WEXFORD’S CHRISTMAS AND
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 19
CHRISTMAS CAROLS Dunbrody Visitor Centre, New Ross, 8 p.m. A night of Christmas carols and songs - as well as the stories behind them - will provide some warm festive entertainment in the Dunbrody Famine Ship Experience. Artists on the night will include Séamus Kiely, Jack Stacey and others. The event is in aid of the New Ross Community Hospital and tickets which include finger food are €10. Please contact the Dunbrody to book at 051 425239 as a very limited number of tickets are available. CHRISTMAS CRAFT EXHIBITION & FAIR Wexford Arts Centre, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. The annual event features work from members of the Co. Wexford Craft Trail. Exhibitors include: Ceadogan Rugs, Paul Maloney, Mairead Stafford, Patricia Howard, Annette Whelan, Terry the Weaver, Patsy Flood O’Connor, Mairead Cairbre, Gilly Thomas, Dainius, Lina Varnelis, and new Craft Trail members Rebecca Homfray and Bianca Divito. TRADITIONS AND SONGS OF CHRISTMAS Wexford Library, 7 p.m. Liam Gaul explores the origins our Christmas traditions, including the crib, the star, the Magi and of course the bringer of gifts St. Nicholas aka Santa Claus. Carols including the Enniscorthy Carol and popular Christmas songs will also feature, and audience participation will be encouraged. CHRISTMAS PIANO CONCERT Greenacres Gallery, 6 p.m. Rebecca Warren School of Music will present a Christmas Piano Concert. All are welcome and refreshments – hot and cold – will be available. CHRISTMAS TODDLER STORYTIME Gorey Library, 11.30 p.m. Toddlers can join Martina in Gorey Library on Tuesday, December 19, from 11.30 a.m. for Christmas storytime. A special guest is due to appear so there will be plenty of fun and excitement.
WEXFORD PEOPLE WEXFORD ON ICE Wexford Quay, Various times
Winter wouldn’t be complete without enjoying a skate on a beautiful real Ice Rink – Wexford on Ice, set against the spectacular backdrop of Wexford Quay. Show off your skating skills while admiring the view over the water, then sip a coffee or a festive hot chocolate from our Coffee Dock. The Ice Rink features a state of the art sound and light display to entertain you as you glide across the ice! SANTA’S NORTH POLE EXPERIENCE Wexford Quay, Various times 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! From the very beginning, young and old will be captivated. Stroll through the enchanted forest, meet elves and leave food for the reindeer. Finally, meet Santa and take plenty of photographs! CHRISTMAS EXPRESS Bull Ring, Wexford, Various times Enjoy a truly festive experience seeing the sights of Wexford on this magical train while listening to special Christmas tales with Mrs. Claus and her elves. The 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. MANY HAPPY RETURNS St Mogue’s Hall, Inch, 8 p.m. Coolgreany Amateur Dramatic Society presents ‘Many Happy Returns’ a Christmas comedy by Bernard Farrell, at St Mogue’s Hall, Inch. Tickets are €10 on the door or by phoning 087 2913222 or from Coolgreany Post Office. SANTA’S ENCHANTED CASTLE Enniscorthy Castle, all day Boys and girls are invited on a magical tour of Santa’s castle which will include a visit to the workshop, a tour of where the elves sleep, some treats at Mrs Claus’ Sweet Shop and of course a visit to the big man himself - Santa! This event has become extremely popular and slots are filling up fast. The cost of entry is €15 per child on off-peak dates, €19 on-peak and €10 for adults. To book, visit www.santasenchantedcastle.ie. SANTA WONDERLAND EXPERIENCE Dunbrody Famine Ship, New Ross, noon to 6.30 p.m. The Santa Wonderland Experience returns to Dunbrody Famine Ship Experience and Restaurant. Children can meet Santa, Mrs. Claus and their elves, plus some special guests. CHRISTMAS WONDERLAND IOAC, All day The newly opened International Outdoor Adventure Centre will host its own Christmas Wonderland, complete with Santa Train and Christmas Grotto. Meet Santa, Mrs Claus and the mischievous Elves, and receive a special gift to top it all off. There is also a wonderful Christmas Market full of amazing gift ideas and the park is open for the usual fun activities. Kids are €12 and adults are free. More information on IOAC Facebook page. CAROLS AND SCRIPTURE The Oratory, Gorey Community School, 7 p.m.
