Every Christmas the Wild Ireland animal sanctuary in Donegal is transformed into the Wild Arctic Experience, where foxes, snowy owls and arctic wolves are around to set a wintery scene. And it’s not just the animals – the grounds are illuminated with twinkling lights and installations, with forest trails leading between the enclosures. Kids can go to visit Santa and his elves in the festive wooden hut before getting a hot chocolate topped with whipped cream and marshmallows in the café. Wild Arctic is running from November 29 to December 23.

Christmas is taken seriously at Westport House in Mayo, with Winter Wonderland running on select dates from November 16 to December 23. Both the 18th century house and the grounds are decorated for the season, with real snow falling and Christmas trees dotted around the estate. You can visit Santa in his grotto before taking in the grounds on the Winter Wonderland Express Train. Then pop into the Georgian house to see the epic Christmas decorations and grab a family photo.

There’s a historical vibe to the celebrations at Strokestown Park House in Roscommon. At the Victorian Christmas Experience running from November 30 to December 22, you’ll be guided by a mischievous elf on an adventure around the Palladian mansion for storytelling and crafts as well as a chance to meet Santa and Mrs Claus. Afterwards you can head out into the woods with a hot chocolate where the festivities continue.  

At the Arigna Mining Experience in Roscommon, Santa Underground gives kids a unique opportunity to meet the big man himself on weekends from November 30 to December 21. Each day will feature a different performance from puppeteers, magicians and musical guests – and little ones can get their faces painted and visit the elves in Santa's workshop. 

Held at the Galway Racecourse, Elf Town Galway is a fun and unique Christmas celebration. The two hour experience weaves between three buildings, with plenty of surprises along the way, culminating with a visit to Santa who will wow kids with little details you've shared with them in advance. It’s on select days from November 22 to December 23.

Wear your Santa hats and make your way to Believe Christmas at the Model Railway Village in Clonakilty. From November 30 to December 23, board the Elf Express and journey through the miniature town to meet the elves, do some arts and crafts, listen to a Christmas tale told by Mrs Claus and meet the big man in red himself. The little ones will also get the chance to decorate their very own gingerbread. 

Set among the trees on the Fota House estate, The Magic of Santa Experience invites the little tikes to meet Santa, Mrs Claus and the elves as they prepare for Christmas. Kids can help the elves as they work before picking their own book to bring home from the North Pole Library. The experience is open from November 23 and runs on select dates until December 22.

This year is the 12th Winterval, which sees the city of Waterford transformed in the run up to Christmas. As well as the continental market with sweet treats sold in the quaint wooden huts, there’s plenty for kids to do, from free puppet shows to craft workshops. There’s a vintage Ferris wheel at Arundel Square and an ice rink on the quayside, as well as an elaborate Santa village, where you can deliver your letter to the big man with Elf Post. Winterval is running from November 15 to December 23.

In Kilkenny, it isn’t Christmas until the kids have seen Santa arrive into the city by boat. November 30 marks the start of Yulefest Kilkenny, with the big man himself riding down the River Nore and making his way through town. For the rest of the festival, explore Santa's magical village, see spectacular Christmas trees, learn to make a wreath or wander the central Christmas market where you can get fresh crêpes and hot chocolate to keep you nice and toasty. Yulefest is running from November 30 to December 21.

Held on Wexford Quay, Wexford Winterland is home to many a festive treat. Treat yourself to a hot chocolate before gliding the along the Quay's festive ice rink. Meanwhile, over on Crescent Quay, the big attraction is a trip to see Santa where you can get a photo in his magical sleigh. It’s running from November 30 to December 23.

On the grounds of Belvedere House Gardens and Park in Westmeath, the forests will be illuminated with enchanting, twinkling lights for the annual Land of Light. The trees, the buildings and the night sky are all lit up in a magical display that runs from November 8 to December 21.

Every year, Rathwood Home and Garden World in Carlow is taken over with all things Christmas with the Rathwood Santa Train. The whole family can hop aboard the Rathwood Express to journey through the enchanted forest, ending at the Big Top for an all singing, all dancing show from Santa, Mrs Claus and the elves. Afterwards, each child gets a gift from Santa in the Toy Factory. The show is created by Spotlight Productions (the team behind the Late Late Toy Show) and is running every weekend from November 23 to December 24.

The Jingle Bell Express train is back at this year’s Wicklow Christmas Market, which takes kids through the Snow Tunnel on their way to the North Pole. The elves put on a show and Mrs Claus invites you to decorate cookies before it’s time to visit Santa himself. The market is packed with stalls selling food, ornaments and toys, and there’s a fun fair with carnival rides, too. The market runs from November 23 to December 22.

From November 15 to February 3, Beyond the Trees Avondale will be transformed into a Winter Woodland. Don your skates and enjoy a few laps on the ice rink, let the kids run wild on the kiddie rides and pick up some treats at the Christmas market. The forest park's landmark, the treetop walkway, will be all lit up for their Treetop Night Lights. Stroll to the top of the illuminated, 40-metre walkway and feel the festive glow as you take in 360-degree views of the surrounding woodlands. 

The fun starts before you even leave the car at Santa’s House Express, with a drive-through adventure that leads you through Santa's Manor, where you visit mischievous guests in the Ice Cave and enjoy stories and treats with Mrs Claus. After, explore the funfair and enjoy some rides as a family (though it might be a good idea to save the hot chocolate and treats until after the rides). It’s running at Palmerstown House Estate in Kildare on select dates between November 22 and December 23.

The Loughcrew Light Show event sees the grounds of Loughcrew Estate in Meath taken over by a light display, with each year bringing a different theme into the mix. This year, Snow White and the seven dwarfs can be found amongst the dazzling light installations, soundscapes and projections. It’s on from November 14 to December 23.

Malahide Castle is all lit up for the season, but this is merely a prelude to their annual Wonderlights spectacle, a sensory adventure through a winter wonderland set on the grounds of the historic castle. This year, the show at Malahide Castle will kick off the Wonderlights series, which is also happening in two other locations: Marlay Park in Dublin and Fota House Arboretum and Gardens in Cork. Wonderlights is running from November 7 to January 5, with different start dates per location.

From November 30 to December 23, Santa will be preparing for Christmas in his grotto at Dublin Zoo, so you can combine a festive treat with a trip to see all of the animals. Don't forget to drop in for their annual Wild Lights display – this year's theme is 'A Journey Through Time,' so expect to see giant dinosaurs and historical landmarks done up as larger-than-life illuminations, plus over a thousand lanterns that tell the story of evolution and life on earth.