Santa Claus is coming to Galway! We’re not sure how he finds the time, but Santa will be visiting our beautiful city this festive season, and we’ve been given a list of the best places to meet Santa in Galway this Christmas. Check it out below..
From magical grottos to Christmas shows, there are plenty of opportunities for children to hand-deliver their Santa letters, snap some photos, and enjoy the Christmas cheer. Santa’s even bringing some of his friends along for the fun!
So, get ready to make some unforgettable Christmas memories, because your name’s definitely on Santa’s list this year!
above: Elf Town
Elf Town Galway
When: November 21st to December 23rd (closed Dec 17th).
Duration: 2 hours
Cost: Prices starting from €19.95 for adults, €29.95 for children, €12.95 for babies (under 13 months).
Book your Santa Experience here
A wonderful 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. The magic of Elf Town begins long before families arrive. Every child will receive their very own Golden Ticket in the post, a sparkling invitation that grants entry to the experience. On arrival, children are welcomed at the Elf-ification Station, where they are transformed into honorary elves with a hat, name badge, and an official Elf Passport ready to be stamped along the way. From there, families embark on an entirely immersive adventure through Elf Town’s magical worlds, meeting colourful characters and exploring breathtaking sets. The journey ends with a private one on one audience with Santa Claus, who greets each child by name, having read their letters in advance. He gives them a golden coin to exchange for the toy of their choice in the Toy Shop, bringing their magical journey full circle. Children will be amazed when Santa knows a little secret, perhaps something they’re good at, their teacher’s name or their best friend, a touch of magic guaranteed to keep the belief alive. And it’s not only the children who’ll be enchanted, but the grown-ups too!
Address: Galway Racecourse, Ballybrit
above: Brigit's Garden
Brigit’s Garden
When: December 13th, 14th, 20th, & 21st
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.
Book your Santa Experience here
Santa, Mrs Claus and Elfeena, the musical elf, are back at Brigit’s Garden this Christmas bringing families an experience full of enchantment. This is a unique, child-centred Santa experience for all the family that celebrates wonder, joy and togetherness. The highlight of your visit is the interactive musical show with Santa and Elfeena, with this year’s show featuring a brand-new tale about a very special animal, with plenty of singing, laughter, and magical moments. And of course, everyone will help Santa light the Christmas tree by magic! Come along and enjoy an experience that is special and magical, in the true spirit of the season. (A special Santa candle is given to each family instead of individual presents.)
Address: Pollagh, Rosscahill
above: Wildlands
Wildlands
When: Visits will run on Friday-Sunday, starting from Saturday November 22nd (Additional dates: Monday 22 December and Tuesday 23 December.)
Duration: 1 hour. (Ticket includes complimentary playground; fairy trails and junior orienteering pass for children and parents.)
Cost: November: €37 for kids ages 1+, €23 for adults, €12 for ages 0-1 yrs // December: €39 for kids ages 1+, €25 for adults, €13 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.
Book your Santa Experience here
Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year and it's time for Baile Beag to be transformed into a beautiful atmospheric Christmas-themed play village! Here children can explore their imagination in an immersive Wildlands Winter Wonderland experience. The start of each visit will be spent in the village interacting with Santa's elves and Mrs. Claus. Children can post their letter to the North Pole in the custom made Christmas Post Box, meet Santa's elves, help a sick reindeer in the reindeer hospital, see the Christmas tree lights and enjoy a reading of "The Night Before Christmas" by Mrs. Claus, all before Santa himself lands down the chimney to all the visitors in an Baile Beag with a Ho-Ho-Ho and a bump! Santa will meet each family individually in his grotto, interacting with every child who has come to visit him. Every child will receive an environmentally friendly sustainable gift from Santa's workshop and a family photo (both included in the price).
Address: Ballyquirke, Moycullen
Lough Rea Hotel & Spa’s Lunch with Santa
When: December 7th, Arrival 1pm | Lunch Served at 1.30pm
Cost: €35 for adults, €25 per child including gift (12 and under)
Book your Santa Experience here
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
above: The Connacht Hotel
The Connacht Hotel’s Afternoon Tea with Santa
When: November 30th and December 7th, 14th, 21st, from 2pm
Cost: Adult €32, Child €20, Family €95 (2 Adults, 2 Children)
Book your Santa Experience here
To celebrate with Galway families this December, Santa Claus is arriving at The Aviary at The Connacht Hotel for four special festive afternoon tea experiences. These magical afternoons will allow you to enjoy delicious festive treats crafted by their pastry chef, sip on seasonal favourites, and create lasting memories as Santa himself makes a special appearance to meet the children. Every child will receive a gift from Santa, while they meet and chat with him all about the elves and reindeers back in the North Pole.
Address: Old Dublin Road
above: The Hardiman's Santa Lunch
The Hardiman’s Christmas Santa Lunch Experience
When: December 6th, 7th, 13th, 14th, 20th, & 21st, from 1-4pm
Cost: €18 for children (under 12s), or for adults €39 (2 courses) or €48 (3 courses)
Book your Santa Experience here
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 spectacular lunch with Santa experience. You’ll enjoy a deliciously festive lunch before meeting Santa Claus in his grotto, where he will be giving a selection box to all girls and boys.
Address: Eyre Square
Santa's Cabin at the Galway Christmas Market
When: Friday-Sundays from November 14th to December 21st
Cost: €22.50 for children
Book your Santa Experience here
A trip to the Galway Christmas Market on Eyre Square is a Christmas in Galway experience like no other and this year you and your children 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 also includes an age appropriate gift and you’ll also meet Santa’s chief elf during your visit. Photography with Santa is an additional €8.
Address: Eyre Square
Feature photo courtesy of Elf Town Galway
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