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Eight winter activities to do around Ireland

Are you in search of some festive magic for the coming weeks? We have compiled a list of our favourite events for the Christmas season this year.

Spend extra time with family and friends this year at our top 6 Christmas events this holiday season.

Fota House, Cork: The Magic of Winter

Pic: Andres Poveda

In Cork, The Magic of Winter is transforming Fota House and Gardens into a mesmerising Christmas evening out. The wonderland will be lit up with large illuminated sculptures of arctic animals, meadows of glowing winter flowers, and an enchanting frozen forest. The stunning projection mapping onto Fota House will be the main event of the night.

The event is taking place up until January 4th. Alpine Food & Drinks Villages and Marshmallow Toasting Stations, will also be available to enjoy. Wonderlights 2024 will start this November, tickets are on sale now with prices starting from €15 and €19.50 for standard tickets.

Wild Lights at Dublin Zoo

Wild Lights at Dublin Zoo is beginning on Thursday, 24th October. Wild Lights is a magical immersive experience, perfect for friends and family members to come together and create unforgettable memories as they ‘Journey Through Time’ together which is this year’s theme for the lights.

The award-winning event will be an enjoyable event for all ages. Limited tickets are available for this very popular festive activity so make sure to get a booking to avoid disappointment.

Santa Claus is Coming to… Douglas Village Shopping

At 12 PM this Saturday, November 23rd, Santa Claus will arrive at Douglas Village Shopping Centre. All are welcome to join the excitement of the day and experience this enchanting, high-end Nordic-inspired Santa visit, in association with TS Events. The shopping centre is transforming into a winter wonderland with a miniature village, a Christmas tree, and a festive market where you can enjoy seasonal treats!

Ticket pricing: Adults: €6.50, Babies aged 0-12 months: €6 (without gift) or €17 (with gift), Children aged 13 months and above: €17 (with gift), and Pre-paid Photo Print is €15. Optional extras such as photo prints and festive treats will also be available.

Coca-Cola Christmas Truck Tour

This year, the Coca-Cola Christmas Truck will be located in four different spots around Ireland: Dublin, Belfast, Cork, and Limerick. Attendees will be able to enjoy the festive activities while getting to experience the iconic festive truck with their loved ones.

● Saturday 30th November: Blanchardstown Shopping Centre, Dublin (2 pm – 9 pm)

● Sunday 1st December: Custom House Square, Belfast (2 pm – 9 pm)

● Saturday 7th December: Mahon Point Shopping Centre, Cork (2 pm – 9 pm)

● Sunday 8th December: Crescent Shopping Centre, Limerick (2 pm – 9 pm)

Santa’s House Express 2024: Experience the Enchantment of Christmas with New Surprises

From the team behind Follow Fox Events, Ireland’s beloved Christmas celebration, Santa’s House Express, returns for its 11th season at the picturesque Palmerstown House Estate in Johnstown, Naas, County Kildare. Running on select dates from November 22nd to December 23rd, 2024, this year’s event promises even more magic, with fresh features and unforgettable moments that the whole family will treasure.

As you enter Palmerstown House Estate, you’ll be welcomed by a spectacular display of twinkling lights and festive cheer for a truly magical experience. After checking in, families will board the Santa’s House Express train, where the journey begins, filled with enchanting sights and sounds that build excitement for the holiday adventure ahead.

The train ride takes you through the estate’s scenic grounds and leads straight to Santa’s Manor, the heart of the Christmas celebration. Mrs. Claus will greet you, sharing her favourite holiday stories and serving festive treats.

The highlight of your visit will be meeting Santa Claus. This year, each child will receive a gift from Santa!

Waterford Winterval

This year from the 15th of November to the 23rd of December Winterval in Waterford City will be making its annual return. The whole family can enjoy the Glenveagh Christmas Markets with a range of festive treats and local crafts.

Other festive activities and over 60 events will be available over the coming weeks such as Ice Skating, a Ferris wheel and the Mini Express Train. It’s a Christmas festival not to be missed!

Bow Street Sessions

Sometimes you just need a break from the kids and meet up with old friends and new.

Jameson Distillery Bow St. becomes, not only the home of Ireland’s most iconic whiskey, but the true home of Christmas spirit. Nestled amidst the cobblestones of Smithfield, the iconic doors at Bow St. are open and ready to welcome visitors to sip, shop and gather in the comfort and warmth of the original distillery buildings. Enjoy seasonally crafted cocktails and browse for one-of-a-kind whiskey gifts for under the tree.

From mid-November, well-known DJs from across Dublin will lend a merry soundtrack to Friday evenings, with Bow St. Sessions setting the tone for festive gatherings with friends and family.

Christmas at Dublin Castle

The magical Christmas Market will run from 28 November to 18 December. This festive celebration will transform Dublin Castle’s historic grounds into a winter wonderland filled with seasonal delights for all ages.

This year’s event features a unique boutique open-air Christmas Market with a wide variety of festive offerings. Operating daily from midday until 21.00, this free ticketless event promises a host of activities set against the backdrop of one of Dublin’s most iconic landmarks.

Visitors can stroll through the beautifully decorated courtyard, where traditional market stalls offer handcrafted decorations, unique gifts, and seasonal crafts. Artisanal food producers will provide mouth-watering seasonal treats, perfect for indulging in the flavours of the holidays.

Find out more here.

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