The family-friendly guide to Christmas events in 2026

Every Christmas the Wild Ireland animal sanctuary in Donegal is transformed into the Wild Arctic Experience, where foxes, snowy owls and arctic wolves are around to set a wintery scene. And it’s not just the animals – the grounds are illuminated with twinkling lights and installations, with forest trails leading between the enclosures. Kids can go to visit Santa and his elves in the festive wooden hut before getting a hot chocolate topped with whipped cream and marshmallows in the café. Wild Arctic is running on select dates from November 20 to December 23.

Christmas is taken seriously at Westport House in Mayo, with Winter Wonderland running on select dates from November 14 to December 23. The 18th-century grounds will be decorated for the season, with real snow falling and Christmas trees dotted around the estate. You can visit Santa in his grotto before taking in the grounds on the Wonderland Express Train. Then take a spin on the Christmas Carousel before sitting down for a story from Mrs Claus herself. 

There’s a historical vibe to the celebrations at Strokestown Park House in Roscommon. At the Victorian Christmas Experience, running from November 28 to December 21, you’ll be guided by a mischievous elf on an adventure around the Palladian mansion for storytelling and crafts, as well as a chance to meet Santa and Mrs Claus. Afterwards you can head out into the woods with a hot chocolate where the festivities continue.  

At the Arigna Mining Experience in Roscommon, Santa Underground gives kids a unique opportunity to meet the big man himself on weekends from December 5 to 22. Each day will feature a different performance from puppeteers, magicians and musical guests – and little ones can get their faces painted and visit the elves in Santa's workshop. 

Held at the Galway Racecourse, Elf Town Galway is a fun and unique Christmas celebration. The two-hour experience weaves between three buildings, with plenty of surprises along the way, culminating with a visit to Santa who will wow kids with little details you've shared with them in advance. It’s on select days from November 20 to December 23.

Set among the trees on the Fota House estate, The Magic of Santa Experience invites the little tikes to meet Santa, Mrs Claus and the elves as they prepare for Christmas. Kids can help the elves as they work before picking their own books to bring home from the North Pole Library. The experience is open from November 21 and runs on select dates until December 22.

Winterval sees the city of Waterford transform in the run up to Christmas. As well as the continental market with sweet treats sold in the quaint wooden huts, there’s plenty for kids to do, from free puppet shows to craft workshops. There’s a vintage Ferris wheel and an ice rink on the quayside, as well as an elaborate Santa village where you can deliver your letter to the big man with Elf Post. Winterval is running from November 13 to December 23.

In Kilkenny, it isn’t Christmas until the kids have seen Santa arrive into the city by boat. November 28 marks the start of Yulefest Kilkenny, with the big man himself riding down the River Nore and making his way through town. For the rest of the festival, explore Santa's magical village, see spectacular Christmas trees, learn to make a wreath or wander the central Christmas market where you can get fresh crêpes and hot chocolate to keep you nice and toasty. Yulefest is running from November 28 to December 23.

Get into the festive spirit at the Wells House & Gardens for its Wonderful Christmas Experience. Start your journey through the grounds on the Wells Express and hop off to explore the Elf Village. Here, you can take part in some of the elves' playful mischief and say hello to lovely Mrs Claus. Afterwards, head inside to spend some time with Santa in the manor's grand library. The event starts on November 21 and wraps up on December 23.

Lace up your skates and enjoy an evening on the ice at Wexford on Ice. Held on Wexford Quay, the festive rink will look like something straight out of a Christmas film, with dazzling lights and sparkling stars hanging from above. If it's the kids' first time on the ice, there are plenty of whimsical skating aids to help them learn the technique. The rink will be open from November 27 to January 3.

From November 14 to February 2, Beyond the Trees Avondale's landmark treetop walkway will be lit up for all to see for their annual Treetop Night Lights. Stroll to the top of the illuminated, 40-metre walkway and feel the festive glow as you take in 360-degree views of the surrounding woodlands. Along the way, spot 3D light installations, fun animations and cute lit up forest creatures. 

If you fancy a lap around an ice rink, Beyond the Trees Avondale is also hosting Wicklow on Ice this year. Nestled beside the historic Avondale House, the covered ice rink is open from November 14 to January 10 and caters to kids aged 3 and up, with plenty of skating aids on hand.

The Land of Light has shared its glowing spectacle with several well-known locations in the past, but this year marks its debut at the Irish National Stud and Gardens in Kildare. From November 14 to December 19, set out on the immersive outdoor winter walking trail, illuminated by large-scale festive sculptures and lasers, and take the time to admire the gardens's beautiful flora along the way.

The fun starts before you even leave the car at Santa’s House Express, with a drive-through adventure that leads you through Santa's Manor, where you enjoy stories and treats with Mrs Claus. Afterwards, visit the elves in the hidden forest of Merrymyst Hollow, or explore the funfair to enjoy some rides as a family (though it might be a good idea to save the hot chocolate and treats until after the rides). It’s running at Palmerstown House Estate in Kildare on select dates between November 22 and December 23.

The Loughcrew Light Show event sees the grounds of Loughcrew Estate in Meath taken over by a light display. This year, explore the imaginative light installations and twinkling pathways as you make your way to Santa's Ice Palace. It’s running on select dates from November 21 to December 23.

Malahide Castle is all lit up for the season, but this is merely a prelude to their annual Wonderlights spectacle, a sensory adventure through a winter wonderland set on the grounds of the historic castle. The dazzling displays will also take over Fota House Arboretum and Gardens in Cork, and each will be accompanied by an Alpine market filled with festive food and drink options. Wonderlights is running from early November to December 29, with different start dates per location.

From November 21 to December 23, Santa will be preparing for Christmas in his grotto at Dublin Zoo, so you can combine a festive treat with a trip to see all of the animals. Don't forget to drop in for their annual Wild Lights display, running from November 12 to January 5. Every year includes colourful displays but 2026 is set to be even more vibrant, with this year's theme being 'Passport to Wonder.' Immerse yourself in celebrations, traditions and stories from across the globe through larger-than-life Illuminations before enjoying a bite to eat in the Winter Glow Village.