Excited for the holiday season in Carlow? Our guide has all the festive activities you need! Whether you're here for the first time or the hundredth, our guide will lead you to Carlow's holiday highlights.
This year, Elf Town brings a magical experience for families, featuring enchanting displays and interactive activities. Meanwhile, the Traditional Christmas Market invites visitors to browse through unique crafts and sample seasonal treats. And the Leopardstown Christmas Festival is something you definitely don't want to miss, showcasing thrilling horse racing events combined with festive festivities. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Carlow
- Leopardstown Christmas Festival (Dublin)
- Traditional Christmas Market (Dublin)
- Elf Town (Galway)
- Limerick Christmas Racing Festival (Limerick)
- Glow - A Cork Christmas Celebration (Cork)
- Rathwood Santa Visits the Big Top (Tullow)
- Bunratty Castle & Folk Park Santa Visit (Bunratty)
- Believe at Fota Island Resort (Fota Island)
- Magical Interactive Winter Wonderland (Moycullen)
- Winter Wonderland (Navan)
See these and even more events listed below!
Carlow Holiday Light Displays
Christmas Lights Vehicle Parade
What to Expect:
Vehicles decorated with Christmas lights to support local charities.
Description:
The Christmas Lights Vehicle Parade in Cavan features a convoy of vehicles decorated with Christmas lights, raising funds for various local charities. This event honors the memory of Kevin Smith and includes initiatives like the 15 Flags for Kevin and wristband sales.
Where: Cavan Town | More Info: Christmas Lights Vehicle Parade
Carlow Holiday Markets and Shopping
Glow - A Cork Christmas Celebration
What to Expect:
Interactive light installations and local market support.
Description:
Corkmas 2024 features a Christmas parade, markets, the Santa Experience, and interactive light installations, showcasing local traditions and supporting local businesses.
Where: Cork | More Info: Glow - A Cork Christmas Celebration
Traditional Christmas Market
What to Expect:
Traditional alpine market stalls with live music and festive food.
Description:
The Dublin Castle Christmas Market features over 30 traditional alpine market stalls offering decorative crafts and inspiring gift ideas. Visitors can indulge in traditional fare sold by artisan producers, explore the festively decorated State Apartments, and enjoy live music. The event includes a vintage carousel and festive food options like hot dogs and mulled wine.
Where: Dublin | More Info: Traditional Christmas Market
Carlow Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Rathwood Santa Visits the Big Top
What to Expect:
Interactive Santa visit with festive forest exploration.
Description:
Join Rathwood for a special Christmas event where Santa, Mrs. Claus, and their elves invite you on a journey through the Enchanted Forest. Expertly crafted by Spotlight Productions, this event promises an unforgettable adventure filled with festive wonder and holiday cheer.
Where: Tullow | More Info: Rathwood Santa Visits the Big Top
Disco Kids Christmas Show
What to Expect:
High-energy dance performance by young dancers in festive costumes.
Description:
Disco Kids Christmas Show is a vibrant and energetic performance featuring talented young dancers in festive costumes, showcasing their skills in a fun and engaging way.
Where: Navan | More Info: Disco Kids Christmas Show
Bunratty Castle & Folk Park Santa Visit
What to Expect:
Personalized Santa visit with festive character interactions.
Description:
Visit Santa Claus in his grotto at Bunratty Castle & Folk Park, where you can meet festive characters, enjoy light installations, and participate in various activities.
Where: Bunratty | More Info: Bunratty Castle & Folk Park Santa Visit
Carlow Other Holiday Activities
Christmas at Brigit's Garden
What to Expect:
Seasonal storytelling and festive activities in Celtic-themed gardens.
Description:
Celebrate the holiday season at Brigit's Garden with themed gardens, festive activities, and seasonal storytelling.
Where: Rosscahill | More Info: Christmas at Brigit's Garden
Slieve Aughty Centre Christmas Market
What to Expect:
Spooky family-friendly activities including haunted houses and pony rides.
Description:
Slieve Aughty Centre's Halloween Festival offers a spooky and fun experience with haunted houses, treasure hunts, pony rides, and various family-friendly activities.
Where: Kilchreest | More Info: Slieve Aughty Centre Christmas Market
Elf Town
What to Expect:
Private visits with Santa and personalized gifts for children.
Description:
Elf Town is a 2-hour Christmas experience set over 3 buildings with a journey spanning 4 floors. Children receive an Elf Town branded gift pack, a golden ticket, and a personalized postcard from Santa. The event includes a private visit with Santa, where he knows a secret about each child, and a special toy coin to exchange for any present in Santa's toy shop.
Where: Galway | More Info: Elf Town
Magical Interactive Winter Wonderland
What to Expect:
Interactive festive experience with Santa and elves.
Description:
At Loughwell Farm Park, immerse yourself in a fully interactive Christmas experience with Santa, Mrs. Claus, and the elves. Enjoy games, tattoos, popcorn, candyfloss, and story time as you explore glittering walkways and festive rooms. Meet Elf Regina and check the naughty or nice list, play games with Elf Buddy, and get magic reindeer food to take home. Adults can enjoy festive mince pies and mulled wine while children can choose their own presents from Santa’s Toy Shop.
Where: Moycullen | More Info: Magical Interactive Winter Wonderland
Winter Wonderland
What to Expect:
Interactive Christmas events with Santa and farm animals.
Description:
At Causey Christmas Experience, Causey Farm transforms into a festive atmosphere filled with traditional charm and magic. Visitors can explore different Christmas-themed events across the farm, enjoying the sights and sounds of the season. The farm animals are in for the winter, and baby lambs will soon be born, adding to the festive ambiance.
Where: Navan | More Info: Winter Wonderland
Believe at Fota Island Resort
What to Expect:
Santa visits in a historic setting with festive decorations.
Description:
At Fota Island Resort, families and friends can create unforgettable festive memories. The resort partners with Fota House to offer Santa visits, and guests can enjoy decadent festive menus and 5-star luxury. Fairy lights and festive decorations adorn the hotel, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
Where: Fota Island | More Info: Believe at Fota Island Resort
Leopardstown Christmas Festival
What to Expect:
High-quality National Hunt Racing with live music and celebrity attractions.
Description:
The Leopardstown Christmas Festival is a four-day celebration of top-class National Hunt Racing, featuring Grade 1 races and live music in the festival marquee. The event includes extra attractions like the Winning Line celebrity tipster panel and Savills Style Awards. Located near Dublin City Centre, it offers a range of post-race activities and attractions.
Where: Dublin | More Info: Leopardstown Christmas Festival
Limerick Christmas Racing Festival
What to Expect:
Top-class jumps racing with live music and family activities.
Description:
The Limerick Christmas Racing Festival is a four-day event featuring top-class jumps racing, live music, and family fun activities. Highlights include the Dorans Pride Grade 2 Novice Hurdle, Dawn Run Grade 2 Novice Steeplechase, and a Family Fun Day with children's amusements and entertainers.
Where: Limerick | More Info: Limerick Christmas Racing Festival
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- Kilkenny (19 miles)
- Droichead Nua (24 miles)
- Naas (28 miles)
- Celbridge (38 miles)
- Tallaght (38 miles)
- South Dublin (39 miles)
- Waterford (41 miles)
- Sandyford (42 miles)
- Bray (43 miles)
- Dublin (44 miles)