CO WI CK LOW CHRISTMAS WHAT’ S ON
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 20
CHRISTMAS STABLES
Children will love the chance to meet some of Santa’s animals, including Santa’s deer, pygmy goats, minature donkeys, rabbits and guinea pigs, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Powerscourt Garden Pavilion. A visit to the stables is free of charge.
ELF
Greystones Film Club presents the delightful and sentimental ‘Elf’ at the Whale Theatre at 4.30 p.m. Will Ferrell has rarely been better as unlikely elf Buddy, who is taking the long walk from the North Pole to find his birth father. Tickets cost €10 and are available from the Whale.
SWAN LAKE
Ballet Ireland brings its national tour of the most famous ballet to the Mermaid Arts Centre at 7 p.m. Swan Lake is one of the great love stories of classical ballet and combines classical technique and ethereal imagery with Tchaikovsky’s majestic score. Tickets cost €25/€23 or €84 for a family ticket and are available from the Mermaid.
SEASON OF LOVE
The senior students of Studio 55 present ‘Season of Love’, a festive musical theatre showcase, in aid of Arklow Community Action Resource Centre. The show begins at 7.30 p.m. at Studio 55 in the Bridgewater Shopping Centre. Tickets cost €10.
CHRISTMAS CONCERT
West Wicklow Voices will host a wonderful evening of festive, choral music at St Mary’s Church of Ireland in Baltinglass from 7.30 p.m. Tickets will be available on the door and cost €10 for adults and €5 for children.
CANDLELIGHT CAROLS
Calary Church will host a carol service by candlelight at 7.30 p.m. The collection on the night will be divided between Tiglin Ashford and the Simon Community.
LOVE ACTUALLY
Greystones Film Club presents the seasonal favourite ‘Love Actually’ at 8 p.m. in the Whale Theatre. The film follows the loves and losses of a number of characters as their stories criss-cross and culminate in a sentimential scene in airport arrivals. Tickets cost €10 and are available from the Whale.
CHRISTMAS JUMPER NIGHT
The Scoil Aodán Naofa Parents Council will host a Christmas jumper night at 9 p.m. in McCreas Bar in Carnew. Entry will be €5 per person and all proceeds will be used to fund interactive whiteboards for the school.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 21
SANTA DASH
Arklow Christmas Festival has teamed up with Inbhear Mor AC to host a Santa Dash at the Arklow Duck Pond at 9.30 a.m. People are encouraged to dress in festive gear to add to the Christmas spirit and to soak up the atmosphere as they walk, run or jog for one mile with family and friends around the Duck Pond.
CHRISTMAS STABLES
Children will love the chance to meet some of Santa’s animals, including Santa’s deer, pygmy goats, miniature donkeys, rabbits and guinea pigs, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Powerscourt Garden Pavilion. A visit to the stables is free of charge.
BOATYARD CHRISTMAS MARKET
Head on down to the Boatyard Market in Greystones for some festive gift inspiration from noon to 5 p.m. This year’s market will be in support of Greystones Tidy Towns’ new sensory garden.
MUPPETS CHRISTMAS CAROL
Greystones Film Club presents the Muppets take on a Dickens’ classic at 1 p.m. in the Whale Theatre. Kermit, Gonzo and friends put a fresh spin on the tale of Ebenezer Scrooge and his encounters with the ghosts of Christmas past, present and future. Tickets cost €10 and are available from the Whale.
A NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS
What’s this? What’s this? Why, it’s Greystones Film Club presenting The Nightmare Before Christmas in the Whale Theatre at 4.30 p.m. When Jack Skellington, the pumpkin king, takes a shine to Christmas, chaos ensues but will there be time to put things right before Christmas Day. Tickets cost €10 and are available from the Whale.
SWAN LAKE
Ballet Ireland brings its national tour of the most famous ballet to the Mermaid Arts Centre at 7 p.m. Swan Lake is one of the great love stories of classical ballet and combines classical technique and ethereal imagery with Tchaikovsky’s majestic score. Tickets cost €25/€23 or €84 for a family ticket and are available from the Mermaid.
