Christmas Winter Wonderlands have really grown bigger and more popular in recent years. Check out these places all over Ireland to visit

Christmas Winter Wonderlands have really grown bigger and more popular, especially in recent years.

The days of visiting Santa in the local shopping centre is still incredibly popular, but families are also booking day visits to see Santa Claus in places all over the country.

If you are looking for a special family day/evening trip to start your magical Christmas season we have found some special places to visit Santa Claus and some great Christmas Wonderland experiences too!

The Santa Experience

Santa returns to Dunnes in Dublin, Cork and Limerick this festive season. Take a magical journey through the Elves Post office, Santa's Stable, the Sleigh Station, the North Pole before finally arriving at the door of Santa's authentic log cabin! 

On your journey, you will meet many happy elves, Polar bears, penguins and even get to ride in Santa's sleigh! Once you arrive in Santa's magical house you can see his bed, fireplace and all the gifts he has for all the good little boys and girls!  Children and adults alike LOVE the authentic hand-built and fully Irish owned Santa Experience now in its 8th year!  You can book them at www.santaexperience.ie 

Santa’s House Express

A premium family experiential event located in the beautiful Palmerstown House Estate. Enjoy a magical train ride through the stunning grounds & a visit to Santa's Manor, where you will meet Mrs Claus, the elves, lots of characters & of course Santa, who will have a gift for each child!

This special experience is guaranteed to create special memories to last a lifetime! 2017 has many new attractions, performers and entertainment along with all of the old favourites to thrill old friends and new! 

Check in and receive your Boarding pass and let your festive journey begin. Assemble in the departure lounge & Smurfzone as the excitement builds before your journey starts. Depart on Santa’s Polar Express Train through the beautiful grounds of Palmerstown House Estate till you reach the manor. You can book their experience here.

Luggwoods

Luggwoods is known as the most authentic Christmas experience in Ireland. Take a magical journey through Santa's enchanted forest and see the lights of Dublin City twinkle before visiting Santa in his truly amazing rustic surroundings. 

The magical journey begins when you enter the beautiful enchanted Luggwoods forest. Wrap up warm because you are in the majestic rustic foothills of the Dublin mountains!  Before your journey to meet Santa Claus, you’ll be greeted by our fairy tale characters.

You can write your letter to Santa before you board Santa’s tractor-drawn carriage which takes you to meet Santa at the Luggwoods Big Red Barn. Visit www.luggwoods.ieand see for yourself.

Airfield 

If a traditional family Christmas with fun for all ages is what you’re looking for then why not try Airfield Estate, Dublin city’s 38-acre working farm, this yuletide season for a magical Christmas Experience like no other.

Meet the team of friendly Elves for festive face-painting before penning your letter to Santa and joining the main man himself beside the fireplace in the beautiful setting of Airfield House for magical storytelling and beautiful handcrafted gifts.

Then it’s onto the Elves’ Bakery for decorating edible festive treats and delicious steaming cups of hot chocolate (or Estate-made mulled wine for grown-ups who aren’t driving!)

Moving onto the Christmas Workshop, kids will roll up their sleeves and create their own special tree decorations and grab a gorgeous photo of all the family on Santa’s Sleigh, capturing this special memory for years to come.

Finally, it’s all aboard the Santa Train for a blast of fresh air and a ride around the Estate, keeping an eye out for the many animals that live there. Visit the Estate gardens and marvel at the amazing plants that are flourishing in the Victorian glasshouse despite the cold. Book online at www.airfield.ie 

Elf Town

Elf Town is situated in the heart of Galway city, an unforgettable Christmas experience for all the family. It is an interactive, magical journey through Christmas with a visit to Santa like no other. So much to do and see.

Christmas Island

The only Christmas experience in Ireland with both a train & boat ride and over 10km of Christmas lights. 

A visit to The Santa Experience at the Christmas Island is guaranteed to be lots of fun. The kids can make a Christmas Decoration with Mrs Claus, sing & dance with Santa’s Elves & receive an Elf Medal, enter a colouring Competition and visit Santa and get a present 

There are magical photo opportunities throughout the experience, Tickets booked online at: www.christmasisland.ieChristmas Island, Rathdrum, County Wicklow (event on-site at Hidden Valley Park)

Santa’s Cottage- The official residence of Santa in Ireland, Newry Co. Down

This is such a magical place for everyone. It truly brings believing alive! You not only get to meet Mr Claus but you get to visit the elves workshop! Then tiptoe quietly to see Santa’s bedroom and why not say hello the Rudolf too? Christmas decorations and sparkling lights add to this charming home to Santa Claus. Book online at www.santascottage.co.uk

Donegal’s Lapland

Visit Santa’s Island at Donegal’s very own Lapland. The Elves’ Disco in Santa’s Village is open to everyone of all ages to bust some moves with Santa’s elves and enjoy some refreshments and treats as well. 

The whole show takes place in the dark of night with thousands of lights for special effects to add to the magical experience. Their aim is to create a world for the young and old that helps capture the magical and enchantment of the festive period from the moment you arrive. 

In Santa’s home, the children can meet Santa and have their photographs taken with him. They then continue through a tunnel into the Elves Kingdom. This is completely different world with Elves houses and many more surprises. More info here.

Crag Cave, Kerry

Santa’s Winter Wonderland is returning to Crag Cave this year. This is truly a magical experience not to be missed! Meet Santa Mrs. Claus & lots of Disney Friends.

See Rudolph, Live reindeer, polar bears, snow scenes, outdoor Christmas lights, take a ride on our animated reindeer ride and much more. More info here