Get into the festive spirit and make this Christmas truly special with a holiday break to Carlow!
Carlow is brimming with holiday magic, offering a wonderful lineup of events and activities that the whole family can enjoy. Stroll through the beautifully illuminated winter gardens and enjoy a magical evening with Santa at Arboretum Home and Garden Heaven, hop aboard the enchanting Rathwood Santa Train, and be captivated by the spectacular fireworks at Lightfest. Craft a chocolate Christmas figure at the Chocolate Garden of Ireland, and experience the stunning Delta Christmas Lights Display – a perfect backdrop for creating cherished holiday memories.
With endless activities like Christmas markets, fairs, concerts, and the beloved panto, Carlow is the ideal place to celebrate the season.
For special accommodation offers during the Christmas period visit www.carlowtourism.com/specialoffers
- Christmas at Arboretum Home and Garden Heaven
For a festive day out, head to Arboretum Home and Garden Heaven in Leighlinbridge. Explore the Christmas shop and savour the delights of the stunning in-store Christmas décor. Browse beautiful gifts, festive lights, striking decorations and Christmas trees of all sizes. Enjoy the fun interactive in-store Christmas characters along with Santa’s real reindeer Donner and Blitzen daily from November and the illuminated winter garden—a true winter wonderland for all ages. Round off your visit with a tempting Christmas lunch or snack in the award winning Rachel’s Garden Café.
An Evening with Santa
“An Evening with Santa,” is an unforgettable event for the whole family. Enjoy a festive dinner together and then explore the magical, illuminated winter garden! See the real, live reindeer, and then comes the big moment – when your little one receives a present from the Main Man. The evening kicks off with a yummy dinner with Santa, Mrs. Claus and the elves. Santa will stop at every table for a chat with his guests while Mrs. Claus and the elves make sure the atmosphere is one hundred per cent Christmassy!
Next, head outside to experience the sparkling winter garden. From delicate twinkling lights to bold neons, this will be a feast for the eyes. Follow the winding paths to find your way to the real reindeer all the way from Lapland! Now it’s time for your party to meet Santa and receive the special present he has for your little one.
Embrace the whole experience – the playground and maze are lit up. The store is open late and in full Christmas mode, packed with beautiful Christmas displays ready to inspire you. Come early and soak up the atmosphere with a hot chocolate or Christmas treat from the café. Cherished Christmas memories are created here.
Included:
- Dinner
- A complimentary free hot chocolate (Kids Only)
- A visit from Santa to your table
- A present from Santa
- The illuminated winter garden experience
- A visit to the live reindeer
Dates: 4th – 6th, 12th – 13th, 18th – 20th and 23rd December
Time: 6 pm.
Admission: Adults €25 and Children €35
Venue: Arboretum Home and Garden Heaven, Leighlinbridge, Co. Carlow
T: 059-9721558
- Delta Sensory Gardens Christmas Lights Display and Craft Fair
Delta Sensory Gardens come alive with a stunning array of twinkling lights and enchanting decorations, creating a winter wonderland that captivates visitors of all ages. Stroll through the beautifully illuminated pathways, enjoy the festive ambience and take in the joyful atmosphere of what has become a Christmas tradition for many. It’s the perfect backdrop for family outings, romantic strolls or simply soaking in the holiday spirit. Round off your visit with a light lunch, tea/coffee, cakes or seasonal fare served each day in Café Thyme.
The Sensory Gardens Christmas Lights Display is open daily with late opening until 7 p.m. on Sat 30th November & Sun 1st December, Sat 7th December & Sun 8th December, Thursday 12th – Thursday 19th December.
The Delta Christmas Craft Fair on Sunday, December 8th features an amazing variety of folk craft, traditional gifts and decorations. 2.30 p.m. – 6.30 p.m. while the garden centre shop caters for Christmas wreaths and floral decorations.
The ever-popular Sensory Santa for children with sensory issues takes place on Saturday 14th & Sunday 15th December. This event is exclusively for children and adults with additional needs in a fun, relaxed environment. Includes entry to the gardens for the Christmas Lights display.
