From pantos and winter light trails to ice skating and festive markets, the Christmas season across Ireland is packed with family-friendly events running right through to January and beyond.
Whether you're planning a big day out, a cosy evening walk or something special between Christmas and New Year, these events offer plenty of ways to make the most of the festive break.
1. Funderland
RDS | 19 December - 11 January, 2026
Christmas would not be Christmas without the traditional visit to Funderland at the RDS. Opening before Christmas once again, it offers extra days of fun before the busy rush from St Stephen’s Day into the New Year. Whenever you decide to go, there is something for all the family to enjoy.
2. Adventure Lights
Skypark, Carlingford | Until 3 January, 2026
Adventure Lights returns to Skypark Carlingford with a glowing woodland trail set against the Cooley Peninsula. Illuminated displays, twinkling tunnels and gentle outdoor adventure create a magical evening walk for all ages.
Families can follow the lit route, take part in a letter hunt, visit the Fairy Tree and explore Ireland’s Ancient Maze, with Skynet and street food stalls adding to the relaxed festive atmosphere.
3. Treetop Night Lights
Beyond the Trees, Avondale | Until 2 February, 2026
Step into the forest after dark and experience the magic of Treetop Night Lights at Beyond the Trees Avondale. Wander high among the trees as glowing trails, illuminated woodland creatures and shimmering light displays transform the forest into a peaceful winter escape. Open from 4pm to 8pm on selected evenings, this fully accessible experience is suitable for all ages. Finish your visit with a warm drink at the Seed Café.
4. K-Pop Dance Party & Brunch
Kidspace Rathcoole | 29 December, 2025
Kidspace Rathcoole lights up once again with a neon K-Pop dance party designed for children up to 10 years. For the first hour, the 10,000 sq ft play centre is closed to the public, giving young dancers the space to move, play and enjoy their favourite K-Pop tracks in a high-energy setting.
The morning includes guided dance routines with Holly, chart hits, flashing lights and plenty of surprises, followed by a pancake brunch and spot prizes throughout the event. An optional Pink Pamper Parlour add-on is available to pre-book, with mini manicures, hair styling or make-up for those who want the full star experience.
5. Aladdin | Cork Opera House
Cork Opera House | Until 18 January, 2026
Join Aladdin, Nanny Nellie and friends for a magical carpet ride full of laughter, colour and song. With dazzling costumes, live music and plenty of audience participation, this festive favourite promises fun for all ages.
6. Wexford On Ice
Wexford| Until 4 January, 2026
Wexford on Ice offers a festive skating experience with a cosy viewing area for spectators. Whether it’s a family outing, a festive date or a group night out, it’s a great way to celebrate the season.
7. Olympia Panto | Olly goes to Oz
Olympia Theatre | 19 December - 4 January, 2026
This Christmas, the 3Olympia Theatre presents Olly Goes to Oz, a hilarious panto adventure where The Wizard of Oz meets Wicked. Expect songs, jokes and classic panto madness in true Olympia style.
8. Gaiety Panto | Beauty & The Beast
Gaiety Theatre | Until 4 January, 2026
The Gaiety Theatre’s legendary Christmas panto returns with Beauty and the Beast. Led by Joe Conlan as Nana Potts, this dazzling production is packed with music, laughter and festive magic.
9. Draiocht Panto | Freezin, The Panto
Draiocht | 2-18 January, 2026
Coolmine Panto Group brings Cinderella to life with magic, music and plenty of laughs. Join Cinderella, Buttons and the Ugly Stepsisters in this fun-filled family show, with a sensory-friendly performance also available.
10. Christmas at Marina Market
Cork | Until 5 January, 2026
Marina Market transforms into Cork’s ultimate festive destination this winter, filled with Christmas markets, skating and live music. Expect twinkling lights, local food and family fun in one of Cork’s most atmospheric winter settings.
11. New Year Festival Dublin
Dublin | 30 December - 1 January, 2026
Ring in 2026 with the New Year Festival Dublin at Dublin Castle. Enjoy family-friendly Countdown Concerts earlier in the evening or celebrate midnight with live music and fireworks displays over Howth and Dún Laoghaire harbours.
12. Cinderella | The Everyman
Everyman Theatre | Until 11 January, 2026
The Everyman and CADA return with a brand new production of Cinderella, packed with laughter, sparkle and festive flair. Expect stunning costumes, big laughs and a fairy godmother with attitude in this much-loved family panto.
13. Wild Lights at Dublin Zoo
Dublin Zoo | Until 31 January, 2026
Dublin Zoo’s award-winning Wild Lights returns with The Wild Kaleidoscope, featuring 13 illuminated zones filled with colour and spectacular lantern displays. A magical nighttime experience for all ages.
14. The Stadium Christmas Panto | Cinderella
National Stadium | Until 5 January, 2026
The Stadium Panto returns with Cinderella, starring favourites Sammy Sausages and Buffy. Expect big laughs, catchy songs and festive sparkle in this larger-than-life family show.
15. Christmas at Tearaways
Tearaways Pet Farm & Activity Centre | Sat-Sun up to Christmas and then 27-29 December and 2-4 January over the holidays
Enjoy festive fun at Tearaways Pet Farm and Activity Centre, with indoor and outdoor adventures throughout the Christmas season. Kids can explore the large indoor play centre while adults relax with a coffee in the cosy café.
16. Enchanted Garden Winter Light Festival
Lafcadio Hearn Japanese Gardens | Until 31 December, 2025
Now in its 10th year, the gardens transform into a glowing winter wonderland with illuminated trails, sculpted displays and classical music. Warm drinks and live winter characters complete the experience.
17. Alpine Skating Trail | Cork
Tedcastle Yard | Until 25 January, 2026
The popular Alpine Skate Trail returns to Cork City with a magical skating experience full of twists, turns and festive fun. The 450-metre real ice trail winds through a winter wonderland, perfect for families, friends and groups.
18. Mill Theatre Panto | Hansel & Gretel
Dundrum | Until 4 January, 2026
The DLR Mill Theatre presents a playful new version of Hansel and Gretel in partnership with Golden Bake. This one-hour family show blends music, humour and festive fun, with relaxed performances available.
19. Skating Blanchardstown
Blanchardstown | Until 1 February, 2026
Ireland’s largest ice skating experience returns to Millennium Park for another festive season. With real ice, music and a lively atmosphere, it’s ideal for families, friends, schools and groups.
20. Jack & the Beanstalk
Town Hall Theatre | 29 December - 11 January, 2026
The Renmore Pantomime Society returns with Jack and the Beanstalk, delivering music, laughter and festive fun. A much-loved Galway tradition filled with colourful costumes and audience participation.
21. Helix Panto | The Snow Queen
The Helix | Until 11 January, 2026
The Helix Panto returns with The Snow Queen, a sparkling winter adventure from TheatreworX Productions. Follow Lola, Buddy, Laurel and friends on a magical journey filled with music, laughter and festive surprises.
22. Alpine Skate Trail
Dún Laoghaire | Until 18 January, 2026
Alpine Skate Trail returns to Dún Laoghaire Harbour with a 300-metre real ice trail set against stunning coastal views. Families, friends and school groups can enjoy skating, music, food and seasonal cheer on site.
Discover even more Christmas experiences, and Santa visit ideas on YourDaysOut.com – Ireland’s leading platform for discovering and booking things to do. The smarter way to get discovered.
