THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11
SANTA AND HIS ELVES Powerscourt House 9.30 a.m. to 5.30 p.m. Cost: €10 per child (adults go free). COFFEE AND CRAFTS St John’s Church, Cloughleagh
10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The whole community is invited along to this special fundraiser in aid of the St Mary’s Organ Restoration
Fund. CHRISTMAS STABLES Powerscourt Garden Pavilion Stables 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Adults and children of all ages are welcome to pay a visit the stables, which is free of charge.
THE FOREST TRAIN Avondale House and Forest Park 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Take a magical trip on The Forest Train to visit Santa and his hardworking elves in his toy workshop, deep in the woods at Avondale. Once you’ve reached the workshop, Santa will call each family to see him. Tickets, which must be booked online at www.theforesttrain.ie cost €15 for children, €10 for adults and €5 for babies (0-12 months). CHRISTMAS TASTES, THEMES AND TOURS Russborough House 1 p.m. and 2 p.m.
Tickets: €10.
CHRISTMAS ISLAND Hidden Valley Holiday Park, Rathdrum 1 p.m. to 8.30 p.m. Tickets, which must be booked in advance at www.christmasisland.ie, cost €15 per child and €12 per adult.
A CHRISTMAS CINDERELLA Mermaid Arts Centre 7.30 p.m. Performers Theatre School returns to the Mermaid with their production of Cinderella with a Christmas twist. There will be lots of audience participation and singing as these wonderfully talented students, aged from three years and over, take to the stage. Tickets: €15 (concession €12) or €45 for a family. CHRISTMAS DELIGHTS Inisfail at Germaines 8 p.m. This fundraising night for the Lalor Centre in Baltinglass boasts a something for all. The event will open with a performance by Anita Russell’s Baltinglass Youth Choir and will be followed by a demonstration by Lorraine from the award-winning Daisy Cottage Farm. Lillian and Innes from Daisy a Day will bring the curtain down on this festive fundraiser. Doors open at 7 p.m. to allow time to browse the festive stalls. Tickets, which are available from Pauline on (087) 6732156, cost €10.
CAROLS BY CANDLELIGHT Arklow Parish Church 8 p.m. Arklow choir Cruinniu hosts this magical festive concert in aid of the ‘Wheels of Darragh’ fund. They will be joined by the Arklow Shipping Silver Band, Take Note-Male Choral Group, St Michael GNS School Choir and soloist Elizabeth Byrne. Admission by donation of €5.
TRIPLE A ALLIANCE PARTY Summervilles of Greystones 8 p.m. A cosy evening of relaxed festive fun is guaranteed at the Triple A Alliance Christmas party. Among those enjoying some finger food, a glass of wine and a sweet treat on the night will be the group’s founder, Minister Simon Harris. Tickets: €15.