FRIDAY, DECEMBER 23

CHRISTMAS STABLES Powerscourt Garden Pavillion 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Children of all ages and adults alike will enjoy a visit to the stables, which is free of charge. CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION The Hub, Kiltegan 10 a.m. to noon Everybody is welcome to join in the festive cheer at The Hub. There will be a draw for a festive hamper and Mr Ben Elf and his team will be around for a chat. There will also be story telling and carol singing. Goodie bags and a hot chocolate will be available at a cost of €3.50 per child. CHRISTMAS ISLAND Hidden Valley Holiday Park, Rathdrum From 10.45 a.m. Most visits take approximately two-anda-half hours. Tickets: €17.50 per child and €13.50 per adult (extremely limited). THE FOREST TRAIN Avondale House and Forest Park 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. The experience lasts approximately an hour. Tickets: €15 children, €5 babies (0-12 months) and €10 adults. SANTA’S GROTTO Bridgewater Shopping Centre Noon to 5 p.m. Visits are free. SANTA AT THE BAY Arklow Bay Hotel 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Come along to Santa’s grotto for sto- rytime with the elves, a gift from Santa and hot chocolate on arrival. Admission: €7.50 per child. SANTA’S SNUG Jailers Rest, Wicklow Gaol 4.30 p.m. to 6.30 p.m. Come visit the man in red, tell him what’s on your wish-list and get a special gift. Children can also post a letter to Santa in The North Pole post box. Tickets: €10. LOCAL CHRISTMAS PARTY Lynham’s Hotel, Laragh 9 p.m. Lynham’s will be hosting a bit of a hooley for locals before Santa comes a-knocking. Festivities kick off in Jake’s Bar at 9 p.m. with music from Mr Meaner. There will be treats and a few surprises in store.