Top Things to Do in Carlow this Christmas
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
1: 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
2. 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. Enjoy the fun Christmas Wonderland Scavenger Hunt – find the magical clues and solve the puzzle to be in with a chance to win a prize.
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
3: 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.
4: 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
5: 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!
6: VISUAL Carlow and George Bernard Shaw Theatre
Visual Carlow’s holiday lineup invites the public to experience art, film, and live performances. From 20th September 2024 to 19th January 2025, visitors can view four inspiring exhibitions, including “Asterisms” by Amie Siegel, Colm Tóibín’s selections from the Arts Council collection, “Sincere, or What You Will” by Christopher Mahon, and “A Story Without Words” in the Lobby Gallery.
Film screenings are also a highlight at Visual, with family favourites such as “The Polar Express” on December 17th and “It’s a Wonderful Life” on December 22nd, bringing holiday magic to the big screen. In the George Bernard Shaw Theatre attendees can enjoy a variety of live performances, from the heartwarming Christmas Carol on December 18th and 19th to the festive Christmas Spectacular with Dublin Gospel Choir and Friends on December 20th.
Venue: VISUAL Centre for Contemporary Art and George Bernard Shaw Theatre, Dublin Road, Carlow
T: 059-9172400
7: Jingle Bell Jog
The Annual CRYS Jingle Bells Jog will take place on Sunday 1st December, 2024 at 11:30am from Carlow Rowing Club. The 5km fun run/jog/walk is open to adults and children. The course is ideal for established runners and is the perfect target for those starting their Couch to 5k training. Prizes for under 18’s, adults and best fancy dress costume. All money raised will go towards providing youth work supports to the young people of Carlow.
Registration: On the day or online at www.popupraces.ie or call into Carlow Regional Youth Service, Montgomery House, Athy Road. For more information visit Carlow Regional Youth Service on Facebook.
Cost: Adults: €15 and children €5
T: 059-9130476
8: Christmas Tree Festival
9: Chocolate Mould Making at the Chocolate Garden of Ireland – daily 1st – 24th December
Enjoy a truly special experience for young and old alike. Make a chocolate moulded Christmas figure to take home, complete with its mould. Hang it on the tree and keep it to savour on Christmas Day. Chocolate making is followed by a serving of delicious hot chocolate.
Runs every day on the hour, during regular store opening hours from December 1st to the 24th – seven days per week 11.30 a.m. – 4.30 p.m. (Monday – Friday) and 12.30 p.m. – 4.30 p.m. (Saturday and Sunday). If the weather is nice the outdoor play area is perfect for the little ones to run around and stretch their legs. Price €13.50 p.p. Enjoyed by all ages; minimum age 3 years.
Venue: Chocolate Garden of Ireland, Rath, Tullow, Co. Carlow
T: 059 6481999
E: info@chocolategarden.ie
W: www.chocolategarden.ie
10: Lisnavagh Christmas Market – December 7th & 8th
A special event held in the cosy Garden Wing overlooking Lisnavagh Gardens and adjacent to Lisnavagh House. An array of stalls selling dynamic, inventive, and seasonal items laden with an assortment of well-designed and unique gifts. The Lisnavagh Café sells delicious homemade treats, hot food and drinks. Listen to a historical talk on the McClintock Bunbury family in the unique library within Lisnavagh House or take a walk through the majestic gardens and woodlands. A guaranteed enjoyable day out to connect with each other during this festive season.
Saturday, 7th and Sunday 8th December 10.30 a.m. – 4.30 p.m.
Venue: Lisnavagh House, Rathvilly, Co. Carlow
T: 059-9161473
11: Christmas at Huntington Castle
Come and enjoy the magical atmosphere at Christmas in a traditional castle in Ireland’s Ancient East. Open for house tours and garden and estate walks. After your visit pick up a Christmas Tree from the courtyard. Take a well-earned break in the beautiful tea rooms, selling a full range of goodies, thoughtful gifts and interesting book titles which make an ideal gift or stocking filler.
Open 7th – 8th December, 14th – 15th December and 21st – 22nd December from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Admission: Adult house tours: €12.95, children less than 12 years €6, Includes admission to gardens. Gardens and estate grounds: Adults €6.95, children 4 – 12 years €3, under four: free. Family and group tickets available.
Huntington Castle, Clonegal, Co Carlow
T: 053-9377160
12. Carlow Farmers‘ Christmas Market
Carlow Farmers Market has proven hugely popular as customers embrace the wide variety of fresh fruit, conventional and organic vegetables, meats, juices, and home baking on offer as well as a variety of craft exhibitors making it the ideal venue to source that special, local gift this Christmas. Hampers of local goods, ready or made to order, speciality foods and a huge array of Christmas baking available. Saturday December 7th, 14th and 21st from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Held at Carlow Exchange, Potato Market, Carlow Town.
W: www.carlowfarmersmarket.com
Whether you’re visiting Carlow or celebrating close to home, these festive experiences are sure to make this Christmas one to remember. Enjoy the season, make lasting memories, and share the joy with your loved ones!
13: Carlow Flower Club Christmas Gala Demonstration
The 2024 Carlow Flower Club Christmas Gala Demonstration will be held at the Woodford Dolmen Hotel, Carlow on Tuesday 26th November at 8p.m. The event is brought to you by Janet Maddock and will feature award-winning flower designers. Previous designers at this event would include award-winning flower designer, Chelsea Gold winner and dahlia breeder named Christopher White of Three Gates Nursing in Dublin.
Admission for the event is €10 and each guest will be treated to a complimentary glass of mulled wine.