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 20
CHRISTMAS COUNTRY CONCERT TOUR The Riverside Park Hotel, Enniscorthy Some of the biggest names in Irish Country Music will arrive at The Riverside Park Hotel for the Christmas Country Concert Tour. Performing will be the Queen of Country Philomena Begley, Dominic Kirwan, Louise Morrissey, Cliona Hagan and her band, Barry Kirwan, Stacey Breen and many more. Tickets are priced at €25 from The Riverside Park Hotel on 053 9237800 CHRISTMAS CONCERT Piercestown Church, 8 p.m. Valda Chamber Choir and Piercestown Children’s Church Choir and friends come together for a concert in aid of Wexford St. Vincent de Paul. Tickets atre €5 from in the shop in Piercestown and on the door on the night. MINI MAESTROS Wexford Arts Centre, 10:30 - 11.15 a.m. This workshop gives parents the chance to join their child in the discovery of music and singing with kids enjoying their first orchestral experience and learning to play a variety of instruments. The event is a progressive, fun and interactive curriculum, taught by trained professional musicians Aileen Donohoe and Peter McCamley. WEXFORD PEOPLE WEXFORD ON ICE Wexford Quay, Various times See Tuesday, December 19. SANTA’S NORTH POLE EXPERIENCE Wexford Quay, Various times See Tuesday, December 19.
CHRISTMAS EXPRESS
Bull Ring, Various times See Tuesday, December 19.
ASHDOWN CHRISTMAS MARKET
Ashdown Park Hotel, Gorey, 2 p.m. A festive Christmas market runs in the courtyard at the Ashdown Park Hotel, Gorey, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. featuring stalls offering festive food, crafts, and gifts. SANTA’S ENCHANTED CASTLE Enniscorthy Castle, all day See Tuesday, December 19.
SANTA WONDERLAND EXPERIENCE
Dunbrody Famine Ship, New Ross, noon to 6.30 p.m. See Tuesday, December 19. CHRISTMAS WONDERLAND IOAC, All day See Tuesday, December 19. THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21 ROSSLARE VILLAGE CHRISTMAS Hotel Rosslare, 7.45 p.m. Santa will be in his grotto immediately after the carol service at St. Patrick’s Church which starts at 6.30 p.m. There will be a gift for every child. They will also have the opportunity to meet the elves. There will be a Monster Christmas Raffle and homebaked goodies, plus plenty of festive fun. CHRISTMAS CONCERT Rowe Street Church, 7.30 p.m. The Loch Garman Senior Band, under its conductor and Wexford Festival Chairman Ger Lawlor, will perform a Christmas concert as part of the St Peter’s College Past Pupils Union annual Christmas fundraising concert. The band will present contrasting programmes of seasonal music and festive favourites. MEMORY TREE BLESSING Tesco Wexford, 5 p.m. The Memory Tree at Tesco Wexford helps people to remember those who are no longer with us at this time of the year. Cards for the tree can be purchased in store, before this date, for € 2. Money raised will go to AWARE and Wexford Hospice Homecare. Fr. James Cullen will bless the tree along with a local choir at 5 p. m.
WEXFORD PEOPLE WEXFORD ON ICE Wexford Quay, Various times See Tuesday, December 19.
SANTA’S NORTH POLE EXPERIENCE Wexford Quay, Various times See Tuesday, December 19. CHRISTMAS EXPRESS Bull Ring, Various times See Tuesday, December 19. CHRISTMAS CRAFT EXHIBITION & FAIR Wexford Arts Centre, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. See Tuesday, December 19. ASHDOWN CHRISTMAS MARKET Ashdown Park Hotel, Gorey, 2 p.m. See Wednesday, December 20.