Visit Santa Venues

Visit Santa Venues is the DayOut.ie guide on where to Visit Santa in Ireland, Christmas events, Christmas markets and festive days out coming up to and over the holiday season.

Over the past number of years, we’ve been to many venues and have received hundreds of comments about what makes a great Christmas day out experience.

Value for money, Santa himself, the overall experience and the present given by Santa are all contributing factors to what makes a great Christmas day out.

More and more proprietors are making investment into their visit santa venues with great Christmas sets and multi coloured illuminated landscapes, however can the entire experience be let down by not paying attention to the Santa gift? Is it that we’re too commercial, or is it that we’re just more savvy now and expect better value for money? Having a gift or toy that will lat past the Christmas period is something that will make you say, “hey, that was really good” and each time your little one plays with that gift, it’s a reminder of the venue and the experience. If any of you nice venue owners are reading here, be sure and pay attention to the Santa gift – it’s the number one comment we hear about!

Based on feedback from parents, guardians and on comments received on our online posts we’ve compiled our top guide to visit santa venues in Ireland. You will know some but we hope you discover some new names that help make your day out. Don’t forget to come back and comment about how you got on and what you thoughts were as your comments are important to us and other readers and help to shape our guide each year.

Visit Santa Carlow

Chocolate Garden Of Ireland Elf Workshop

 

This Christmas, you can join in with the elves in a magical, fun-filled chocolate-making workshop at The Chocolate Garden of Ireland Elf Workshop Carlow.  It is an interactive workshop with a live link with the North Pole, in contact with both the Elf Workshop there and a live link with Santa himself who will address the boys and girls personally – but only if they are on the good list!

Roll up your sleeves and make and decorate a chocolate moulded Christmas figure to take home; decorate a large chocolate bar, maybe for Santa… And there’ll be lots of tastings and chocolate fun in between. To finish off, enjoy a warm drink of spiced apple.  Trainee Elves will receive a Certificate.

 

Christmas at Rancho Reilly

Christmas at Rancho Reilly Carlow sees the farm transformed into a sparkling Santa village. The farm comes alive with a wonderful festive atmosphere and the scent of pine and log burning stoves fill the air. When you arrive you are taken into the Elves Workshop where the bubbly Elves will help you make a special decoration for your tree, paint your face like Rudolph and then make sure you have fun letting Santa know you are on the way to see him!

Then it’s time to jump on board the Rancho Reilly Magical Musical Christmas Carriage! Grab an instrument, play and sing along to your hearts content as you enjoy your trip over to Santa’s Log Cabins where Santa and some of his Elves and Reindeer will be waiting for you!

 

Rathwood Santa Train

Join in the Christmas story with Mrs. Clause and Trixie the Elf Take a magical journey on board the Rathwood Santa Train Watch out for Rudolph and the other Reindeer along the way

Walk through the enchanted Forest that leads to Santa’s Woodland home Each family will meet Santa individually & each child will get a special gift from Santa Post your letter in Santa’s official Post Box FREE Hot Chocolate & Rathwood Activity Book for every Child booked in to visit Santa For the Big Kids: 20% OFF Christmas Items in the Christmas shop (T&C)

Visit Santa Cork

Fota Beyond at Fota Island Resort

Running from 25th November to 23rd December, visitors are in for a real treat on the grounds of Fota Island Resort this Christmas. Now in its fifth year, the gorgeous woodlands at Fota Island Resort are set to be transformed into an exciting and magical Christmas experience for the whole family. The details of the Christmas experience are a surprise but guests can expect plenty of festive magic, snowy surprises and yuletide cheer as they find the magic hidden deep within the woods at Fota Island Resort. Expect to go deep underground with the elves. There are lots of new characters to guide you on your way. Expect to be entertained for 1 hour to 1,5 hours.

 

Santa Experience Cork

Traveling through 4 fun filled festive rooms meeting elves, reindeer, polar bears and maybe even getting to ride in Santa’s Sleigh on your way to meet the big man himself.

One of the keys attractions besides the post office, sleigh and Santa’s log cabin is the option to book ahead to secure a specific time (within 30mins) and date. This allows people to plan their day and get the date they want.

