We'll never understand how he has the time, but Santa will be visiting our lovely Galway this festive season and we've been given a list of the best places to see him. Check it out below!
Bring the kids along, he's taking Santa letters, having parties, and has even brought some friends along! Speaking of lists...your name is on his list this year, so that only leaves us with one question, have you been naughty or nice?
Brigit’s Garden
When: December 7th until December 22nd
Duration: 2 and a half hours.
Cost: €25 per child/adult. Under 2 years go free if they sit on an adult lap for the show.
The highlight of the Santa experience at Brigit’s Garden is the professional and interactive show with Santa and Elfeena – full of fun, music and Christmas magic, delightful for all ages. This year’s show features a new story in which Elfeena will need the help of the children – and, as always, everyone will help Santa and Elfeena light the Christmas tree by magic. Before the show there is lots to enjoy at your own pace – join Mrs Claus for stories in the thatched Roundhouse, follow the clues for the elfish Treasure Hunt around the Celtic Gardens, play games in the Marquee and hang a wish or a memorial card on our special Christmas Wishing Tree. Families will also receive hot apple punch on arrival, a special Christmas candle and a photo with Santa Claus after the show.
Address: Pollagh, Rosscahill
Book your Santa Experience here
Wildlands
When: Visits will run on Friday-Sunday from Friday November 15th and then from Thursday to Sunday throughout December. They will also run on Wednesday 18th and Monday 23rd of December.
Duration: 1 hour. Ticket includes complimentary playground; fairy trails and junior orienteering pass
Cost: €37 for kids ages 1+, €23 for adults, €12 for ages 0-1 yrs
Best suited for children aged up to 8 years of age. Older children are of course welcome and there will be age appropriate gifts for them also.
Every visit will include time spent in the Baile Beag Christmas Village interacting with Santa’s elves and Mrs Claus. Children will be able to post their Santa letters, help a sick reindeer, see the Christmas tree lights, and enjoy a reading of ‘The Night Before Christmas’ by Mrs Claus all before meeting Santa Claus himself. Children will receive a gift and a family photo with Santa. Kids will also get to enjoy a complimentary hot chocolate and homemade cookie, with a mulled wine/hot drink for the adults.
Address: Ballyquirke, Moycullen
Book your Santa Experience here
above: photo courtesy of Wildlands
Slieve Aughty Centre
When: December 7th & 8th, 14th & 15th
Cost: €28 for children ages 4-12 (including pony rides), €5 for adults, teens & toddlers (toddlers receive a gift from Santa)
The family Christmas festival is back in time for the festive season at Slieve Aughty Centre. During the festival there will be loads for families to do together such as; visit the Christmas Craft Market, partake in pony rides and games, get their face painted and do some crafts, visit the Christmas fairies in the Enchanted Wood and more. Of course, we have to mention visiting Santa Claus in his enchanted house, where with his trusty helper and a mischievous Grinch watching over the fun, Santa will lead sing-alongs, tell stories, and make sure every child feels comfortable and brave.
Address: Kylebrack, Loughrea
Book your Santa Experience here
Elf Town Galway
When: November 22nd to December 23rd
Duration: 2 hours.
Cost: from €19.95 for adults, €29.95 for children, €9.95 for babies (under 13 months)
A magical experience for the whole family, Elf Town is a Christmas experience set over 3 different buildings with the magical journey itself set over 4 floors, where at the end, you and your family get a private visit with Santa Claus himself. This year, you have the option to receive an Elf Town branded gift pack with an official invite from Santa to Elf Town addressed to the children, a keepsake Golden ticket and a map of Elf Town – Santa will also include a personalised postcard for each child thanking them for coming to Elf Town.
Address: Galway Racecourse, Ballybrit
Book your Santa Experience here
above: photo courtesy of Elf Town
Lough Rea Hotel & Spa’s Lunch with Santa
When: December 8th
Cost: €35 for adults, €25 per child including gift (12 and under), Kids under 2 years go free
Get into the festive spirit at the Lough Rea Hotel & Spa and enjoy a delicious three course festive lunch with a dessert buffet for all the family with a visit from Santa! On the day there will be plenty of magical photo opportunities and time to interact with Santa Claus. There will also be kids entertainment on the day, ensuring all ages have a phenomenal time with Santa Claus before Christmas Day.
Address: Athenry Road, Loughrea
Book your Santa Experience here
The Connacht Hotel’s Afternoon Tea with Santa
When: December 1st, 8th & 15th
Cost: €29.50 for adults, €16.50 for children, or €85 for a family of 2 adults and 2 children
To celebrate with Galway families this December, Santa Claus is arriving at The Connacht Hotel for three special festive afternoon tea experiences. These magical afternoons will involve dining on a delicious selection of seasonal treats. The adults can relax with hot drinks and maybe some bubbles? while the little ones enjoy meeting Santa and chatting all about the elves and reindeers back in the North Pole.
Address: Old Dublin Road
Book your Santa Experience here
above: photo courtesy of The Connacht Hotel
The Hardiman’s Christmas Santa Lunch Experience
When: November 30th, December 1st, 7th, 8th, 14th, 15th, 21st and 22nd
Cost: €18 for children, €39 (2 courses) or €48 (3 courses) for adults
This is the perfect experience before visiting the gorgeous Galway Christmas Market that’s right outside. Parents along with their children are invited to join The Hardiman for their Santa Lunch experience. You’ll enjoy a heavenly festive lunch before meeting Santa Claus in his grotto, where he will be giving a special gift to all girls and boys.
Address: Eyre Square
Book your Santa Experience here
Santa's Cabin at the Galway Christmas Market
When: Friday-Sundays from November 15th to December 22nd
Cost: €20 for children
A trip to the Galway Christmas Market on Eyre Square is a festive experience like no other and this year you and your child(ren) are invited to immerse yourselves in this winter wonderland; marvel at the glittering lights, soak up the festive music, and lose yourselves in a world of colour, merriment and mirth. To top off your trip, pay a visit with the little ones to Santa Claus himself at Santa’s Cabin. Ticket price includes an age appropriate gift and you’ll also meet Santa’s chief elf during your visit.
Address: Eyre Square
Book your Santa Experience here
Feature photo courtesy of Elf Town Galway
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