Enjoy the magic of Ireland’s Christmas festivals

Alright, folks, grab your Santa hats and get ready to jingle all the way because we’re diving headfirst into the festive wonders of an Irish Christmas! From winter wonderlands to pantomime magic, this guide is your ticket to the Ireland’s Christmas festivals.

(Read here how Volunteer gear up for Ireland’s largest Christmas Day Dinner.)

1. Winterval in Waterford: 

Every November and December, the city is transformed into an authentic winter wonderland by Winterval. Picture this: wooden market huts lining the streets, carol singing on the Main Stage, and a circus tent hosting a Narnia acrobatic show that’s cooler than a snowman sipping hot cocoa. Even a letter to the North Pole can be sent through the talking post box. And guess what? They guarantee snow! It’s like Ireland’s very own Christmas Festival, and you don’t want to miss it. 

2. Panto-Mania Nationwide: 

Without a trip to the panto, Christmas wouldn’t be the same, and Ireland has you covered. Choose between Jack and the Beanstalk at Cork Opera House and Beauty and the Beast with a Cork twist at The Everyman! In Limerick, Bernard O’Shea stars in Sleeping Beauty, and Eurovision’s Linda Martin rocks Rapunzel at Liberty Hall. It’s a panto tradition, so get ready to dance at one of the best of Ireland’s Christmas festivals.

3. Fota House’s Santa’s Enchanted Adventure: 

Fota House in Cork has a Christmas adventure that’s next level. We’re talking about a fully interactive traditional journey through festively decorated rooms. And the finale? A private family visit with Santa himself! The man in red even invites the kiddos to explore his North Pole library and gives them two age-appropriate books. Again one of the best of Ireland’s Christmas festivals this year.

4. Galway’s Christmas Beer Tent: 

Fun Eyre Square in Galway knows how to do Christmas right with a German-style beer tent. Open daily from 5 pm to 10 pm, it’s where you can clink steins, sip hot whiskeys, and soak in the festive atmosphere. Ceol agus craic (music and fun) included, of course! 

5. Beyond the Trees Avondale: 

Beyond the Trees at Avondale lights up with over 67,000 twinkling lights along a 1.4km route. It’s like strolling through a magical forest with illuminated creatures and a spectacular viewing tower. Ideal for an outdoor Wicklow adventure! 

6. Ice Skating Extravaganza Nationwide: 

From Dundrum On Ice to Limerick on Ice, and the Alpine Skate Trail at Fota House – Ireland is turning into an ice-skating paradise. So, lace up, twirl around, and maybe even attempt a triple axel (or not).

7. Winter Wonderland Express Train in Westport: 

Westport Estate is hosting the Wonderland Express Train this Christmas. Imagine a real crib, toasted marshmallows, toy workshops, real snow, and face painting. And did we mention meeting Mrs. Claus? It’s a festive fiesta for the whole family! 

8. Gate Theatre’s Peter Pan:

The Gate Theatre in Dublin is bringing J.M. Barrie’s Peter Pan to life in a magical version by Roddy Doyle. Liam Bixby as Peter and Clare Dunne as Captain Hook are must-sees! Prepare for a trip to Neverland by purchasing your tickets, adding some fairy dust, and getting ready. 

9. Christmas Woodland Walk at Strokestown Park House: 

Santa’s head elf is leading a magical adventure at Strokestown Park House. The Irish Heritage Trust is turning the place into a festive dream with woodland walks, puppet shows, and all the charm of times past. It’s like stepping into a Christmas storybook! 

10. Santa’s Magical Market in Cork: 

Cork Santa’s Magical Market at the Marina Market is a winter wonderland for the whole family. Snow-kissed woods, the Polar Express train, elves making toys – and here’s the kicker, it’s dog-friendly! ‘Santa Paws’ can make an appearance too. Tickets start at €10, so bring the whole crew! 