A professional photographer is on site to capture that magical moment. All photographs come in a professional 8×10 format with black silver trim card frame and are available immediately afterwards for purchase. A digital option is also in the form of a Santa USB stick where you can have all of your photos to print as you want. The digital package also includes one printed photo.

Visit Santa Dublin

Christmas Kingdom

This December, 2 of Weston Airport’s aircraft hangars will be transformed into Christmas Kingdom; a Christmas experience for the entire family to enjoy. Entry to the Christmas Kingdom is free, the Santa Visit Experience requires a ticket, which costs €15 per child (adults go free!) The Santa Visit includes a festive train, live crib, Santa’s post box, Mrs. Clause and of course a special meeting with Santa himself with a gift for each child.

 

Santa’s Cove

The experience will be over 4,000 square feet and the website for Ireland’s ultimate Christmas event. Families will have to traverse through ‘Yuletide Valley’ to earn their place on Santa’s sleigh where the children will take the reins and treat their parents to a trip in the sky… YES, we did say in the sky!
You’ll make magic reindeer food in the ‘Stable Rooms’ and Christmas decorations in the ‘Toy Room’. Mrs. Claus will be on hand to serve hot chocolate and treats to everyone, before the children take a seat on the world’s first ‘Naughty Or Nice Machine’.
The machine comes to life when the candy cane lever is pulled and the antler helmet placed just above the child’s head. The machine will magically read the child’s thoughts to a symphony of bells, whistles and noises. A ‘Nice’ result means the machine will reward you with candy, redemption tickets PLUS a special ‘Nice Certificate’ which you can give to Santa when you meet him on your private family visit.

 

Airfield Estate Christmas Experience

Enjoy face painting and letter writing with Santa’s Elves, decorate a delicious treat in the Elves Kitchen, warm up with hot chocolate or mulled wine, get crafty and make a festive decoration and then board the Santa train and enjoy a magical trip! All of this and more at Airfield Estate Dublin. ASD Friendly Santa Visits are also available on certain dates.

 

Luggwoods Santa’s Enchanted Forest

The magical journey begins when you enter the beautiful enchanted Luggwoods forest. Wrap up warm because you are in the majestic rustic foothills of the Dublin mountains!  Before your journey to meet Santa Claus, you’ll be greeted by our fairy tale characters.  You can write your letter to Santa before you board Santa’s tractor drawn carriage which takes you to meet Santa at the Luggwoods Big Red Barn.

The Santa tractor drawn carriage takes you through the mystical Luggwoods forest with twinkling lights and history all around. The Luggwoods Elves will be your guides and will tell you the story of Luggwoods Santa’s Enchanted Forest. You even get to meet the grumpy old Grinch along the way!

As you travel through Luggwoods Santa’s Enchanted Forest you get to take in the amazing views of Dublin City and surrounding areas below. The City looks like a sea of lights twinkling below you, a great photo opportunity!

 

Santa Experience Dublin

Traveling through 4 fun filled festive rooms meeting elves, reindeer, polar bears and maybe even getting to ride in Santa’s Sleigh on your way to meet the big man himself.

One of the keys attractions besides the post office, sleigh and Santa’s log cabin is the option to book ahead to secure a specific time (within 30mins) and date. This allows people to plan their day and get the date they want.

A professional photographer is on site to capture that magical moment. All photographs come in a professional 8×10 format with black silver trim card frame and are available immediately afterwards for purchase. A digital option is also in the form of a Santa USB stick where you can have all of your photos to print as you want. The digital package also includes one printed photo.

 

The North Pole Experience

Ireland’s longest running Santa Experience is back this year at The Royal Liver Retail Park, Naas Road (Next door to Eurogiant)

Kylemore stop on the Luas Red line, Across from Mc Donalds.

 
Visit Santa at his grotto, Check out the Elf’s workshop, Sing & Dance with Mrs Claus, Bring your letter and send it by Elf express to Santa at our post box, Help light the Christmas tree, Take a Spin on The Coca Cola Trucks (Kiddie Ride), Have a snowball fight with Frosty and enjoy Bounceland Playzone.

Visit Baby Jesus in the Crib and The North Pole Candy Store

New Scenes with surprise characters from Paw Patrol!! Plus much more

 

The Ark – Tracks in the Snow

Back by popular demand this Christmas, follow the heavenly harmonies of The Henry Girls into an enchanting world of winter!

