Christmas Family Fun in Munster

Fri 15th Nov | Winter Wonderland
It's a Winter Wonderland at Wilton Shopping Centre as Santa, Mrs Claus and their elves arrive at the shopping centre, with families invited for the turning on of the Christmas lights at 7pm, with Elsa and Olaf from Disney's Frozen joining up with Santa to make the party extra special. “We are really looking forward to Christmas this year at Wilton.” said Susanne Irwin, Manager of Wilton Shopping Centre.  “We have so much to offer shoppers this festive season with a gorgeous choice of gifts, free customer parking and over 60 shops under one roof.  We even have the elves’ free gift wrapping station ensuring that all gifts bought here are wrapped by Santa’s little helpers; Wilton Shopping Centre is the perfect place to start your Christmas shopping this year!” Santa Claus is waiting to meet all the boys and girls at Santa’s Grotto and to hear their wishes for Christmas. Get your list ready and your picture taken with Santa.   Enjoy face painting, balloon modelling, and lots of sing along Frozen fun!

For more information call 021 454 6944 or email customerservice@wiltonshoppingcentre.ie

Sat 16th & Sun 17th Nov | Ballymaloe Craft Fair
The Ballymaloe Craft Fair is returning for its 10th year with an array of craft stalls, food and family fun. Get all your Christmas shopping done, enjoy lunch and soak up the atmosphere. www.ballymaloefestivals.ie

Sat 16th Nov – Sun 22nd Dec | FREE Santa at Perks Youghal
Santa arrives today, and you can visit Santa at Perks Entertainment Centre Youghal every Saturday and Sunday from 2-6pm. Visit Santa for FREE in his grotto and receive a free parcel! Don’t forget to take your letter with you and post it at Santa’s post box.  Optional photograph, charge applies. 024 92438 www.perksfunfair.com

Sun 17th Nov | Baby Market Cork
Buy and sell pre-loved infant, child and maternity goods from local businesses at over 35 stalls today at Rochestown Park Hotel from 12noon - 3pm in the Kiltegan suite. www.babymarket.ie 

Sun 17th Nov | Christmas Lights Cork City
Festive feelings today as the Christmas Lights on Patrick Street Cork will be switched on at 6pm -7.30pm!

Fri 22nd – Sun 24th Nov | 13th Waterford Film Festival
Filmmakers from near and far will attend this weekend with screenings ranging from animation to experimental work, independent and short films. Central Arts, Waterford. www.waterfordfilmfestival.net

Fri 22nd Nov – Mon 23rd Dec | Santa Experience Cork
Travel through four festive rooms, meeting elves, reindeer and polar bears along the way at the North Pole in Dunnes Stores Patrick Street Cork. At Santa’s Stable, House and Sleigh Station meet the big man himself. Book onlinewww.santaexperience.ie

Fri 22nd Nov – Mon 23rd Dec | Fota Wonder
Now in its 7th year at Fota Island Cork, the gorgeous woodlands are transformed into a magical Christmas experience where you can visit Santa in his grotto and wander through the fairy tale wonderland. Tickets on sale Oct 2.  Bookings 021 4883700 E: christmas@fotaisland.ie  

Sat 23rd Nov – Mon 23rd Dec  | Winterval Waterford
The 8th annual Winterval, Ireland’s largest Christmas festival return to Waterford City for 2019. Explore Christmas markets, Santa’s Grotto: Santa’s Medieval Chambers, Winterval On Ice, and the Winterval Express Train. Free and ticketed events.  www.winterval.ie 

Sat 23rd Nov – Tues 24th Dec | Santa at Magical Blarney
Visit Santa and his elves at Blarney Woollen Mills Cork or at Dove Hill Tipperary to visit Santa in his grotto, check in at the North Pole Post Office, and see where the elves live. 021 4516144 www.magicalblarney.com

Sun 24th Nov | Christmas Craft & Food Fair
Visit the much loved Christmas fair at Hanigan’s Farm, Liscarroll Co. Cork from 12pm-4pm. Browse over 30 stalls, meet the gentlest donkeys, with raffle and fun activities for children.  022 48398 www.thedonkeysanctuary.ie

Sun 24th Nov | Free Storytelling Session
Engaging storytelling with BrokenCrow theatre company for 1-3 year olds. Free to all, no booking required. 2pm Crawford Art Gallery Cork. 021 4907857 www.crawfordartgallery.ie

Sun 24th Nov – Tues 31st Dec | Dungarvan Aglow 2019
Five weeks of festive entertainment in Dungarvan Co. Waterford with free family fun days on selected dates in December. cinema showings, pantomime, arts & crafts, Christmas fair, concerts, carols, Christmas party, memorial tree, Santa’s Cabin & Winter Wonderland and Christmas Market. FB/Christmas in Dungarvan 

Fri 29th Nov – Sun 22nd Dec | GLOW 2019
GLOW 2019 returns to Cork’s Grand Parade! Visit the FREE Bishop Lucey Park experience, soar high above Cork on a giant Ferris Wheel, and indulge in the food and craft market. Enjoy festive entertainment galore in Cork City Centre every weekend in December. GLOW market from 12 noon -8.30pm each day, and GLOW park installation open 4.30pm-8.30pm each day.

