FEAST OF FESTIVE FUN FOR FAMILIES
Your guide to county’s top attractions
SANTA’S NOR TH POLE EXPERIENCE
WHERE: Wexford Quayfront
WHAT THEY SAY: Santa’s North Pole Experience will transport your family from Wexford Quay to the wonder of the North Pole, with magic and fun around every snowy corner!
You will be met by Ellie the Elf, who will lead you into the Magic Forest. Snow covered Christmas trees will glisten in the midnight moon and the glow of a Victorian gas lamp will light your path.
Coming to the end of the forest, you will see the Enchanted Gates that take you to the Elves Village. When you enter, you can see the candlelit shops and the post office where children can post their letters in Santa’s official post box. Visit the bedroom of Dozy Elf who’s always late for work! Can the kids wake her up in time?
The Elves Workshop is usually top secret but this very special visit allows you to enter and meet the Grand High Elf, who is two thousand years old! The boys and girls can play with the toys, read the books the elves have made and even help mend and make the toys. They may even be made Honorary Elves!
Patch the Elf will then bring families, individually, to meet and receive a gift from the one and only – Santa Claus!
There will be plenty of opportunities to take your own photos, and there will also be a professional photographer taking photos that you can purchase.
Santa’s North Pole Sensory Sessions will take place Saturday’s between 10-11am. During these sessions Santa will also be able to sign for the children and parents with hearing impediments WHEN: Daily until December 23 PRICING: Children aged 3 – 12, €17; toddlers aged 1 – 2, € 8.50, Under 12 months, free; Adults, €8.50. Children & toddler tickets include a gift from Santa Claus. Under 12 months tickets do not include a gift. You can book a toddler ticket for a baby if you wish. *Book Santa’s North Pole Experience and the Christmas Express tickets at the same time to avail of a discount.
BOOKING: wexfordwinterland.com
THE CHR ISTMAS EXPR ESS
WHERE: Starts at the Bull Ring, Wexford WHAT THEY SAY: All aboard the Christmas Express at the Bullring, Wexford where your little ones will enjoy a truly festive experience seeing the sights of Wexford on this magical train while listening to special Christmas tales with Ellie the Elf.
This beautifully ornate Christmas train will take in the magical lights and sounds of Wexford town at Christmas. The journey lasts about 15 minutes and will enthral kids of all ages.
WHEN: To December 23, various times. Check booking for availability.
PRICING: Tickets: child, €5 and adult, €6. *Book Santa’s North Pole Experience and the Christmas Express tickets at the same time to avail of a discount.
BOOKING: wexfordwinterland.com
SANTA VILLAGE AND TR AIN
WHERE: The Amber Springs Hotel, Gorey WHAT THEY SAY: The popular Amber Springs Santa experience now has a new Santa house in an all-new village.
A trip to Santa builds memories that last a lifetime and the experience is as fun for the adults as it is for this kids.
The Amber Springs Santa Experience lasts over an hour and includes festive time in the magical Christmas Dome, with the aromas and tastes of hot chocolate, brownies and, for mum and dad, mulled wine
Children will: hear all about the Snow Princess with story telling and picture taking; meet Mrs Claus and Santa’s team of Elves; write their letter to Santa ready to deliver to the Village Post Office; board the Amber Express for a trip to the Village; visit the Santa and Elves Village of North of Gorey Pole and pop in to each house to see the Elves hard at work; see the live crib in the heart of the village; and pay a personal visit to Santa who gives each little visitor their own present.
There will be a number of super festive special Santa Train trips per day.
Experience is an hour and partly outside – best dress up warm and wear outdoor clothing Arrive to hotel 10 minutes before train time. WHEN: Trains run daily until December 23. PRICING: €16 per child, €14 per adult. BOOKING: santatrainexperience.ie
CHR ISTMAS SANTA TR AIN
WHERE: The Village at Wheelock’s Fruit Farm, Finchogue, Enniscorthy
WHAT THEY SAY: You will be greeted by the Snow Queen who will guide you to the mystical train and the journey will begin. Travel through the winter woods on the Santa Trail to the magical Christmas tunnel. Here you will visit the post office, and meet the hard working Elves in their workshop. On the next stop have a peep at the sleeping elves who well deserve their rest. Then the main event, meet Santa Claus and tell him your Christmas wishes and receive your gift. After all that, arrive back to where Mrs Claus is serving complimentary tea, coffee, hot chocolate and homemade mince pies for all guests. Relax and enjoy the indoor Christmas Arcade.
WHEN: Until December 23 PRICING: adults, €10; children, €15.
BOOKING: thevillageatwheelocks.ie The venue also caters for group bookings during the week. Contact 053-9201900.
