SUNDAY, DECEMBER 22
CHRISTMAS ISLAND
Pay a visit to Christmas Island in Rathdrum and enjoy an enchanted train journey to the fairy forest, before meeting, dancing and getting creative with some elves, good and mischievous, and topping the visit off with a visit to Santa himself. Places are availabe from 9 a.m. to 10.15 a.m., with limited availability later in the day. Tickets cost €22.50 per child (aged one to 12), €10 for infants (up to a year) and €16.50 per adult.
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.
CAROL SERVICE
A carol service will take place at Arklow Presbyterian Church at 10 a.m. All are welcome to attend.
CHARITY YOGA
Macha Yoga Studio is holding a charity yoga and meditation class at the Florence Road premises from 10 a.m. to 11.30 a.m. Proceeds will be donated to Bray Women’s Refuge. Tickets are €15 at machayoga.com.
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.
CHRISTMAS LANTERN WORKSHOP
Crafty and creative kids will enjoy a Christmas Lantern Workshop in Cool Planet Experience at Powerscourt. Children will learn about sustainability as they cut, paste and create their own Christmas lantern. All materials are supplied. Workshops take place at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. and cost €20.
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 present 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.
AFTERNOON TEA
Enjoy afternoon tea with live music by classical guitarist Pat Coldrick from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. in The Enchanted Garden at The Avon in Blessington. Tickets cost €15.
CAROL SERVICE
A carol service will take place at the Holy Trinity Church in Redcross at 4.30 p.m. All are welcome to attend.
CAROL SERVICE
A carol service will take place at Arklow Methodist Church at 7.30 p.m. All are welcome to attend.
CAROLS BY CANDLELIGHT
A Carols by Candlelight concert will take place at 7 p.m. in St. Patrick’s Church, Rathvilly at 7.00 p.m.
CHRISTMAS CAROLS
Plucks in Kilmacanogue will host a carols by candlelight event from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. with Lisa Kavanagh singing the festive songs. Children are welcome to attend. There will be a Christmas hamper raffle with tickets costing €5 each and the proceeds going back into the community.
CAROLS AND PIES
Anyone who is not already full to the brim with festive spirit is welcome along to Wicklow Sailing Club at 7.30 p.m. for the club’s Christmas carols and mince pies evening.
MONSTER DRAW
The Community Pool for West Wicklow campaign will be holding its monster raffle in Murphy’s Bar, Blessington, at 9 p.m.