Christmas in Laois Volume One
Make memories to last a lifetime in Laois this Christmas
From Santa’s magical steam train to a visit to a magical winter wonderland, there’s something for everyone to enjoy this Christmas in Laois. This year’s festive season is brimming with events to bring out the Christmas spirit in us all. The little ones are bound to be enchanted by the many magical events featuring Mr Claus himself, who will be visiting Laois, and the grownups can finally get the gang out of the group chat for a proper night out.
Welcome to Volume 1 of our top picks of Christmas events happening across Laois. Discover the magic of Christmas at these wonderful events and stay tuned for Volume 2 coming next week – because, after all, there’s just so much happening in Laois we couldn’t fit it all in!
Festive Family Fun
Christmas isn’t Christmas without a visit to Santa and luckily, the man in the red suit has made time to visit Laois before he takes off in his sleigh on Christmas Eve.
Macra Light Up Tractor and Truck Run in Mountmellick
A calendar highlight for budding farmers, this year’s run is in aid of Down Syndrome Laois and participants are encouraged to get creative with their vehicles with a prize for the best dressed tractor and truck on the night.
Date: 14th December from 3pm-8pm
Link: https://www.facebook.com/people/Mountmellick-Macra-Light-Up-Truck-And-Tractor-Run/100085353650471/
Santa and the 3 Little Pigs at the Dunamaise Arts Centre
This clever re-working of the classic tale is filled with fun and wonderful toe-tapping Christmas songs. Suitable for little ones from 3 years old.
Date: 21st December
Link: https://www.dunamaise.ie/whats-on/shows-and-events
The Polar Express at The Dunamaise Arts Centre
Elves, a magical train and an adventure of a lifetime, what more could you ask for in a Christmas classic? Ideal for kids and adults alike.
Date: 14th December, 2pm
Link: https://www.dunamaise.ie/whats-on/shows-and-events/the-polar-express
Spectacular Santa Experiences
The Santa Train at Stradbally, organised by The Irish Steam Preservation Society
Hop on this magical train and meet with Santa, Mrs. Claus and the elves while you travel through beautiful Stradbally Woodland in style. This joyful journey is for everyone, with that in mind, each day, the first train of the day is a sensory train for those with additional needs. We hope you have your tickets as this event is now sold out.
Dates: November 30th, December 1st, 7th, 8th, 14th, 15th.
Link: https://irishsteam.net/
Santa’s Grotto at Solas, Eco Garden Shop, Portarlington
Get to meet the man himself and much more besides at this immersive Christmas grotto. Step into this magical wonderland, where all of the family can expect to be enchanted, from the tunnel of lights to a visit to Santa’s workshop where the toys are being made.
Dates: November 29th- December 23rd
Link: https://ecogardenshop.ie/santa-grotto-experience/
Christmas Wonderland at Castleview Open Farm
Pay a visit to Santa while he and Mrs. Claus prepare for their big night on Christmas Eve. Mrs. Claus will bring the magic of Christmas alive with her storytelling while the animals are readying themselves to help make dreams come true. While you’re on the farm, feed the animals and write your letter to Santa and post it in the special postbox.
Dates: 7th, 8th, 14th, 15th, 21st December
Link: https://castleviewopenfarm.ie/event/christmas-event/
Charlie Hughes Happy Human Christmas
Make some memories at this heartwarming event, designed to bring the magic of Christmas alive. Meet with some of Santa’s team, the elves who might need a hand making the toys and Mrs. Claus who is always ready for a good festive singsong. Every child can make a special wish for someone they love in the Wishing Hut before getting to spend some time with Santa.
Date: 6th, 7th, 8th, 13th, 14th, 15th, 20th, 21st, 22nd December
Magical Music
From Mariah Carey’s classic Christmas hit to our own ultimate Christmas song by the Pogues, there will be festive tunes aplenty around Laois to get us in the swing of things this festive season.
Stradbally Community Choir at Sacred Heart Church, Stradbally
Expect to hear some of your favourite Christmas songs when the Stradbally Community Choir take to the stage for their special Christmas Performance in the Sacred Heart Church.
Date: December 23rd at 7pm
Pogueology at Ballintubbert Gardens and House
A lively tribute to one of Ireland’s most loved musical sons set in the stunning Ballintubbert estate. Expect raucous tunes, craic, poetic lyrics and heartfelt ballads, the perfect Christmas night out!
Date: December 7th
Link: https://www.ballintubbert.com/book-events/#!/e/e6e832a0616bce9aefb05386f4eb27c4
Drops of Green at the Abbeyleix Manor
Date: December 14th
Link: https://www.facebook.com/dropsofgreenoz/
There truly is no shortage of fun, festive events to come to Laois this Winter season. Stay tuned for part two of what we have to offer to all those who are feeling jolly this time of year. From wholesome markets, to cocktail-making and masquerade balls, there’s still so much more to find out about what events Laois has on offer this Christmas. Find out about all of the fun events you can attend, creating lifelong memories with friends and family. Don’t forget to check out our What’s On Guide for all the exciting events taking place in Laois during the festive season!