AN ENCHANTED CHR ISTMAS
WHERE: Johnstown Castle
WHAT THEY SAY: Be part of something really special with your family this Christmas at Johnstown Castle. On this traditional experience, every child will receive a gift from Santa Claus and there will be seasonal photo opportunities in the Castle, which has been given a festive makeover – so don’t forget to bring your camera! Pre-booking is essential. Each child will get to choose their gift from a selection.
Each paid ticket includes a free hot chocolate voucher for children and a free hot beverage voucher for adults in the cafe. If you wish to receive a gift for an infant please purchase a child ticket.
WHEN: Saturday and Sunday, December 14 and 15; Saturday and Sunday, December 21 and 22.
PRICING: child, €18; adult, €10; infants under 1 year, free. A booking fee of €1.95 will be added to each booking.
BOOKING: johnstowncastle.ie
A VICTOR IAN CHR ISTMAS
WHERE: Wells House & Gardens, Ballyedmond, Gorey
WHAT THEY SAY: Visit Santa in the beautiful setting of the Great Hall of Wells House this Christmas and be sure to create precious memories for you and your loved ones. You will also meet Mrs Claus and the Wells Elves in their workshop and decorate your very own Christmas Bauble to take home a yummy hot chocolate!
Mrs Claus is also very concerned that the Reindeer find their way to you (even with Rudolph’s red nose)! and so she will be sure to give you some magic sparkle dust to light their way on Christmas Eve.
WHEN: 3 p.m. to 8 p.m., weekdays December 10, 11, 12, 13, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, & 22 PRICING: €19 per child
BOOKING: wellshouse.ie Contact info@ wellshouse.ie or call 053 9186737 for more information. Maximum 8 adults per booking. No gate entry charge – free all Christmas Season.
SANTA’S ENCHANTED CASTLE
WHERE: Enniscorthy Castle
WHAT THEY SAY: Explore the many chambers of the enchanted castle with your comical tour guide Smelfy the Elf. Each door you pass through and each floor you climb reveals a new surprise. Every room is uniquely decorated with individual themes such as The Greatest Showman, Aladdin, Toy Story, Winnie the Pooh as well as a mesmerising UV Lion King Experience.
Santa’s band of merry elves and their Disney friends will be working throughout the castle. These playful characters will interact with children as they explore the castle. Children can join in on the singing, dancing games and laughter as well as enjoying some tasty treats along the way.
The tour finishes with a private family visit with Santa. In Santa’s room, children can chat with the main man himself, check if they have made the Nice List, get their photo taken with
the Magic Mirror and most importantly, receive agift.
The magical characters are from Rathnure Panto Society and include children and grown ups who are full of fun creating a unique interactive and entertaining experience.
Tour Duration approx 60 minutes
WHEN: Until December 23
PRICING: Children (all ages) €20 (peak) and €15 (off peak). Off peak dates – December 12 and 16. Big People €10, includes festive snack. Santa Photo Pack €10
BOOKING:
santasenchantedcastle.ie
MAGICAL CHRISTMAS EXPERIENCE
WHERE: Kia Ora Mini Farm, Gorey
WHAT THEY SAY: Santa Claus is delighted to return to the Wexford Winter Wonderland at Kia Ora Mini Farm, Gorey. Come visit the animals, see Santa’s cosy home and view in amazement our enchanting musical light show.
Each good child will receive an “I’m on the Good List” Key from Santa, which will give them access to a present room where they can pick their own unwrapped gift from a large range selection with the help of our merry elf.
The experience includes thousands of twinkling lights, a live stable of Bethlehem, and an illuminated light show. Children can feed the Reindeer and other animals, ride the fire engine and sing fun Christmas songs, visit Santa’s Bedroom, Kitchen, Workshop and Post Office, post letters in Santa’s Post Box
Kia Ora do their very best to ensure that queuing is as short a time as possible but obviously with no bookings sometimes are busier than others and they find that weekends are our busiest times so if you want to avoid queues altogether or to have a short queue time they would recommend coming on week nights between 4 and 7 p.m. They find that the lights are more magical in the evening times and visitors get the full benefits. Don’t forget to dress warmly - Christmas Hats are always a good idea! WHEN: Tuesday, December 10 to Friday 13: 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.; Saturday, December 14t and Sunday, 15: 1 p.m. - 6 p.m.; Monday, December 16 to Friday 20: 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.; Saturday, December 21 and Sunday, 22: 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.; Monday, December 23: 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.
PRICING: €8 per adult, €19 per child, €10 for small babies who are not yet able to walk (if want a present - if not they are free).
BOOKING: No booking required. Booking only required for schools/creches, playgroups, large groups, birthday parties and corporate groups. Contact Kia Ora Mini Farm on 053 94 21166, 086-0836715 or 086-8788424 for details.
SANTA’S WONDERLAND EXPERIENCE
WHERE: The Dunbrody Famine Ship Experience, New Ross
WHAT THEY SAY:
Come along and meet Santa, Mrs. Claus and their elves Honeycomb and Peppermint.
