FRIDAY, DECEMBER 12
FESTIVE CAKE AND CRAFT SALE Holy Rosary School, Wicklow town 9.30 a.m. to 12 noon The parents association invite you to nibble on a mince pie before you explore the wonderful selection of locally-made Christmas crafts on offer at this annual fundraiser. The stalls will boast a wide selection of potential Christmas gifts, including jew- ellery, personalised chocolate bars, scented candles and floral baskets – not to mention the cake table heaving with delicious treats.
SANTA AND HIS ELVES Powerscourt House 9.30 a.m. to 5.30 p.m.
Cost: €10 per child (adults go free).
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. 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 CRAFT FAYRE Blessington No.1 School 11 a.m. Christmas crafts and gift ideas are the name of the game at this seasonal sale. Come browse the stalls and enjoy some festive cakes and seasonal treats.
CHRISTMAS ISLAND Hidden Valley Holiday Park, Rathdrum 11 a.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. CHRISTMAS TASTES, THEMES AND TOURS Russborough House 1 p.m. and 2 p.m.
Tickets: €10.
LAKESHORE WONDERLAND Avon Ri, Blessington 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. The North Pole comes to the lake’s shore in this winter wonderland at the Avon Ri. Along with visiting Santa, kids can have a go on the Elf zipline, take Santa’s Avon Ri Christmas Trail Quiz, visit the magic wishing stone, enjoy some Christmas family movies and visit the animals in the pet farm. This is both an indoor and outdoor event. Admission for children (one adult goes free, additional adults pay €5) is €18 and includes a visit to Santa, a gift and hot chocolate.
AVOCA CHRISTMAS LIGHTS Avoca village 6 p.m. Enjoy some mulled wine and mince pies and rub shoulders with guest of honour, Santa, as the village gets the festive mood in full swing and switches on the lights on the tree in the park and street.
SING YE ALL NOEL All Saints Church, Carnew 7.30 p.m. The talented students of Colaiste Bhride present their annual festive concert ‘Sing Ye All Noel’, which is packed with music and song, in the All Saints Church. Tickets, which are available from the school and the performers, cost €5.
A CHRISTMAS CINDERELLA Mermaid Arts Centre 7.30 p.m. Tickets: €15 (concession €12) or €45 for a family.
CAROL SERVICE St Joseph’s Church, Baltinglass 8 p.m. An enchanting evening is on the cards as the West Wicklow Choral Society team up with an 18-piece orchestra for this very special carol service. There will be a draw held on the night while donations at the door are welcome, as proceeds will be donated to the Lion’s Club Christmas Appeal.
A BLUESY CHRISTMAS The Hot Spot Music Club Greystones 9 p.m. Well-knownBrian Meakin talentedand Dermot blues Byrne musicians,take to
the stage together. With his slide guitar and harmonica, Dermot’s interpretation of roots and blues music has been highly acclaimed in the music press while Brian Meakin is one of Ireland’s finest blues guitarists and a critically acclaimed blues rock musician. Tickets €6 in advance or €8 on the door.