If you are looking for festive inspiration on things to see, do and gift, we have a round up of magical events happening across the country, along with unique Irish experience gifts, and luxurious hotel stays, that your friends and family will really love!
Cork: Visit Santa’s Magical Market for a treat for the whole family, including your dog!
This Christmas, Cork’s Marina Market will be transformed into a snow-dusted Scandinavian-inspired wonderland as Santa’s Magical Market – The Big Freeze arrives from 22 November to 23 December 2025. Created by Cork-based TS Events, the immersive experience will feature icy forests, twinkling lights, a Frozen Forest and Ice Cave illuminated by a dazzling light show, a Snowy Valley with an animatronic polar bear, and a whimsical snow village serving festive treats. Families can meet Santa in his cosy log cabin, post letters at the North Pole Outpost, and capture memories with professional photos and keepsake prints. Fully accessible, dog-friendly, and featuring sensory-friendly hours, the event continues its partnership with Enable Ireland, raising vital funds for children’s services in Cork.
For further details and bookings see www.santasmagical.market or follow @santasmagicalmarket on instagram.
Dublin: Jingle all the way to Croke Park to join Santa at his Christmas training camp!
Santa Claus, the ultimate Bainisteoir of Christmas, is bringing his North Pole GAA team to Croke Park from Saturday, 29th November to Tuesday, 23rd December 2025, as the GAA Museum transforms into his festive training camp. Families can explore the Elf Dressing Rooms, test their skills in the festive Skills Zone, and enjoy a private meet-and-greet with Santa in his Croke Park cabin, complete with photos and a special gift for every child. Tickets also include access to the award-winning GAA Museum, where visitors can follow the Cúchulainn Christmas Quest Trail, play in Cú Chulainn’s Den, and enjoy the new Sensory Space. The 50-minute experience is wheelchair and buggy accessible, with free parking outside the museum. Tickets must be pre-booked online at www.crokepark.ie/santa (€23 per child aged 2+, €16 per adult).
Kilkenny: Jurassic Newpark Christmas Experience
This Christmas, Santa, elves, and dinosaurs unite for a magical festive adventure at Jurassic Newpark in Kilkenny, running from 22nd November to 23rd December 2025. Families can explore a dazzling Winter Wonderland filled with twinkling lights, the Jurassic Express Train, Elf Academy shows, and Santa’s Grotto, where every child receives a build-a-bear experience, reindeer food, and a gingerbread treat to decorate and take home. With real reindeer, dancing dinosaurs, carnival games, a live animal nativity, and steaming mugs of hot chocolate at the Jurassic Snack Shack, there’s festive magic around every corner. Jurassic Newpark is free to attend for all guests of the Newpark Hotel. The Santa visit is extra. Tickets must be pre-booked at www.jurassicnewpark.com
Killarney: Give a Wonderful, Wanderful Gift
Looking for a gift for an adrenaline junkie, a rambler who treks off the beaten track, or someone on the search for new mindful experiences? A gift voucher for the Wander Wild Festival, Ireland’s great outdoors festival in Killarney from April 17th to April 19th, 2026 is the ideal choice. The unique adventure and wellness festival, set in the lakes and mountains of the 26,000-acre UNESCO Killarney National Park, has over 100 outdoor and indoor events for the body, mind and soul. Your loved one can explore new adventures and recharge with a dip, hike, bike, kayak, swim, horse ride, ramble, or wellness activity against a backdrop of stunning scenic landscapes. Activities range from €20-120. Grab a gift voucher on wanderwildfestival.com .
Cork: Swap Christmas Carolling for Choralling!
The choir or choral music fan in your life is bound to love a Cork International Choral Festival Friend of the Festival membership. Benefits include tickets and priority seating for all Gala Concerts at Cork City Hall. Free admission to the weekend Festival Club, an exclusive invite to the Festival Press Launch, the Opening Reception and the Interval Reception during the Gala Concerts. And a digital recording of one festival session of your choice.
