Barretstown Winter Wonderland 2025

A magical festive weekend for all ages, featuring Santa’s Grotto, live performances, a Christmas market, delicious seasonal treats, and plenty of family fun in the beautiful surroundings of Barretstown Castle.

Location: Barretstown Castle, Co. Kildare
Dates: Saturday 22nd & Sunday 23rd November, 2025
Time: Various sessions throughout the day
More Info / Booking: Visit Barretstown’s website for grotto bookings, session times, and full event details (booking essential for Santa’s Grotto).

🎢 Emerald Park Jingle Fest Package

📍 Glenroyal Hotel, Maynooth, Co. Kildare
📅 Saturday 6th & Saturday 13th December 2025 | Santa visits at 1:40pm & 2:40pm

Make magical family memories this Christmas with the Emerald Park Jingle Fest Package at the 4-star Glenroyal Hotel, Maynooth.

Enjoy a full day of festive fun at Emerald Park’s Jingle Fest — from thrilling rides and live shows to heartwarming Christmas activities and a special visit with Santa Claus (complete with a gift for every child 🎅).

After the park, the festive spirit continues back at the hotel! Little ones can join the Little Explorers Kids Club while parents unwind with a dip in the pool or a well-earned cocktail in the Arkle Bar. Later, enjoy a delicious 3-course dinner at the award-winning Enclosure Restaurant, followed by a cozy Christmas movie night for the kids.

Wake up refreshed to a hearty full Irish breakfast the next morning — the perfect end to a magical family getaway.

🎁 Package Includes:

• One-night family accommodation

• Full-day admission to Emerald Park’s Jingle Fest (with Santa visit & gift)

• 3-course dinner for 2 adults & 2 kids

• Access to the Little Explorers Kids Club

• Goody bags for children

• Full Irish breakfast

• Leisure Club access (family & adult pools, sauna, jacuzzi & steam room)

• Free parking (EV charging available)

🌟 Limited availability — pre-booking required!

🔗 More info & booking: glenroyalhotel.ie

Christmas Countdown Celebrations at the Irish National Stud & Gardens

When: December 17 & 18, 2024, 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Where: Irish National Stud & Gardens

Celebrate the season at the Christmas Countdown Celebrations! Join us for two magical days filled with festive fun at the Irish National Stud & Gardens. Enjoy themed activities like candy cane crafts workshops, circus shows, and enchanting festive storytelling that will delight young imaginations. With giant games and more, there’s no shortage of entertainment to keep the little ones smiling!

Explore all the regular attractions, including meeting the Living Legends team, experiencing the Irish Racehorse Experience, wandering through the fairy trail, and walking along the stepping stones in the beautiful Japanese Gardens. Allow 4-5 hours to soak in the festive spirit, and don’t forget to stop by the Japanese Gardens restaurant for a delicious themed lunch—try the mulled wine and mince pies, a special treat from Head Chef Natalie Collins! All activities are included in your admission, making this the perfect outing for families!

Christmas Winter Wonderland at Barretstown

When:

• Saturday, November 30, 2024: 10:30 AM, 12:45 PM, 3:00 PM

• Sunday, December 1, 2024: 10:30 AM, 12:45 PM

Where: Barretstown Castle, W91 RDX6, Ballymore Eustace

Step into a winter wonderland at Barretstown Castle! Bring the whole family for a magical Christmas experience featuring festive market stalls, holiday music, family games, and of course, a visit to Santa in his enchanting grotto! Watch your little ones’ eyes light up as Santa’s Elves guide them to meet the man himself. Don’t forget to bring letters for Santa or write them on the day—they’ll be sent directly to the North Pole!

With limited slots for Santa’s Grotto, booking is essential. Enjoy all the winter fun Barretstown has to offer—free to access except for food stalls and the grotto. Come make this Christmas truly unforgettable!

Naas Christmas Markets CANCELLED due to storm

When:

• Saturday, November 30, 2024, 10:00 AM - 5:30 PM

• Saturday, December 7, 2024, 10:00 AM - 5:30 PM

Where: Abbey Street and Potato Market, beside Jam Music, Naas

Join us for two magical days at the Naas Christmas Markets! Explore a cozy array of festive stalls, perfect for picking up unique holiday gifts and treats. On November 30th, Santa will be making a special appearance at 11:00 AM in his grotto at the Naas Library, ready to greet excited little ones!

Stay with us until 5:00 PM to witness the grand Christmas lights switch-on—a moment of pure holiday joy! Soak up the festive atmosphere, enjoy holiday shopping, and spread some Christmas cheer in the heart of Naas!

Santa's House Express 2024

When: Select dates from Friday, November 22, 2024 - Monday, December 23, 2024
Where: Palmerstown House Estate, Johnstown, Kill, Co Kildare

Get ready for Ireland's favorite Santa experience at Santa's House Express! This magical event returns to Palmerstown House Estate, bringing the joy of Christmas to life. Your adventure begins as you check in and are greeted by Santa’s Merry Elves in the departure lounge, setting the tone for a delightful journey.

Hop on board the magical train ride to Santa’s Manor, where you’ll sing along with the reindeer, meet a mischievous special guest in the Ice Cave, and enjoy stories and festive treats with Mrs. Claus. Each child will receive a cuddly, eco-friendly gift to cherish, along with lots of photo opportunities to capture these precious memories. With winter warmers for the adults and a family funfair with rides included, this experience promises festive fun for everyone! Don't miss out—tickets are on sale now, and prices have been frozen from 2023!

Santa's Reindeer Hospital 2024

When: November 22 - December 22, 2024

• Fully Booked - No Tickets Available - Please note this event is not organised by the Heritage Centre .

• Please contact Kildare Town Projects for further information.

Where: The Old Courthouse, Dublin Street, Kildare Town

This event is now fully booked.