Carlow Other Christmas Activities 2026

Experience the magic of the holiday season at the Talbot Hotel Carlow with their special Santa Experience. This event offers a delightful opportunity for families to create lasting memories, including a festive breakfast with Santa himself. Immerse yourselves in the...

Discover the magic of Santa's season at the award-winning Clanard Court Hotel in County Kildare. They offer two enchanting experiences: an overnight 'Sleep Over' with a magical trail, festive banquet, and Santa's show, or a 'Dine, Show & Santa Visit'...

The Christmas Jumper Junior Parkrun is a free 2k event for juniors aged 4 to 14 at Kilkenny Countryside Park. Participants are encouraged to wear Christmas jumpers for spot prizes.

Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive in Kilkenny on the Santa Truck, with a grotto at the final stop. Donations benefit LauraLynn Children's Hospice.

Santa Claus arrives in Kilkenny by boat and through the city streets to launch Yulefest 2026 and light the Christmas tree. The Yulefest Christmas Market also opens, featuring seasonal food and artisan crafts.

Experience the magic of Santa's House Express at Palmerstown House Estate in 2026. This beloved event offers a festive journey including a train ride to Santa's Manor, a visit to the enchanting 'Merrymyst Hollow', and a personal meeting with Santa...

Winterval, Ireland's premier Christmas festival and the European City of Christmas, transforms Waterford into a magical wonderland. This expansive celebration features over 60 attractions, including live music, artisan markets, ice skating, and enchanting light displays. Visitors can meet Santa, enjoy...

Step into a world of festive enchantment at Santa's Magical Cabin. This immersive experience offers families a personal visit with Santa, where he delights each child with a one-on-one chat and a special gift. Professional family photos capture the magic,...

Experience the magic of Christmas at Croke Park with Santa's special visit! Explore the North Pole GAA Elf Dressing Rooms and test your skills in festive games. Meet Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus in their Croke Park cabin for a...

Immerse yourself in the holiday spirit at the Waterford Lions Club Christmas Carol Concert, a cherished tradition now in its 36th year. Held at the stunning Cathedral of the Most Holy Trinity, this free event features a captivating orchestral and...

Soaring above the city skyline, the Port of Waterford Eye is a magical festival landmark offering breathtaking panoramic views. Visitors can gaze upon the sparkling Winterval lights, the River Suir, and Waterford's historic streets from this iconic attraction. It's a...

The Winterval Mini Express is a road train tour through Waterford. The route passes the Christmas Market, the Port of Waterford Eye, and Winterval on Ice.

Children aged 5-12 can create and decorate holiday wreaths at free, hands-on workshops led by WAMA at the WCQ Place. All materials are provided for these beginner-friendly sessions.

Winterval's Gingerbread Making Workshop in Constitution Square allows children and families to decorate gingerbread creations. The 60-minute sessions include take-home items.

The Winterval Fairground is located in Waterford City Centre. It features classic fairground rides such as the Helter Skelter, Golden Gallopers Vintage Carousel, and a Vintage Ferris Wheel.

Christmas Churchyard Sessions is a free outdoor music event at the 15th-century French Church in Waterford. The Knockadollys play Irish and Folk music, and The Papa Zitas play 1960s Motown.

The Winterval Light Up Ceremony marks the start of the event with the Mayor and Santa Claus illuminating Waterford City. Live entertainment and music begin at 5:30 PM, leading to the countdown and switch-on at 6:00 PM.

The Snowball Stage in Constitution Square is a community hub for Winterval. It hosts local talent, including brass bands and choirs, every weekend afternoon.

The Bishop's Palace is decorated for a Victorian Christmas. Head Housekeeper Mrs. Rickards leads tours explaining Christmas traditions and local secrets.

The Barrow Princess offers 75-minute Winterval Wonderland and Santa Cruises on the River Suir, with city views and seasonal refreshments for purchase.

Local historian Julian Walton discusses the Whitfield family, prominent in Waterford since 1666, sharing anecdotes about their lives and local history.

The Elves Workshop is a family activity where children assist Santa's helpers. Activities include baking cookies, arts and crafts, and compiling Santa's list. Proceeds benefit the Irish Red Cross Waterford City Branch.

Santa's Grotto at Winterval is located in underground caverns beneath Waterford's Medieval Museum. Children meet Santa, play games, receive a gift, and families get a photograph.

A Christmas trail through Waterford's historic museums invites families to solve clues about holiday traditions. The trail starts at the Medieval Museum and offers a chance to win a prize.

