If you haven't booked yours in already, I highly suggest that you do so now!

  Now that we're just 6 weeks out from Christmas, it really is crunch time when it comes to booking your tickets for silly season activities, of which we have tons in Ireland. There would be many more spots on this list if they weren't already sold out, so you best get a move on with the booking if you haven't already.

Santa's Winter Wonderland at Clissmann Farm

Location: Wicklow  Not one to let a holiday slip by, Clissmann Farm is hosting Santa's Winter Wonderland on-site again this year. They have very limited availability left, so book HERE if your little ones are buzzing for a visit with the big man in red. https://www.instagram.com/p/CktGCcusYp1/  

Wild Lights at Dublin Zoo

Location: Dublin  One of the few pros of the darker evenings is the return of Wild Lights at Dublin Zoo. This year's theme is The Magic of Life, with focuses on the importance of biodiversity. Visitors will travel along a one-way trail past illuminated woodland scenes before encountering wondrous pollinators including giant bees and beehives. You can nab your tickets HERE. https://www.instagram.com/p/Ck7-2UzK7Ze/

Galway Christmas Market

Location: Eyre Square  The Galway Christmas Market is back, running all the way until the 22nd December, so you have plenty of time to make a trip out that way. In the markets' 12th year of running, you can visit Santa, ride the ferris wheel, and check out over 50 wooden chalets selling everything from seasonal treats, to arts and crafts perfect for gifting. https://www.instagram.com/p/Ckk3meQMSBR/

Alpine Skate Park

Location: Cork Another fan favourite that's back this year is the Alpine Skate Park in Cork. The park will be open until the 29th January 2023 for the festive season; you can book in your slot HERE. https://www.instagram.com/p/CkizR8cowbA/

Palmerstown Santa House Express

Location: Kildare  This year's show is called Journey Through Santa’s Kingdom, in which you can drive-thru Santa Claus’ expansive Wonderland. You can book your tickets HERE. https://www.instagram.com/p/CkbeUQXoDtG/

A Christmas Tale at the Castle

Location: Limerick  There will be an audio visual 3D animation show from the 26th November until the 21st December at King John's Castle in Limerick, with prices starting at €9.50 for children and €11.50 for adults. https://www.instagram.com/p/CkyPkLrKZPJ/

Rathwood Santa Train

Location: Carlow  Starting from Sunday the Santa Train returns to Rathwood's festive forest. This event is put together by the same people as the Toy Show, so you know it's going to be epic. https://www.instagram.com/p/CktzTwfqHJa/

Christmas at Luggwoods

Location: Dublin  Luggwoods is set in the Dublin mountains, a magical backdrop for some Christmas fun. The twinkling lights and seasonal magic fills the air as you walk the majestic trail before you meet Santa at his Luggwoods Log Cabin. You can read more about it HERE. https://www.instagram.com/p/CkkxLpmMwpT/

Elf Town

Location: Galway This two hour Christmas experience completely immerses you in festive vibes. The Santa at Elf Town is set over three different buildings with the magical journey itself set over four floors, and at the end of your visit, you get to have a private meeting with Santa himself. You can book your tickets HERE. https://www.instagram.com/p/CkmSq6sqM11/

Oakfield Park

Location: Donegal The hugely popular Oakfield Park has less than 5% of their tickets left, so you'd better be quick if you want to get your hands on them. Truly one of the best Christmas experiences in Ireland, with a ride on a real train to see Santy, loads of food vendors, and games to partake in with your little ones. https://www.instagram.com/p/Ck5qJ4ELLt7/

The Amber Springs Christmas Train Experience

Location: Wexford You will be led around this Christmas by your very own personal elf, who will show you the way and all that the Santa Train Experience has to offer. It's partially outdoors, so wrap up warm, and the whole experience takes about 45 minutes, before meeting with Santa. This event is running from the 18th November to the 23rd December. https://www.instagram.com/p/Cj2w4Ikj2Z5/ And there you have it - 11 Christmas activities all over Ireland to keep you busy this winter. Header images via Instagram/oakfield_park & /amberspringshotel READ ON: Cervical cancer campaigner Vicky Phelan has passed away age 48