From sparkling icicles to wolves in the forest, the joy of sledding at high speed or the wonder of the Aurora Borealis on a frosty night, discover the magic and mysteries of the festive season.

And just what did make those tracks in the snow? Find out as the band’s playful humour and trademark folk and trad melodies celebrate some of the things we love to see and do when the world turns white.

Tracks in the Snow was commissioned and produced by The Ark as part of our work to create high-quality live music experiences crafted especially for young audiences. The show premiered at The Ark in Dec 2015.

 

Winter Funderland

*** OPEN ALMOST DAILY from 14th December 2017 *** Funderland at the RDS has been part of Christmas in Dublin for over 40 years. It has been said that Funderland is an annual appointment for thousands of families. We do not open on Christmas Day and close early on both Christmas Eve (6pm) and New Year’s Eve (8pm). 

This year’s Funderland is part of the Winter Funderland, and will present the best thrill rides and family attractions in the European fairground including attractions direct from Germany. Funderland comprises of almost 3 acres of attractions housed inside the Simmonscourt Pavilion with many more located in the complex outside.

 

Newbridge House and Farm

Come and visit Santa at his Holiday house at Newbridge House and Farm. See where Mr and Mrs Claus enjoy thier Christmas Dinner with the elves.
Santas Elves and Helpers  will bring you down to Santa who will have a present for all children,. Then you can head out to have some festive fun on the traditional farm. A magical experience for all the family. 
Starting on the 10th and 11th Dec 
Then everyday from Saturday   17th Dec until 23rd Dec 

 

Visit Santa Kildare

Santa’s House Express

Santa’s House Express is back for 2017 at the 5* Palmerstown House Estate this Christmas for its 4th year running – bringing you a bigger & better premium Santa experience! 

2017 will have many new attractions, we look forward to showing off our all new themed rooms, introducing you to our special guests ‘The Smurfs’ who will be entertaining you and posing for photos in the ‘Smurftastic Theatre’ area. Be sure to visit our new Enchanted Fairy Forest and extended Carnival play area. Our popular highlights from previous years such as the Santa Express Train journey, Santa’s Magical Manor home with Mrs Claus & the elves & much more will remain for all to enjoy!

 

Christmas at Lullymore Heritage & Discovery Park

Visit to Santa and gift from Elves in workshop Festive Train trip – Our Road Train will take you on a magical trip through ancient woodlands, glassy lakes and a beautiful peatland landscape. Elf Hologram in New Stone Age House in woodland. Christmas Fairy Hologram in old style thatched cottage. Illuminated walkway through woodland. Visit the Crib scene in the old style thatched cottage. Animals such as donkeys, goats and miniature horses will be in paddocks beside centre. Illuminated Fairy Bower visit Arrival of Santa and his friends by Road Train – Welcome Santa and the gang and meet and greet them all on their arrival!

Funky Forest becomes a Winter Wonderland. Fun with the elves in Funky Forest Indoor Centre and make sure to post your letter to Santa.

Visit Santa Kilkenny

Castlecomer Discovery Park

All aboard for the Santa Express! Santa, Mrs. Claus and the Elves are waiting, so arrive on time to collect your tickets and be waiting at the Santa Express Train Station. Hop on board The Santa Express and make your way to Santa’s magical Christmas Village in the heart of Castlecomer Discovery Park’s woodland.

The Santa Express will take you on an enchanted journey to the heart of the elf village.  Wrap up warm because the elves will want to spend some time with you. Join in the Elf Art Workshops before getting to see the man himself, the elves love to see new creations from children as they plan and make billions of Christmas toys and decorations for the festive season.

Visit Santa Limerick

  Stonehall Visitor Farm

 

You will arrive at Stonehall Visitor Farm Limerick and see the array of magical lights, check in with your reference number at the check in desk.

Adults will receive Tea/Coffee/Mulled Wine and a mince pie.

You will proceed to the play area and the Children will play in the play area, while you wait your turn to meet Santa in his Grotto.

You will meet the small animals and array of Birds on your way into the Grotto all decorated for the festive season.