Santa's Giant Disco Postbox is a tradition where letters to the North Pole can be sent. Every 30 minutes, the giant postbox transforms into a mini disco party with dancing, lights, and smoke effects for 10 minutes.

Santa's Magical Sleigh Ride is a virtual reality experience transporting guests to the North Pole for a 4D sleigh ride with visuals, motion, and sound.

A quest at City Square Shopping Centre involves finding 12 hidden Viking Elves using a map. Completed maps can be traded for a lollipop.

Winterval's Snowball Fighting takes place inside a giant inflatable dome. This indoor play experience allows participants to have a snowball fight without the cold in a warm, dry setting.

The 'Winterval Olde Worlde Choir' performs classic carols in traditional attire by candlelight. Scheduled performances and walkabouts occur throughout the evening.

Santa Claus visits Festina Lente in Bray, Co. Wicklow. Families can meet Santa in a festive atmosphere.

Bray, a coastal town, is holding a Christmas celebration with festive spirit and seasonal ambiance.

A Christmas wreath workshop at Birr Castle Demesne is led by Richard Haslam. Participants use foliage from the castle gardens to craft a wreath.

Ring in 2027 with New Year's Festival Dublin, Ireland's premier three-day New Year's celebration. Experience electrifying concerts at Dublin Castle, including the main Countdown Concert and a family-friendly Matinee. Be mesmerized by spectacular fireworks displays over Howth and Dún Laoghaire...

The Leopardstown Christmas Festival returns from December 26th to 29th, 2026, for four days of thrilling National Hunt racing. This premier event is a popular spot for post-Christmas gatherings, promising an exhilarating experience with seven Grade 1 races. Attendees can...

Journey through Rathwood's enchanted forest on the magical Rathwood Express to meet Santa and his elves. This immersive experience, brought to life by the creators of The Late Late Toy Show, features a festive train ride, a spectacular musical show,...

Experience the enchantment of Christmas in Kilkenny aboard the Yulefest Christmas Train. This beautifully decorated festive ride, led by Santa’s Chief Elf, offers a magical 20-minute journey through the city's historic streets. Enjoy a specially created 'Christmas in Kilkenny' story...

Experience the vibrant Yulefest Live Music Stage, offering free entertainment every weekend throughout the festive season. Located in the Yulefest Marquee at the heart of the Christmas Market on The Parade in Kilkenny city, it features a dynamic lineup of...

Immerse yourself in the festive spirit with a creative Christmas Wreath Workshop at Russborough. Guided by renowned florist Tracey Dennis, you'll craft a stunning, fragrant wreath using beautiful seasonal foliage from the estate. Learn professional techniques in a relaxed atmosphere...

Experience the joy of the holiday season at this special Charity Christmas Concert. This event brings together beautiful music and a spirit of giving, offering a wonderful opportunity to enjoy festive performances while supporting a worthy cause. It's a perfect...

Experience the magic of Christmas at Killruddery with a special visit from Santa Claus and his elves. This enchanting event, facilitated by Me and The Moon, includes a festive clay workshop where little ones can craft their own drawings and...

Experience the magic of the holidays by the sea with the 'Santa by the Sea' event at Shoreline Hotel. Families can enjoy a festive lunch, a lively kids' disco with face painting, and a special visit with Santa Claus himself,...

Step into the enchanting world of Elf Town Dublin for a magical Christmas experience. Families are welcomed with a map and children receive a special passport, elf hat, and name badge. Enjoy a private visit with Santa, where he shares...

Step into the Christmas spirit at Dublin's iconic Moving Crib, a beloved tradition for generations. This unique display brings the Nativity story to life with beautifully crafted scenes and charming mechanical figures. It's a heartwarming, festive experience for the whole...

Experience the magic of winter at the Alpine Skate Trail, an exciting outdoor ice skating experience located at the scenic Dún Laoghaire Harbour. This unique attraction offers a chance to glide on ice with stunning waterfront views, creating a memorable...

Winterval transforms Waterford into a festive wonderland with a spectacular Choral Trail. Experience Handel's 'Samson,' Karl Jenkins' 'The Armed Man,' and the beloved film 'Home Alone' with a live orchestral score. Enjoy free concerts, artisan markets, ice skating, and Santa's...

Join the Purple House Cancer Support Centre for their annual Christmas Candlelight Service. This special evening offers a moment of peace and reflection for individuals and families affected by cancer or bereavement. Held in the beautiful Holy Redeemer Church, it's...

The Jingle Bells Cycle is a 2km, family-friendly ride through Waterford City Centre for decorated bikes and cyclists, ending at Cathedral Square. Prizes are awarded for best decorations.