SEASON OF LOVE
The senior students of Studio 55 present ‘Season of Love’, a festive musical theatre showcase, in aid of Arklow Community Action Resource Centre. The show begins at 7.30 p.m. at Studio 55 in the Bridgewater Shopping Centre. Tickets cost €10.
IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE
Greystones Film Club brings its series of festive classics to a close with one of the biggest ones of all, as it screens ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ at the Whale Theatre at 8 p.m. Released in 1946, it remains as touching, relevant and captivating as ever and reminds the audience of what’s really important at Christmas time. Tickets cost €10 and are available from the Whale.
SINGING SANTY’S
Wicklow Singing Santas will be taking to the streets again this Christmas to raise valuable funds for Wicklow Meals on Wheels. The melodious group will be doing a tour of the pubs in Wicklow town from around 9 p.m. and are urging people to give generously. They have been fundraising for the Meals on Wheels for the past 34 years.
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 22
CHRISTMAS STABLES
Children will love the chance to meet some of Santa’s animals, including Santa’s deer, pygmy goats, miniature donkeys, rabbits and guinea pigs, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Powerscourt Garden Pavilion. A visit to the stables is free of charge.
CHRISTMAS NATURE WALK
Step away from the Christmas rush and get back to nature with this gentle stroll at 11 a.m. from the information office at the Upper Lake in Glendalough. Walkers will explore the symbols of Christmas, from robins and wrens, to holly and ivy, and, of course, the Christmas tree. Suitable for adults and older children, this is a free event but booking is essential by calling 0404 45425.
BOATYARD CHRISTMAS MARKET
Head on down to the Boatyard Market in Greystones for some festive gift inspiration from noon to 5 p.m. Santa will visit to meet some of the local children between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. This year’s market will be in support of Greystones Tidy Towns’ new sensory garden.
BAUBLES AND BATONS
Greystones Baton Twirlers will presnt their annual show, ‘Baubles and Batons’, at 2 p.m. in the Shoreline Greystones. There will also be a monster hamper raffle, stand up/sit down bingo and much more. Tickets cost €5. For more information, call 086 3279113.
SWAN LAKE
Ballet Ireland brings its national tour of the most famous ballet to the Mermaid Arts Centre at 2.30 p.m. Swan Lake is one of the great love stories of classical ballet and combines classical technique and ethereal imagery with Tchaikovsky’s majestic score. Tickets cost €25/€23 or €84 for a family ticket and are available from the Mermaid.
MONDAY, DECEMBER 23
CHRISTMAS STABLES
Children will love the chance to meet some of Santa’s animals, including Santa’s deer, pygmy goats, miniature donkeys, rabbits and guinea pigs, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Powerscourt Garden Pavilion. A visit to the stables is free of charge.
CHRISTMAS MOVIE
Arklow Library will show a Christmas movie suitable for toddlers and young children aged up to seven at 10 a.m. For further information, call the Library on 0402 39977.
CHRISTMAS MOVIE
Arklow Library will show a Christmas movie suitable for children aged from six years old at 3 p.m. For further information, call the Library on 0402 39977.
GREMLINS
The classic creature comedy horror ‘Gremlins’ comes to the Mermaid Arts Centre at 7 p.m. When Billy Peltzer is given the cute and friendly little Mogwai, Gizmo, for Christmas, he is told never to expose it to bright light, get it wet or feed it after midnight. And when a glass of water is accidentally spilled over little Gizmo, Billy soon finds out why. Tickets cost €8/€6.50 and are available from the Mermaid.
ST STEPHEN’S DAY
STREETS OF WICKLOW RUN
The Inbhear Dee Athletics Club Streets of Wicklow 5k road race at 11 a.m. Online registration is open now at register.primoevents.com and costs €15 for adults, €8 for juveniles or €50 for families. On the day entry will cost €20 for adults, €10 for juveniles and €65 for families. Numbers can be collected from East Glendalough School from 9.45 a.m. on the day. There will also be a onemile kids race at 10.30 a.m. Entry is €3 and can be paid on the day.
