Dates: December 1st to 21st 2021

Returning for 2021 is The Santa Express! This year, the trains have been compartmentalised to cocoon your family as you travel. Tickets are sold for compartments only, rather than individual seats, so that families are transported safely to meet Father Christmas.

Meet Mrs Claus in her snuggly office, where she will host regular performances of a puppet show along with her beloved naughty puppets. Watch them get up to mischief and learn how to make take-home Christmas craft.

Children will get to pop their letter into Santa’s magic ticket box and board their own personal carriage on the Santa Express at the station. Families can enjoy an enchanting train ride through Oakfield’s magnificent woodlands to meet Santa and his elves. There will be socially distanced, safe games in the igloo dome and children can take part in the Reindeer Games Tournaments along with the sportiest elves.

This year, Santa will meet you on his sleigh, at a safe distance, to present his gifts!

Dates: November 27th to December 24th 2021

Santa’s Train Adventure at Rathwood runs on selected dates during November and December.

This year, board the train and keep an eye out for Santa’s reindeer as you travel through the festive forest. You will then make your way to Fossett’s Big Top to see Santa, Mrs Claus and their elves as they perform a special show!

Note: Each booking must be for a minimum of 3 and a maximum of 6 people.

Don’t miss the chance to have your say! We’re looking for parents to get involved and give their feedback on all aspects of family life.

Dates: Select dates from November 28th to December 23rd 2021

Set off on an exciting journey on a real train beside Waterford Greenway and by the majestic River Suir to meet Mrs Claus and friends in the Magic Wood. The Fairies in the Magic Wood have been busy making the magic dust that will help Santa find your house on Christmas night – and Mrs Claus has some for every child!

The Santa Express train journey and visit with Mrs Claus takes about 25 minutes, then return to Kilmeadan Station to meet the Mayfield Bird’s of Prey, take photos at the many photo opportunity props around the Station, or enjoy a hot chocolate from the Whistlestop Café until you are called in to the carriage to make your way to Santa’s Railway Cottage.

Santa is in a cosy railway cottage where each family can have a private visit and chat with Santa before receiving their gifts.

NOTE: 2021 details TBC

The Santa Special is a return journey by vintage train, with an on-board visit from Santa and selection boxes for children. This is the apparently the “real Santa Train”, that operates on the Irish Rail network.

Departing from a very special platform in Dublin Connolly, you set off on a 40 minute journey out to Maynooth along the banks of the Royal Canal, and a very special man will be travelling through the train handing out selection boxes and sweets for all the boys and girls. Santa will pose for some photos and take any last special requests for the big day. After a chance to take some photos at Maynooth, you retrace steps back to Dublin Connolly.

Run by volunteers and all monies raised are put back into the running costs of the train.

Dates: November 19th to December 23rd 2021

With a little Ho Ho Ho and more than a sprinkling of Christmas magic, the Amber Springs Santa Train Experience is back!

Travelling aboard The Amber Express, following the glimmering lights and sparkling trees to the Amber Christmas Village. Once at the village, you will disembark the Amber Express to explore the village in your own family pod.

Walking around the village you will be able to enjoy a little festive treat and see all the busy little elves working away before going to have your own personal visit with Santa!

The Santa Train Experience package includes:

• One or two nights’ accommodation in a choice of room to suit your needs
• Full Irish breakfast
• €50 dining credit to use in any of the three dining outlets
• Games room with Sony PlayStation
• Amber Park with petting farm, outdoor playground, Mini-Golf, Go-Karts, Archery and more (additional charges may apply)
• Club Amber Leisure facilities include swimming pool,  kids pool, hydrotherapy pool, sauna, gymnasium
• Movies screened daily in the 80-seater Showtime Cinema

Dates: Selected dates from November 27th to December 21st 2021

A day at the Wicklow Christmas Market would not be complete without a visit to see the big man himself, Santa Claus! The Santa Express will transport you and your family to the North Pole and to the home of Santa and Mrs Claus.

Get ready for a fun ride with Santa’s favourite mischievous (but fun!) elf, Oribel, as your train conductor. After your train ride you’ll be met by a team of elves, led by the notoriously naughty Elf and Safety, who will be eagerly awaiting your arrival. Laugh along as you watch the mayhem and shenanigans that these two are always up to!

After leaving Elf and Safety and the rest of the crew, it will be time for a visit with Mrs Claus. You and your family will be seated in your own designated area as she visits with the families, reads her favourite Christmas tale, and sings a song for everyone’s entertainment.

Then of course, it’s time for a visit with Santa! He will be there to meet all of the girls and boys who will get to personally tell him what’s on their Christmas list. Families will visit Santa as a group, and each child will receive a special Christmas gift from Santa Claus himself. Don’t forget to post your letter at Santa’s official post box!

NOTE: 2021 details TBC

Lisduff Farm’s Santa Train in Tipperary offers a truly magical experience. Your journey will take one hour and you will meet Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus and all his elves.

The Santa Train will make its way through the Lisduff Adventure Farm to Santa’s extra special Woodland Home, where each child will receive a special present from Santa Claus and can get their photograph taken.