From Sat 30th Nov | Santa’s Village Experience
Take a magical trip through Santa’s Village at Leahy’s Open Farm Dungourney Co. Cork. See Mrs Claus baking cookies in her cottage, learn elf tricks in Elf School and be granted a special wish from the Christmas Forest Ange! Meet Santa Claus, have a little chat and receive a gift before his arrival on Christmas Eve Tours 4.30pm-6.50pm Thurs & Fri, 10am-6.60pm Sat & Sun. Bookings 083 8488142 www.leahysopenfarm.ie

Sat 30th Nov – Monday 23rd Dec | The Santa Express
Christmas is a very special time at the Waterford & Suir Valley Railway as Santa visits Kilmeadan Station in Co. Waterford. Board the train as Christmas music is playing, and the conductor will give you red blankets to keep you nice and cosy on the journey. The train sets off on an exciting 25 minute journey along the banks of the River Suir and into the Magic Wood where you will meet Mrs Claus and friends. Mrs Claus will give the children magic dust to sprinkle on the lawn on Christmas night.

Return to the station to visit Santa as a family. Santa is in a cosy cottage, and it snows outside Santa’s Cottage. The children will have a nice chat with Santa and get a good quality present. Optional photos are €6.00. To entertain you at the station you can meet the Mayfield Birds of Prey. Advance bookings by telephone only (no online bookings) 051 384058 www.wsvrailway.ie

Sat 30th Nov – Mon 23rd Dec | Cork North Pole Outpost Experience
Visit Santa at Cuskinny Court, Cobh Cork and help Mrs Claus to make some tasty treats. Learn essential Elf skills and meet Santa and a merry band of real Cork elves.021 2428868 www.northpolecork.com

December | The Magic of Santa
Step back in time and experience a magical guided tour at Fota House Cork. Meet Mrs Claus in her Victorian Kitchen, then find Clara, the Toymaker and a Mischievous Mouse King. Book online www.fotahouse.com

December | Christmas in Killarney 
Rediscover the magic of Christmas in Killarney, with magic parades, markets, craft & food fair, Christmas parties, visit Santa, dine in Killarney, quiz night, real ice rink and lots more. Christmas in Killarney parades every Saturday before Christmas! www.christmasinkillarney.com

December | Sunday Art Workshops & Tours
Enjoy a free family art workshop every Sunday with experienced artists themed around current exhibitions and festivals. Family friendly gallery tours also at 2pm in Crawford Art Gallery Cork. Free to all, no booking required. 021 4907857 www.crawfordartgallery.ie

Sun 1st Dec | Free Music at Midday   
CIT Cork School of Music performs music in different gallery spaces, bringing a new perspective to the music and surrounding artworks. Free to all, no booking required. 12midday Crawford Art Gallery Cork. 021 4907857www.crawfordartgallery.ie

Sun 1st - Sun 22nd Dec | Junior Santa Camp
Christmas science for 5-7 year old explorers each Sunday 12pm- 1.30pm at CIT Blackrock Castle Observatory Cork. Make snowflakes, snow globes and frozen slime! 021 4326120 www.bco.ie   

Sat 7th Dec | Christmas Fun Workshop
Festive Christmas workshop with creative fun for 6-12 year olds in Tipperary Museum Clonmel Co. Tipperary at 12 noon.  Booking is essential – 07 61 06 5254 or email julia.walsh@tipperarycoco.ie

Sat 7th & Sun 8th Dec, Sat 14th & Sun 15th Dec | Santa's Grotto Cork
Visit Santa and help raise money for Irish Guide Dogs this Christmas. Meet Santa and Mrs Paw and the special rein-dogs as you visit Santa’s grotto, meet the dogs, pop into the shop and you can even buy your Christmas tree there too! Autism Friendly Grotto Sat 7^th Dec. Model Farm Road Cork 021 4878200 www.guidedogs.ie

Sat 14th Dec | Cork Figure Skating Christmas Show
A great opportunity to watch CFSA (Cork Figure Skating Association) skaters in action performing in group and solo programs at this day out, suitable for all the family. You’ll get a taste of Figure Skating even without ice! 4pm show.Little Island Sports Complex, Cork. Tickets available on the door. www.corkfigureskating.com

Fri 20th Dec | Christmas Break      
The final day of Christmas term is Friday 20th December which will be the final day of the school term. All schools will re-open on Monday 6th January 2020.

Sat 21st Dec | Winter Solstice
Referred to as the shortest day of the year, December 21st is in fact the day when the north pole is tilted away from the sun. www.newgrange.com

Weds 25th Dec | Christmas Day 2019 
One of the biggest days in the Christian calendar – marking the birth of Jesus Christ. Apart from its religious significance, the day is also a major holiday worldwide. www.nollaigshona.ie  

Weds 25th Dec | Killarney Christmas Day Dip
Starts 11am – 12 midday at Dundag Beach, Muckross Lake, Killarney and is in aid of AWARE. FB/killarneychristmasdaydip

Sat 28th Dec | Portmagee Old Year Festival
For over 150 years, the arrival of each New Year is celebrated in Portmagee Co Kerry with a street parade of flaming turf torches, departure of the 'Old Year' and arrival of the joyful 'New Year'.  The identity of the ‘New Year’ is kept secret each year to add to the excitement www.moorings.ie 

Sun 29th Dec | Free Storytelling Session
Engaging storytelling with BrokenCrow theatre company for 1-3 year olds. Free to all, no booking required. 2pm Crawford Art Gallery Cork. 021 4907857 www.crawfordartgallery.ie