Family Life

'It's the most wonderful time of year': These are the BEST places to visit Santa this year

Whether you're ready for the festive lights and the chaotic shopping or not, now is the best time to book your Santa visit or Christmas experience so you don't miss out! 

There are plenty of really fun and exciting events happening all across the country, so you're bound to find something near you – the only problem is trying to decide which one to go to 'cause they're all so good!

1. Castlecomer Discovery Park, Co. Kilkenny

Here guests will be treated to a festive mulled wine on arrival while the Head Elf entertains the kids. You will then be guided to Santa’s cabin where you will meet Mrs. Claus before finally getting to chat to Father Christmas. You will also be taken on a very special train journey through festive trees and over the stone bridge.

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2. Causey Christmas Experience, Co. Meath

Causey Farm comes alive with a festive atmosphere! Here you will get to visit Santa’s house and help Mrs Claus pack his bag for the big journey, slide down into the toy workshop, play with all the toys and visit the man himself. 

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3. Christmas Island, Hidden Valley Holiday Park, Co. Wicklow

Experience the magic of Christmas this year with thousands of twinkling lights, Santa Claus, Mrs Claus, the Elves, Rudolph, The North Pole Express (Santa’s magical white train), presents, activities, food and much more!

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4. Christmas Wonderland at The Farm, Co. Cork

Full steam ahead for those taking the North Pole Express to Christmas Wonderland at The Farm, Grenagh, Co. Cork this Christmas!

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5. Green Santa at Belvedere, Co. Westmeath

Santa will arrive at Belvedere House by boat across Lough Ennell, before heading back in time to his Victorian magical grotto. But instead of being dressed in red robes, the big man himself will be wearing the colours of times gone past – green! 

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6. Lisduff Santa Train, Co. Laois

The Santa Train will make its way through the Lisduff Adventure Farm to Santa's extra special Woodland Home where each child will receive a special present.

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7. The Santa Express, Co. Waterford

All aboard the Santa Express at Kilmeadan Station and set off on an exciting 20 minute train journey along the banks of the River Suir. When you return you can meet Santa in his railway cottage to have a chat and make your Christmas wish. He may even have a surprise for you! 

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8. Winterval, Co. Waterford

Ireland's Christmas Festival is packed with seasonal events and unique activities, set in beautiful heritage sites around Waterford City. From Santa visits to ice skating, Winterval Express Train and Vintage Fair is one for the whole family – you better get your tickets quick before they sell out.

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9. Santa at Bunratty, Co. Clare

Scrooge is back! Listen to the Christmas storyteller as he recalls colourful tales of Christmas long ago. You can experience a magical, festive atmosphere in a unique and traditional village setting. 

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10. Winter Wonderland, Co. Mayo

Parents can enjoy a delicious glass of mulled wine and kids a tasty juice while soaking up the twinkling lights, lush green garlands and tinsel trimmings spilling festively from every corner of Westport House. 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.

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11. Donegal's Lapland, Co. Donegal 

Donegal’s Lapland returns in 2017 with a new purpose built visitors center and improved facilities! Your son or daughter will receive a small gift from Santa, who will call out each child by name and give it to them personally. 

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12. Santa’s Polar Express, Co. Down

A warm welcome awaits in the Grand Ballroom, Santa’s Holiday Lodge, where the Ticket Master will issue you with your tickets. The train will take you through the enchanting grounds of the Slieve Donard Resort and Spa before making its way towards Santa’s workshop and grotto.

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13. Cork North Pole Outpost, Co. Cork 

Set deep in the woods on the Great Island near Cobh, Santa will visit the Cork North Pole Outpost every day from the end of November right up to the day before Christmas Eve. 

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14. The Santa Experience in association with Dunnes Stores, Co. Limerick, Co. Cork and Dublin City

Children will learn how Santa and the elves prepare for Christmas and will interact with elves, reindeer, polar bears and maybe even get to ride in Santa’s Sleigh on their way to meet the big man himself in his authentic log cabin!

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15. Santa's House Express, Palmerstown House Estate, Co. Dublin

Santa Claus will be residing at Palmerstown House in the weeks coming up to Christmas!! Along with the help of Mrs Claus, the Elves, and lots of characters including international special guests ‘The Smurfs’, kids will be entertained no end!

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16. Santa’s Journey, Djouce Golf Club, Roundwood, Co. Wicklow

Santa, with the help of his industrious elves and Mrs. Claus have created a magical journey in the foothills of the Wicklow mountains. This enchanted train journey sets off from Winter Wonderland Station stopping to see Santa’s Runway, The Talking Trees, Candy Cane Land, Elves Village and many more incredible attractions along the way before going to a very special audience with Santa himself.

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