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 from November 27 to December 23.

Christmas is taken seriously at Westport House in Mayo, with Winter Wonderland running on select dates from November 15 to December 23. Both the 18th-century house and the grounds are 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 pop into the Georgian house to see the epic Christmas decorations and grab a family photo.

There’s a historical vibe to the celebrations at Strokestown Park House in Roscommon. At the Victorian Christmas Experience running from November 29 to December 22, 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 6 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 15 to December 24.

Wear your Santa hats and make your way to Believe Christmas at the Model Railway Village in Clonakilty. From November 29 to December 23, board the Elf Express and journey through the miniature town to meet the elves, do some arts and crafts, listen to a Christmas tale told by Mrs Claus and meet the big man in red himself. The little ones will also get the chance to decorate their very own gingerbread. 

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 book to bring home from the North Pole Library. The experience is open from November 22 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 at Arundel Square 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 21 to December 23.

In Kilkenny, it isn’t Christmas until the kids have seen Santa arrive into the city by boat. November 29 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 29 to December 24.

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 28 to January 4.

Every year, Rathwood Home and Garden World in Carlow is taken over with all things Christmas with the Rathwood Santa Train. The whole family can hop aboard the Rathwood Express to journey through the enchanted forest, ending at the Big Top for an all singing, all dancing show from Santa, Mrs Claus and the elves. Afterwards, each child gets a gift from Santa in the Toy Factory. The show is created by Spotlight Productions (the team behind the Late Late Toy Show) and is running from November 22 to December 24.

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 11 and caters to kids aged 3 and up, with plenty of skating aids on hand.

The Irish National Stud and Gardens in Kildare are opening its grounds for its newest festive attraction, Passport to Christmas. Roam the impressive Christmas Village with the little ones and take part in fun activities to earn a new stamp for their mini passports, each giving a hint as to where they can find Santa. After, the kids can let out all their excitement on the fairground rides before recharging with a sweet treat. The event runs every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from November 28 to December 23.

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 visit mischievous guests in the Ice Cave and enjoy stories and treats with Mrs Claus. After, explore the funfair and 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 28 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 Marlay Park in Dublin and 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 28, with different start dates per location.

From November 22 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 6 to January 31. Every year includes colourful displays but 2025 is set to be even more vibrant, with this year's theme being 'The Wild Kaleidoscope.' Greet larger-than-life illuminations of some of the zoo's most exotic residents before enjoying a bite to eat in the new Winter Glow Village.