11. Regina Nathan’s Christmas Spirit Concert at St Mary’s Cathedral, Limerick:

Experience the joyous occasion with soprano Regina Nathan at Limerick’s St Mary’s Cathedral. Picture a night filled with a blend of classical and popular songs, accompanied by pianist Cathal Synnott. It’s like a musical feast for your holiday-loving soul. Tickets are €30, so treat yourself to an evening of enchanting tunes. Again it’s one of the most exciting of Ireland’s Christmas festivals from 2023.

12. Magical Blarney Market: 

The enchanting Magical Blarney Market at the renowned Blarney Woollen Mills is a festive dream come true. It’s a treat for all ages with live music, local vendors, and Santa’s arrival. Plus, you can order your Christmas dinner to-go for December 23/24. Because who wants to stress about cooking when you can savor the holiday magic? 

13. Wild Lights at Dublin Zoo:

Dublin Zoo’s Wild Lights are back, and this year, it’s all about ‘The Enchanted Zoo.’ Prepare to be carried away to magical and fantastical places filled with fairies, mythological animals, colorful animals, and even a candyland, all illuminated by exquisite silk lanterns. Tickets are €24.50 for adults and €20 for the kiddos. It’s a wild way to light up your Christmas nights! 

14. Festive Afternoon Tea at the G Hotel, Galway: 

Treat yourself to an afternoon of decadence at the G Hotel in Galway with their festive afternoon tea. The pastry team has surpassed themselves with their offerings of sausage stuffing croquettes, fresh and smoked salmon rillette on brown bread, Christmas pudding, and a Baileys salted caramel yule log. It’s the perfect way to pump up your holiday celebrations at only €38 per person. 

15. Cork’s Iconic Ferris Wheel: 

Transforming the Cork City skyline, the 32m panoramic wheel is back, offering unparalleled views of the surrounding area. Open daily from 12 pm to 9 pm until January 7 (except for a few holiday closures), it’s your ticket to a breathtaking view of the city’s festive lights. Regular tickets are €4, junior tickets €3.50, and the carousel is an extra €2.50. So, hop on for a ride and soak in the holiday cheer from above! 

16. Una Healy and Luke Thomas’ Festive Show in Dublin: 

Swing Into Christmas Classics Join Una Healy and Ireland’s King Of Swing, Luke Thomas, for a festive show in Dublin on December 9. Get ready for a night filled with nostalgic festive favorites and vintage pop classics. Tickets are €30, and it’s the perfect way to swing into the holiday season with some musical magic. 

17. Visit Santa’s Grotto at Bunratty Castle, Clare: 

A Christmas Extravaganza for All Ages Bunratty Castle in Clare is pulling out all the stops for a Christmas extravaganza. From the Trail of Lights to Ms. Claus’s visit at the Golden Vale Farmhouse, a journey aboard the Polar Express Train, puppet and magic shows, traditional Christmas tales, and a meet-and-greet with Santa Claus – it’s a festive journey for the whole family. Tickets start from €18 per adult, €35 per child, and €10 for the littlest ones (0-12 months). 

18. Christmas from New York at Dromoland Castle, Clare: 

Mulled Wine, Mince Pies, and Magical Performances Enjoy mulled wine, mince pies, and a magical Christmas performance by The New York Tenors, Irish soprano Deirdre Masterson, and the Aoide Voices at Dromoland Castle. Tickets start from €75, promising an evening of musical delight in a castle setting. Talk about a classy Christmas celebration! 

19. Christmas Shopping in Midleton: 

The Midleton & Area Chamber of Commerce is urging businesses impacted by Storm Babet to support one another and increase local trade. Bluebell’s gift shop, Denbar Jewellers, Murphy’s Butchers, Flowers on Main Street, and other establishments are great places to find original and considerate gifts for your loved ones this holiday season. 

20. The Christmas Jingle 2023 in Cork City: 

A Musical Celebration for a Cause Christmas Jingle is going live at The Pav in Cork, and it’s not your average concert. Every dollar raised benefits Cork Arc Cancer Support. Enjoy live music, holiday cheer, festive drinks, thrilling giveaways, and a warm and festive atmosphere this holiday season.

That’s all for your guide to Ireland’s Christmas festivals this season.