You will wait in the magical waiting room for the big man to tell him all your news and wishes before entering

After seeing Santa you can go to see his larger animals in the stables.

 

Santa Experience Limerick

Traveling through 4 fun filled festive rooms meeting elves, reindeer, polar bears and maybe even getting to ride in Santa’s Sleigh on your way to meet the big man himself.

One of the keys attractions besides the post office, sleigh and Santa’s log cabin is the option to book ahead to secure a specific time (within 30mins) and date. This allows people to plan their day and get the date they want.

A professional photographer is on site to capture that magical moment. All photographs come in a professional 8×10 format with black silver trim card frame and are available immediately afterwards for purchase. A digital option is also in the form of a Santa USB stick where you can have all of your photos to print as you want. The digital package also includes one printed photo.

 

Christmas in Dreamland

 

Visit Santa Meath

Christmas at Red Mountain Open Farm

The Christmas Experience @ Red Mountain Open Farm will run on the following dates:

Saturday 2nd and Sunday 3rd December, Saturday 9th and Sunday 10th December, Saturday 16th and Sunday 17th December, and Saturday 23rd of December

Your booking time is only for your visit to Santa, you are welcome to stay at Red Mountain as long as you wish to enjoy all the activities.

All Christmas activities are under one roof, so regardless of the weather , you’re guaranteed to have a good time!

 

Tayto Park

A little bit of the North Pole will be coming to Tayto Park, and Santa is hoping to see all of you there in plenty of time to tell him what you would like for Christmas.

Included in your Tayto Park Entry…
Each family will meet Santa individually and each child will get a special gift
Entry To the Eagles Nest Adventure Zone * 8 Activities
Experience the 5D Christmas movie
Hop on board the train to visit Santa’s Grotto
Enjoy Christmas themed arts/crafts and face painting

Visit Santa Monaghan

Santa Lodge at Nuremore Hotel

A Magical Christmas Experience for all the Family

• Write a personal letter to Santa
• Playtime in the Elf Funhouse
• Meet Mrs. Claus for Storytime
• Enjoy a Singalong with the Elves
• Hot Chocolate & Juice &
• Meet Santa and receive a Christmas Gift
• Sensory Santa Experience All the Magic of Santa Lodge with a few adjustments to make the experience more Sensory Friendly with a relaxed, calm atmosphere and a Team that understands your special requirements…. Please contact us to discuss your requirements at time of booking.

Visit Santa Roscommon

Glendeer Pet Farm

Ireland’s Lapland has something for everyone, young & old alike. The children get their little bag of food to feed the animals as they make their way over to see Santa, have a chat with him & receive a gift & adults can treat themselves to fresh coffee/cappucino & homemade snacks in the warm surroundings of the cosy coffee shop.

Glendeer is transformed into Ireland’s Lapland for the month of December, starting with Santa’s arrival by horse drawn sleigh @ 5pm on Sat 2nd Dec. He is here everyday from the 2nd – 23rd of December with his deer Dancer and Prancer.

Reflect at the crib with a live cow and donkey, soak up the magical, festive atmosphere surrounded by thousands of twinkling lights & lots of Christmas scenes including our winter wonderland.

Visit Santa Wexford

Kia Ora Mini Farm

Santa is delighted to announce his return to the Winter Wonderland that is Kia Ora Mini Farm. Come visit the animals, see Santa’s cosy home and view in amazement our Magical Musical Light Show.

Admission: €18 per child, €10 for small babies who are not yet able to walk (if want a present – if not they are free) and €8 per adult. NO BOOKING REQUIRED
Each good child will receive an “I’m on the Good List” Key from Santa, which will give them access to our fantastic new present room where they can pick their own unwrapped present from our large range.

Visit Santa Wicklow

Santa’s Journey

  Festina Lente

There are a few days before Christmas where parents may still need to do shopping, do their big food shop or check in with Santa that he is ready for Christmas Eve so why not drop your kids to Festina Lente!

They are running Festive Themed Workshops for Children on Saturday 16th, Sunday 17th and Saturday 23rd December 2017 where kids will do festive arts and crafts.

The workshops will run from 11am-3pm on these days under the supervision of Garda vetted staff. They cater for age 5 years old and up.

The cost is €25 per child for each workshop.