjoy a snowball fight, post your letter to Santa in his special North Pole postbox, have fun at Climbit which will be decorated in festive lights and enjoy a fun festive show (extra charge)
Keep up to date on their Facebook page.
Santa’s Polar Express at Slieve Donard, Down
Dates: December 9th to 23rd 2023
Santa’s Polar Express visits the Slieve Donard Resort, Co Down in December.
Keep up to date on their Facebook page.
Other places to visit Santa in Northern Ireland:
- Meet Santa in Derry at The Jungle’s Christmas Wonderland on dates during December.
- Visit Santa in his grotto at Belfast Zoo this December.
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About the Author: Jill Holtz