The Santa Wonderland Experience starts in the Reception area of the Dunbrody Famine Ship Visitor Centre. Please arrive at least 20 minutes before your allotted time and check into reception.
The experience is filled with wonder and awe and begins with the children entering the Winter Wonderland. Explore the snowy scenes and await the exciting arrival of Honeycomb the elf, who will bring you deeper into the Santa Wonderland to meet Mrs. Claus. Listen to Mrs. Claus as she tells a traditional Christmas Tale followed by writing that all important letter to Santa!
Then it’s time for some games and the dance party that’s fun for all the family! The journey continues when Peppermint the Elf calls each family in to visit the man himself, Santa Claus! Settled in his cozy grotto, Santa waits to give each child their present.
Spend some time chatting to Santa and take that perfect Christmas photo. After visiting Santa, it’s into the magical Fairy Land to see where Santa parks his sleigh. Wander around the magical land at your own pace where there are plenty of photo opportunities. Finally, return to the reception area for some refreshments and sweet treats.
WHEN: December 14, 15, 16, 17, 19, 20, 21, 22 and 23.
PRICING: Tickets cost €15 per child (this includes an age appropriate present) and €7 per adult. A Family Ticket of two adults and two children is €40 and a family ticket of two adults and three children is €50. An infant less than 12 months old is free, if no present is required. If you would like to receive a present for an infant, then you must purchase a child ticket and an age appropriate present will be given i.e. 0-6 months or 6-12 months.
BOOKING: www.dunbrody.com/santa-wonderland-experience/ For Group Bookings contact reception on 051-425239. Sensory Bookings are available, contact Kelly O’Leary at reception on 051425239.
CHRISTMAS AT THE LAVENDER FARM
WHERE: The Lavender Farm, Inch, Gorey
WHAT THEY SAY: Christmas time at Wexford Lavender Farm is magical. Over weekends in December Meet Mrs Claus in her kitchen perfecting her special cookie recipe ready for Santa’s visit! Classes are small (maximum of ten children) and personal, children will spend 40 minutes with Mrs Claus making and decorating their own cookies before going to visit Santa and receiving their gift. Classes are suitable for children aged 3-plus and parents/guardians are welcome to join children in Mrs Claus’ Kitchen or enjoy a peaceful break in the Café by the roaring stove!
Meanwhile, there are also craft classes with the cheeky elves where. children will love being creative decorating a ceramic snowflake, Christmas tree or Santa to take home for the tree. Suitable for children aged 3-plus.
When the artwork is complete its time to visit Santa in his cosy snug.
There is no charge for adults and younger children are welcome to book to visit Santa and not bake.
PRICING: €20 per child WHEN: December 14, Baking with Mrs Claus, 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.; Crafts with the cheeky elves, 4.15 p.m. to 5 p.m. December 15, Baking with Mrs Claus, 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.and 4.15 p.m. to 5.15 p.m.; Crafts with the cheeky elves, 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 4.15 p.m. to 5 p.m. December 21, Baking with Mrs Claus, 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. December 22, Baking with Mrs Claus, 4.15 p.m. to 5.15 p.m.
BOOKING: Christmas visits to Santa are pre-bookable/payable on wexfordlavenderfarm.com
SANTA’S WINTER WONDERLAND
WHERE: Kilcannon Garden Centre.Old Dublin Road Enniscorthy
WHAT THEY SAY: Explore the magical mountain’s enchanted waterfall and make a wish in the enchanted waterfall’s wishing well.
Visit Santa and receive a magical Christmas gift in Santa’s mystical woodland cabin. After your visit enjoy a lovely warm hot chocolate and cookie in the woodland shop
Sit in Santa’s sleigh and take a photo to create memories that will last forever.
WHEN: Each Saturday and Sunday to December 22, plus Monday, December 23.
PRICING: €10 per child with 2 adults free per booking. Additional adults €5 each payable on the day
BOOKING: Book on kilcannon.ie or call 053 9235514 or pop into the shop.
WEXFORD ON ICE
WHERE: Wexford Quayfront
WHAT THEY SAY: Show off your skating skills while admiring the view over the water, then sip a coffee or a festive hot chocolate in the Coffee Dock. The ice rink features a state-ofthe-art sound and light display to entertain you as you glide across the ice! There are stability aids available.
WHEN: Until January 5 (except Christmas Day).
PRICING: Off Peak dates are Monday to Friday, to December 20. Off peak prices: adult €13; child (12 years and under); €11, family of 3, €34; family of 4, €40.
On Peak dates are Saturday and Sundays, November 24 to December 16, & daily from Friday, December 21 to January 6.
On peak prices: adult €15; child (12 years and under), €13; family of 3, €40; family of 4, €48.
BOOKING: wexfordwinterland.com Wexford on Ice is available for group bookings. Call 0539199199 or email boxoffice@lantern.ie to make your group booking.