Waterford: A Gift of Music, Memories and Magical Moments at Blackwater Valley Opera Festival
Looking for a thoughtful and inspiring Christmas gift? Share the magic of opera with a Friends Membership or BVOF Gift Voucher – perfect for music lovers, culture seekers, and anyone who enjoys unforgettable experiences. Friends Membership offers exclusive priority booking from 22 November 2025, ahead of general ticket sales in January 2026, giving early access to the best seats and dining options for all festival events. Next year’s programme includes Mozart’s Don Giovanni, staged in the enchanting grounds of Lismore Castle, Waterford, from 26 May to 1 June 2026, alongside concerts, recitals, and open-air performances across the Blackwater Valley. Gift vouchers offer flexibility and elegance, redeemable for any BVOF 2026 event – from under the stars to candlelit concerts or summer picnics by the river. Give a gift that supports the arts, celebrates Irish culture, and creates memories to last a lifetime at Ireland’s Summer Opera Festival. Visit www.blackwatervalleyopera.ie to purchase Friends Memberships and Gift Vouchers online.
Kerry: Christmas in Residence at Aghadoe Heights Hotel
This Christmas, the 5-star Aghadoe Heights Hotel & Spa in Killarney invites guests to experience festive hospitality high above the Lakes of Killarney. The hotel captures the magic of the season with Christmas Afternoon Tea, Festive Family Sunday Lunches, seasonal dining, spa treatments, and tranquil overnight stays framed by panoramic lake and mountain views. Just five minutes from the Christmas in Killarney festival, guests can also enjoy Santa’s Grotto, Reindeer Rides, Christmas markets, and the town’s famous Magic Parade.
For those wishing to spend Christmas itself in residence, Aghadoe Heights offers a luxurious two- or three-night Residential Christmas Experience (from €1050), including a Christmas Eve cocktail reception, festive dining with carols and a visit from Santa, a lavish Christmas Day lunch, and a relaxing St. Stephen’s Day filled with spa time, scenic walks, and live evening entertainment. General Manager Brian Bowler says, “We invite guests to ‘Come to Ours’ for Christmas and embrace the wonder of the season in unparalleled style and comfort.” December stays start from €229 per night, with bookings via 064 6631766 or www.aghadoeheights.com [Images here]
Cork: ‘A Miracle on South Mall’ Experience a Classic Christmas Escape at The Imperial Hotel, Cork
This Christmas, The Imperial Hotel Cork invites guests to celebrate in timeless style with its “Miracle on South Mall” theme and, for the first time in years, the chance to spend Christmas in residence. The two- or three-night Christmas Residential Package (from €625 per person) includes luxury accommodation, festive dining, and elegant seasonal touches — from a Christmas Eve dinner to a sparkling Christmas Day lunch and relaxed evening buffet. Perfectly located in the heart of Cork City, it’s an indulgent festive escape where guests can enjoy five-star comfort and classic Christmas charm. Book at www.imperialhotelcork.com
Christmas In Residence at Newpark Hotel Kilkenny
Christmas at Kilkenny’s four-star Newpark Hotel promises all the warmth and wonder of the season, with roaring fires, carols, festive dining and a visit from Santa himself. Part of the family-run Flynn Hotel Collection, the award-winning hotel blends luxury and tradition, offering two-, three- and four-night residential packages that capture the magic of Christmas with Champagne breakfasts, live music, afternoon tea and plenty of festive cheer. Guests can also unwind at the Escape Spa and infinity pool, or explore the adjacent Jurassic Newpark attraction, beautifully transformed for Christmas. With Yulefest Kilkenny and twinkling medieval streets just a short stroll away, it’s the perfect destination for a festive escape.
For more information or to book, visit www.newparkhotelkilkenny.com/christmas
Nationwide: Send festive cheer and hope with Irish Made Charity Christmas Cards
Breakthrough Cancer Research together with renowned textile artist Fiona Turley have launched a collection of Christmas cards with 100% of the proceeds helping fund research for the treatment and prevention of cancer.
The Christmas cards come in a set of 10 and feature an assortment of hand-painted original designs. A pack of 10 costs €10 and is available to buy online at www.breakthroughcancerresearch.ie or in Fiona Turley’s Gallery Studio in Kilworth, Co. Cork.
If you have an experience you would like added get in touch at editor@onlymassive.ie.