Delta & Sensory Gardens & Cafe Thyme are closed at 5PM on Friday Dec 20th until Monday 6th January.
BOOKINGS w: www.deltasensorygardens.ie
Adults €6, Concessions €5. Children & Carers FREE.
Sensory Santa Workshop: – Children – €11.00. Adults – €9.00. Family of 4 – €32.00. Family of 5 – €40.00 including lights & activities
Venue: Delta Sensory Gardens, Strawhall Estate, Carlow R93 Y959
T: 059-9131354
E : info@deltasensorygardens.ie
W : www.deltasensorygardens.ie
- Christmas Lightfest
Kick off the festive season with Carlow Lightfest’s dazzling fireworks display! Taking place on November 23rd at Carlow Town Hall, this event promises fun for the whole family, with a mini carnival, face painting, live music by Allie Sherlock and Monroe, and entertainment by DJ Matt Givens. With food stalls and activities aplenty, Carlow Lightfest is a community celebration you won’t want to miss. Get your tickets on Eventbrite and follow County Carlow – A Festive Experience for updates on this spectacular event!
Throughout November and December, families can continue to enjoy Lightfest events in Tullow on November 30th and the Bagenalstown Lightfest Carnival from December 6th to 8th December2024.
Carlow Town will also host the Christmas Circus at The Exchange on 30th November and 7th December, adding a touch of circus magic with festive face painting, juggling acts, and clown performances.
- The Rathwood Santa Train Experience
Embark on a spellbinding journey aboard the Rathwood Santa Train! This Christmas, the Rathwood team, in collaboration with the creative talents from Spotlight Productions, brings a magical experience reminiscent of a cherished Christmas story. Set within Rathwood’s enchanting forest, this interactive event is designed to ignite the imagination and capture the heart of every visitor. Children and adults alike will be transported into a world of festive wonder, where Christmas dreams come alive in the twinkling lights and immersive scenes. For event details and booking, visit santatrain.ie.
Venue: Rathwood, Tullow, Co. Carlow
Dates: November 23rd, 24th, 29th & 30th
December 1st, 5th – 24th
- Christmas at Carlow Town Libraries
Celebrate Christmas with creative activities and festive performances at Carlow Town Libraries. Throughout December, library branches in Carlow, Bagenalstown, Tullow, and Borris will host a variety of events designed for families. From Christmas card-making workshops to story-time with Wibbly Wobbly Wendy, there’s something for everyone! For a musical treat, catch “Encore – A Kildavin NS Christmas Performance. For hands-on fun, the “Family Festive Time! – KCETB Family Workshop” offers a delightful mix of storytelling and craft. To reserve your spot and find the full schedule, check out the Carlow Tourism event page here.
- Christmas Craft Fun for Kids: Join Jean in Carlow Library and have fun making some wonderful Christmas crafts. There are two workshops – book early to get your place!
- Wibbly Wobbly Wendy: Come along to Bagenalstown Library to meet Wibbly Wobbly Wendy who is all excited about Christmas for a Christmas Storytime. Optional to wear your Christmas Costume!
- Encore – A Kildavin NS Christmas Performance: A special lunchtime concert in Carlow Library presented by Music Generation Carlow. A talented vocal class from Kildavin National School, directed by Musician Educator Ann Brolly, will perform a lively selection of Christmas and popular songs. This half-hour of festive music is sure to bring holiday cheer and showcase the students’ hard work and passion. Don’t miss it!
- Wibbly Wobbly Wendy: Come along to Carlow Library to meet Santa and his Elf, Wibbly Wobbly Wendy for a fun festive morning. Optional to wear your Christmas Costume!
- Festive Family Time!: There are festive workshops for parents/guardians and children taking place in all library branches with a close look at a beautiful new seasonal book followed by a fun craft activity.
- Christmas Carol Service: Come along to Tullow Library for a Miscellany of Christmas Carols with the renowned Regina Hanley and Friends. Raise the roof with Christmas song and enjoy a mince pie!