Wicklow is a wonderful destination for celebrating the festive season with your family and friends. With incredible scenery, charming towns and villages, and an array of festive events, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Here are some of the best upcoming Christmas celebrations in Wicklow:
Wicklow’s Christmas Market
Christmas at the Gaol
You may experience the magic of Christmas from November 21st to December 20th. Enjoy the atmosphere that the Market has to offer for Christmas enthusiasts of all ages. This year, visitors can enjoy:
- Food vendors offering culinary delights from around the globe.
- Local artisans selling handmade crafts, gifts and art.
- Meet Victorian Santa
- Dickens & Scrooge inside the Gaol: Follow the story through stone corridors and original cells as characters bring a classic Christmas tale to life around you.
- Festive Workshops
- Fire show.
Don’t miss out on this opportunity to start the festive season in style at Wicklow Gaol.
Wicklow Wrapped at the Abbey
Christmas market in the marquee at Abbey Grounds Park, Wicklow Town
Weekend 1
Friday 11th December: Opening Event, 4pm–8pm
Saturday 12th December: 10am–6pm, including stone lifting and Bataireacht demonstrations with Gearóid Grauer
Sunday 13th December: 10am–6pm
Weekend 2
Saturday 19th & Sunday 20th December: 10am–6pm
The market will feature:
- 26 Made in Wicklow makers, Wicklow Naturally food producers inside a marquee with 3 outside
- Live music
- Art
- Printmaking demonstrations each weekend
- Blacksmith Demonstration
- Stone Lifting
- Marsh mellow toasting
- Free Santa (picture only )
Midweek in the Marquee
Monday 14th December: Wicklow Town Team Tic Toc Final 11 – 1PM. The Boat House children’s trad Christmas concert, 5pm–7pm, followed by The Black Castle Trad Session Band, 8pm–10.30pm (€10)
Wednesday 16th December: Niall Breslin with the Polaris Quartet, 8pm–10pm (seated, ticketed)
Thursday 17th December: The Wicklow Music Collective, 6pm–10.30pm (€10)
Christmas Island @ Hidden Valley
During the Christmas season, Hidden Valley transforms into a true winter wonderland, offering activities for all ages, from November 28th to December 22nd, including;
- A train journey to Santa’s Grotto
- Meeting with Santa himself!
- Elf entertainment
- Winter downhill tubing
- Christmas Carvery, sweets, and beverages at The Lakehouse.
Make sure to visit Hidden Valley for One magical Christmas adventure from start to finish!
Santa’s Winter Wonderland @ Clissmann Horse Caravans
With Clissman Horse Caravans, you’ll enjoy an authentic and natural Santa experience in the Wicklow Hills from December 5th to December 23rd.
- Trek through the Magical Winter Wonderland Trails.
- Take a Horse-Drawn Carriage Sleigh ride to the North Pole Post Office
- Post an update to Santa on how Naughty or Nice you’ve been.
- Visit the Woodland Workshop,
- Meet Santa and the elves
- Receive a special gift.
Make sure to reserve your spot for this unique event in advance!
Santa Visits the Big Top @ Rathwood
Get ready to witness the magic of Christmas come alive at Rathwood! From November 28th to December 24th, enjoy a truly special experience, which includes;
- Checking in with Santa’s elves.
- A magical train ride through Rathwood’s festive forest
- A Spectacular Musical Show featuring Santa, Mrs Claus, and the elves.
- Receive a special present from the elves
- Meet Santa himself.
A visit to Rathwood is a fantastic opportunity to create unforgettable family memories this Christmas.
Christmas @ Killruddery
Embrace the holiday season at Killruddery from November 20th to December 23rd, and make lasting memories by taking part in their range of activities!
Visit Santa Claus at Killruddery with Me and The Moon
- Create drawings and Christmas tree decorations with Santa’s elves.
- Join a festive clay workshop.
Workshop: Christmas Wreath Making with Fionnuala Brabazon
- Enjoy minced pies and hot spices drink while creating your own Christmas wreath to take home.
MADE WELL – Irish Craft in Christmas Lights
- Meet craftspeople, enjoy informal demonstrations and conversations, and find inspiration for Christmas gifts, decoration and dining.
Make sure to book with Killruddery to kickstart your family’s Christmas celebrations.
ILUMINA – Forest Lights Spectacular @ Beyond the Trees Avondale
This winter, Treetop Night Lights transforms into ILUMINA – Forest Lights Spectacular – a bigger, more immersive journey bringing light, magic and nature together after dark. From November 14th to February 1st 2027 experience Avondale’s forest canopy in a whole new light.
- Enjoy a walk along their illuminated walkway, tunnel, and viewing tower
- Meet lit-up forest creatures along the way.
- Walk deeper into Avondale’s magnificent forest, where glowing pathways, atmospheric sound, captivating projections and breathtaking light installations transform the woodland into a world of winter wonder.
This immersive experience is perfect for all ages and abilities, and it’s the perfect way to get up close and personal with nature after dark.
Book your tickets today and discover the seasonal magic of Beyond the Trees!
Christmas @ Russborough House & CP Adventure
Join Russborough House & CP Adventure from November 4th to December 23rd for a unique collection of events combining festive wonder and adventure.
- Venture along an enchanted woodland trail, passing by cabins for the elves as well as Mrs Claus’ House!
- Visit Santa’s Cabin in the woods!
- Challenge yourself to archery, ziplining, and even an obstacle course!
Festive Afternoon Tea in the West Wing
- Arrive to a glass of prosecco, then settle in to a seasonal Afternoon Tea of freshly prepared sandwiches, festive pastries, cakes and traditional mince pies
- Experience the enchantment of Christmas as the house comes alive with the soft glow of lights.
The Russborough Christmas Revue: Local Talent, Festive Spirit
- Set in the beautiful Saloon, this relaxed Christmas Revue will bring together a talented line-up of local performers. Dave Harris on the banjo, Fionn Whelan playing the guitar, Ger Devine reciting his poetry and Rosie Griffin playing the piano.
Visit Russborough House & CP Adventure this festive season for a refreshing Christmas experience!
