Don’t miss our pick of what’s on and things to do with kids around Ireland this month, from virtual events to family fun days!
We have listings below for an amazing mix of family and kid-friendly events taking place around Ireland. They include plenty of free options, and ideas to introduce the whole family to a variety of cultural events, music events and festivals, open days, classes and much more.
What’s On: December 2023
Treetop Night Lights at Beyond The Trees Avondale, Wicklow
Dates: November 11th 2023 to January 21st 2024, daily from 4pm to 7pm
Experience the forest after dark in a completely novel way with the dazzling Treetop Night Lights spectacle. Travel the beautifully lit treetop walkway, tunnel and viewing tower and meet an array of lit up forest creatures that make Avondale Forest Park their home.
This is an experience that all ages and all abilities will enjoy together getting up close and personal with nature after dark. Less than one hour’s drive from Dublin city in the heart of the Wicklow countryside, Treetop Night Lights provides a family-friendly, age-friendly and truly accessible spectacle.
Running from Saturday 11th November 2023 to Sunday 21st January 2024 this is more than a Christmas experience, it’s a celebration of winter and an exploration of a night time forest fantasy. The perfect ‘together adventure’ for all ages and abilities this winter season.
How to Book: For more information and to book tickets, click here.
Santa Visits, Nationwide
Dates: Throughout December
We have rounded up some of the best Santa Visit experiences taking place around Ireland including:
- 50+ Magical places to visit Santa
- Festive Santa train experiences
- Sensory friendly Santa visits and shows
- Best value and free Santa visits
- Wonderful places to stay over and visit Santa
- Elf Town Galway
- Santa’s Secret Workshop at The Rugby Experience, Limerick
- Santa’s Magical Cabin, Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Portlaoise and Clare
Fun and Festive Things to Do In Ireland This December, Nationwide
Dates: Throughout December
We have rounded up some of the best events taking place around Ireland this festive season including:
- Fun and festive things to do in Ireland this holiday season
- Where to go ice skating around Ireland
- Where to see Christmas lights around Ireland
- Christmas carols by candlelight music events around Ireland
- Fun elf events
- Christmas outdoor and drive-in movies around Ireland
- Christmas Markets in Ireland
- Best Panto’s and Christmas Shows for a family trip to the theatre
Family Events the Irish National Stud and Gardens, Kildare
Build a Christmas Bear and Festive Fun Days
Dates: Select dates from December 2nd to 17th 2023
There are plenty of fun activities taking place at the Irish National Stud & Gardens, Co Kildare, this December.
- On December 2nd join Lindsay and her busy elves in building your very own Christmas Bear. From 11:00 am to 12:00 pm children will have an opportunity to build their very own 16-inch Christmas themed bear while also choosing a special wish and writing their very own birth certificate. For further details and bookings,click here.
- On Saturday 9th – Sunday 10th AND Saturday 16th – Sunday 17th December there will be a fun-filled festive experience for all the family from 12-3pm each day.
Santa won’t be making an appearance as he is super busy in the North Pole but you’ll get to meet Christmas characters, enjoy face painting, balloon modelling, games and more.
All the regular attractions are available including an opportunity to visit the Irish Racehorse Experience, take the fairy trail route, and walk along the stepping stones in the Japanese Gardens for hours of outdoor fun.
The restaurant will be serving seasonal recipes along with the usual yummy cakes and treats. For further details and bookings, click here.
FREE Drop in Creative Workshops for Kids and Teens at Chester Beatty, Dublin
Dates: December 2nd & 16th
Make some eye-catching festive ornaments and cards this December at a FREE workshop at the Chester Beatty.
- December 2nd from 12pm to 2pm – Drop-in for families: Christmas Ornaments
- December 2nd from 2pm to 4pm – Teen Creative Lab: Festive Cards
- December 16th from 12pm to 2pm – Drop-in for families: Festive Cards
For more information and to book your FREE places, click here.
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory the Musical, Dublin
Dates: December 5th 2023 to January 7th 2024
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory – The Musical will have its Irish premiere at the Bord Gais Theatre, Dublin.
Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory tells the devilishly delicious tale of young golden ticket winner Charlie Bucket and the mysterious confectionary wizard Willy Wonka.
For more information and to book tickets, click here.
Rathfarnham Castle Christmas Market, Dublin
Dates: December 10th 2023 from 10am to 3pm
The Rathfarnham Castle Christmas Market will showcase festive food, crafts and artisan products and there will be entertainment to suit all ages too.
For more information, click here.
A Christmas Carol at the Pavilion Theatre, Dublin
Dates: December 14th to 17th 2023
A Christmas Carol is Aaron Monaghan and Bryan Burroughs’ playful, physical storytelling, stage adaptation of Charles Dickens’ much loved novella.
Devised straight from Dickens classic text, the two award-winning actors – dressed in snazzy suits – play all the characters at break-neck speed using an array of colourful hats, scarves and an Ikea coat-rack!
The famous cautionary tale tells the story miserly Ebenezer Scrooge as he is visited by ghosts who take him on a journey through his past, present and future one fateful Christmas Eve. This production is funny, slightly scary, utterly heartwarming and features a surprise special guest appearing as Tiny Tim…
For more information and to book tickets, click here.
Print a Claus FREE Family Day Workshop at Draíocht, Dublin
Dates: December 16th at 12pm, 1pm and 2pm
Print your very own Christmas Cards to send to friends and family on the special printing press at Draoícht. This event is best suited to children aged 4 to 9 years and is free to take part in. All children must be accompanied by an adult and should dress for mess!
For more information and to book tickets, click here.
Family Events Lough Key Forest and Activity Park, Roscommon
Meet and Greet with Santa
Date: December 17th 2023 from 1pm to 3pm
Santa, Mrs Claus along with their team of elves and Frosty the Snowman will be making a stop at Lough Key Forest and Activity Park this December 17th. You can:
- Have a meet and greet with Santa
- Enjoy mulled wine and festive treats
- Take some beautiful festive photos.
Booking Details: No booking required for this event. To find out more, check out the Lough Key Forest and Activity Park Facebook page.
What’s Coming Up in 2024
Childhood Cancer Ireland Family Fun Day UCD Rugby Club, Dublin
Dates: January 7th 2024
Childhood Cancer Ireland are hosting a family fun day with their ambassador, Leinster Rugby’s Hugo Keenan.
Join Hugo and his friends on January 7th 2024 (time TBA) at the UCD Rugby Club in Dublin. All families impacted by childhood, adolescent and young adult cancer are welcome.
How to Book: For more information and to register, click here.
Cirque Du Soleil, OVO at 3Arena, Dublin
Dates: April 18th to 21st 2024
OVO, meaning “egg” in Portuguese, is a headlong rush into a colourful ecosystem teeming with life. From mighty crickets bouncing off trampolines to a hypnotic spider contorting inside her web, OVO exudes extraordinary showmanship to tickle the imagination.
When a mysterious egg appears in their midst, the insects are awestruck and intensely curious about this iconic object that represents the enigma and cycles of their lives. It is love at first sight when a gawky, quirky insect arrives in this bustling community and a fabulous ladybug catches his eye – and the feeling is mutual.
Comprised of 100 people from 25 different countries, including 52 artists, OVO brings to the stage high-level acrobatic acts redefining the limits of the human body.
Cirque du Soleil has brought wonder and delight to more than than 378 million people on 6 continents and 86 countries. OVO will be performed at the 3Arena Dublin from April 18th to 21st 2024.
How to Book: For more information and to book tickets, click here.
About the Author: Emily Manning