ANNUAL CHARITY SWIM
The tenth annual charity swim in aid of St Vincent’s Foundation will take place at noon at South Beach, Arklow. Organised by Eamonn and Mary Burke, the event has raised over €55,000 to date. For sponsorship cards, call Mary on 087 92590504.
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 27
FROSTED
Arklow Pantomine Creations present ‘Frosted’, the tale of the bond between two sisters, at the Coral Leisure Centre at 7 p.m. Tickets cost €15/€10. To book, call 087 1132137.
PHELIM AND THE DREW HOUSE BAND
Celebrating the music that he grew up on, and reinterpreting the songs of his late father Ronnie, Phelim brings a Drew house session to the Whale Theatre at 8 p.m. Having established himself as one of the country’s most in-demand actors and voice-over artists, Phelim Drew has always held a special place in his heart for music. Tickets cost €24/€22 and are available from the Whale.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 28
FROSTED
Arklow Pantomine Creations present ‘Frosted’, the tale of the bond between two sisters, at the Coral Leisure Centre at 2p.m. and 7 p.m. Tickets cost €15/€10. To book, call 087 1132137.
NIGHTS ON BROADWAY
Nights on Broadway: the Bees Gees Story comes to the Parkview
Hotel in Newmountkennedy. The audience can choose from dinner and the show for €45 (doors at 7.30 p.m.) or the show only for €22.50 (doors at 9.30 p.m.). Tickets are available from the hotel reception.
PHELIM AND THE DREW HOUSE BAND
Celebrating the music that he grew up on, and reinterpreting the songs of his late father Ronnie, Phelim brings a Drew house session to the Whale Theatre at 8 p.m. Tickets cost €24/€22 and are available from the Whale.
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 29 GOODBYE 2019
Bray Vintage Car Club will bid farewell to 2019 with one last spin. Participants will meet at 10 a.m. at Bray seafront before heading out on a run and finishing somewhere for lunch. A fee of €5 will apply for non-club members.
FROSTED
Arklow Pantomine Creations present ‘Frosted’, the tale of the bond between two sisters, at the Coral Leisure Centre at 7 p.m. Tickets cost €15/€10. To book, call 087 1132137.
MONDAY, DECEMBER 30
JOE DALY MAGIC SHOW
Joe Daly brings his children’s comedy, magic and illusionn show to the Whale Theatre at 1 p.m. and 3.30 p.m. The show is suitable for children aged four to twelve years and Joe will bring them on a rollercoaster of fun. Tickets cost €12.50 or €40 for a family of four(at least two children).
NEW YEAR’S EVE 5RHYTHMS NEW YEAR’S EVE SESSION
5Rhythms will present a dynamic show at the Whale Theatre from 8 p.m. The night will be divided into three parts: from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. there will be a 5Rhythms movement and dance meditation practice; there will be a break for refreshments from 10 p.m. to 11 p.m.; and finally there will be a DJ set from 11 p.m. to 12.30 a.m. This is an alcohol-free event. Tickets cost €25 and are available from the Whale.
NEW YEAR’S DAY
BRAY CHARITIES SEA SWIM
Brrrr-ave souls will take to the water at noon for the annual Bray Charities Sea Swim. Starting from the Esplanade Hotel, the event is run by Bray Lions Club and, this year, will be in aid of Wicklow Rapid Response, Bray Women’s Refuge, Bray Area Rough Sleepers Support (BARSS) and Bray Lions Club Senior Citizens/Carers Support.
TINAHELY GOAL MILE
The sixth Tinahely GOAL Mile will take place at noon, starting and finishing at Murphy’s Hotel. The family event is open to all and helps raise funds for GOAL’s work globally. Refreshments will be served afterwards at Murphy’s Hotel. Donations will be welcome on the day or can be made at https:// give.everydayhero.com/ie/tinahely-goal-mile