The countdown to Christmas is officially on and we’ve rounded up the best attractions from around the country so you can kick off the festive season in style.
These fun-packed events are sure to get even the biggest Bah-Humbugs into the Christmas spirit.
There’s something for everyone from Christmas markets and concerts to pantomimes and a special trip to Santa’s Village.
The Late Late Toy Show
Christmas: The Late Late Toy Show | ANDRES POVEDA
What better way to get into the festive mood then watching The Late Late Toy Show. Viewers are always glued to the screens for the much-loved show with its showbiz guests, hilarious interactions with the toy testers and of course Ryan’s choice of Christmas jumper.
Now you can get in on the action with your very own Late Late Toy Show Christmas jumper. Penneys and The Late Late Toy Show have teamed up to create their very own novelty Christmas Jumper.
The host has spilled Late Late Toy Show secrets revealing this year’s theme will revolve around a renowned movie and book.
The Late Late Toy Show will air on the 27th November on RTE.
I Believe: Christmas Festival
We’re kicking off the festive season in style with the I Believe Christmas Festival in Dublin. The festival will be centred around a gigantic 50 foot tall “Rockefeller-style” Christmas tree.
Event-goers can enjoy the Christmas atmosphere while visiting the festive food and drink stalls. The event will also be bringing Clery’s iconic Santa and elves to Santa’s Workshop for some family fun.
Children will enjoy a thirty-minute group experience with Father Christmas which includes singing and enchanting stories. The festive attraction will run until December 23rd around the Custom House Quarter.
For more details click here.
Limerick on Ice
Get you’re skates on for Limerick on Ice as it comes to Arthur’s Quay in Limerick city this December. Ireland’s longest running ice-rink will be celebrating it’s 12th year running with lots of family-packed fun.
The event boosts a family friendly venue and a great day out for both young and old. The ice-skating experience will be running from the 26th of November until the 10th of January.
For more information visit their website.
Jack and The Beanstalk Panto
‘Tis the Panto season! TheatreworX Productions will be bringing Jack and The Beanstalk to The Helix Theatre this Christmas. There’s something very festive about the crowd screaming ‘He’s behind you’ to one of the cast.
The show is expected to blow your socks off with vocals, crafty comic timing and raucous family fun. The panto will be running from 27th of November to 10th of January.
To book tickets visit their website.
Galway Christmas Market
Take a trip down to Ireland’s largest and longest running Christmas market for the Galway Christmas Market 2015.
The Galway Christmas Market will be packed with tasty treats, mulled wine and hot chocolate. You can expect plenty of crafts, toys, jewellery, cosmetics, decorations and stocking fillers from the festive stalls.
The fun doesn’t end there, take a trip on The Santa Express to tour the sights of the beautiful city, complete with live music, vintage carousels and amusements. The Christmas market runs from the end of November until the 21st of December.
For more information click here.
Mary Poppins The Musical
Take a trip to Dublin’s theatre scene for Mary Poppins in The Bord Gais Energy Theatre. Disney and Cameron Mackintosh are bringing their award-winning musical to Ireland for the first time.
The world’s favourite Nanny returns with her magical tale and unforgettable songs. The musical will be running from the the 3rd of December until the 9th of January. Tickets start from €25 and are currently on sale through ticketmaster outlets.
To get tickets check out The Bord Gais Theatre website.
The Santa Village
For the ultimate Santa experience a visit to The Santa Village at Mount Juliet in Kilkenny is a must-do. The lucky children are treated to a trip they’ll never forget as they write the all important letter to Mr. Claus while waiting to board the Santa train with the elves.
The train will travel through the mystical forest where Rudolph and pals will be playing and guests will get a sneaky glimpse of Santa’s workshop. On arrival, families will be treated to a trip to the gingerbread kitchen with tasty treats from Mrs. Claus. Visit Santa’s grotto where the man himself will be waiting to meet each family with a very special present for all the good children.
Santa and his elves are returning once again to The Santa Village from 4th to 23rd of December. Don’t forget to book tickets early to avoid disappointment.
For more information and to book your trip visit their webpage.
Kodaline
Kodaline: Sold-out concerts | JOSH SHINNER
If you’re lucky enough to have nabbed the gold-dust Kodaline tickets then you’ll likely be heading to their concerts this December. The Swords boys will be taking to the 3arena stage for two nights on the 11th and 12th of December.
The Irish band has been keeping busy touring for their new album Coming Up for Air. With their sold-out gigs all over Ireland, we’ve got high hopes for these lads!
For more information click here.
Miracle on 34th Street
Movie buff’s can get into the festive spirit with a trip to Pavilion Theatre for a viewing of Miracle on 34th Street.
The theatre will be bringing back the original 1947 movie for one night only. The Oscar-winning classic asks do you believe in Santa Claus and leaves the audience cheering Yes! Prepare for a good dose of Christmas cheer and fantastic family entertainment this December 18th.
Tickets are available from their website.
2fm Xmas Ball
2fm and MCD will bringing their Xmas ball to the 3arena this December 23rd. The lucky guests can celebrate Christmas with the stars with live performances and plenty of festive fun. There’ll be performances from Hozier, The Riptide Movement, Little Green Cars and Gavin James on the night.
The event is aimed at raising much-needed funds for the ISPCA. The ball will be hosted by all 2fm presenters Nicky Byrne & Jenny Greene, Eoghan McDermott, Bernard O’Shea, Jen Maguire and Keith Walsh, Tracy Clifford and more.
Tickets can be purchased at Ticketmaster outlets nationwide.
The Three Countdown Concert
The Coronas: Headlining the NYF festival in the 3Arena | MARK STEDMAN
The Coronas are coming home for Christmas! Fans can ring in the New Year with the band as they take the 3Arena stage for the annual NYF festival.
While the Dublin rockers will headline the festive show, the Three Countdown Concert will have sets from superstar DJ Fatboy Slim, Ryan Sheridan, Kila and Little Hours. Be sure to nab tickets early as the festive concert is sure to be a sell-out. We couldn’t think of a better way to bring in the New Year than partying with some of the biggest names in music.
Tickets are available from Ticketmaster outlets.
