WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 21
CHRISTMAS STABLES Powerscourt Garden Pavillion 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Make the most of your family time and bring the children along to see Santa’s animals at Powerscourt Garden Pavilion. Kids will love the chance to meet some farm animals right up close including Santa’s deer, pygmy goats, miniature donkeys, rabbits and guinea pigs. Children of all ages and adults alike will enjoy a visit to the stables, which is free of charge. CHRISTMAS ISLAND Hidden Valley Holiday Park, Rathdrum From 11.30 a.m. Take a trip on The North Pole Express and visit Christmas Island to meet Mrs. Claus, make a Christmas decoration, get a family photo taken in Santa’s giant sleigh and have fun with the elves. After than, it’s off on Santa’s giant sleigh boat to see the big man himself in Santa’s Grotto. All children will receive a gift. Most visits take approximately twoand-a-half hours. Tickets: €17.50 per child and €13.50 per adult (extremely limited). SANTA’S GROTTO Bridgewater Shopping Centre Noon to 5 p.m. While getting to grips with your Christmas shopping, take some time to let the kids visit Santa and tell him what’s on their festive wish-list. Visits are free. CHRISTMAS PAGEANT Rathdrum Church 1 p.m. The Boys National School in Rathdrum will be reflecting the true meaning of Christmas as they present their Christmas Pageant in Rathdrum Church. KILLRUDDERY FARM MARKET Killruddery House 1 a.m. to 8 p.m. Scrumptious seasonal fun. Christmas trees, turkeys, ham, gifts and crafts. Hot foods, homemade Christmas cakes and puddings. Free parking and entry. LAKESHORE WONDERLAND Avon Rí, Blessington From 3 p.m. to 6.30 p.m. The North Pole has returned to the lakeshore, with Santa and his magical Christmas characters back for another year. From the smallest to the biggest elf, there’s something for everyone in the family. Tickets: €18 per child and €5 per adult (limited availability). THE FOREST TRAIN Avondale House and Forest Park 4 p.m. to 7.30 p.m. Take a magical trip to visit Santa and his elves in his workshop deep in the forest. When the train reaches its destination, Noodle the lazy elf will lead all the families into the workshop there will be plenty of fun, songs and dancing while they wait to see Santa. Every child will receive a wooden themed gift and can get a special photo taken with the big man in red. The experience lasts approximately an hour. Tickets: €15 children, €5 babies (0-12 months) and €10 adults. WINTER FAIR AND DANCE EVENING North Wicklow Educate Together Secondary School, Putland Road, Bray From 5.30 p.m. From 5.30 p.m. there will be a fair full of stalls selling clothes, books, candy, and more, then at 6.30 p.m. the dance show will begin. Students were given the task of picking a country and creating a dance based on that country. THE SANTA CLAUS Mermaid Arts Centre 7 p.m. Scott Calvin (Tim Allen), a divorced advertising executive, takes over from Santa. Tickets €8 or €6.50. CAROLS BY CANDLELIGHT Calary Church 7.30 p.m. With Christmas just around the corner, what a perfect time to enjoy some festive carols by candlelight at Calary Church. Afterwards, there will be refreshments in the church room.