Santa/Christmas experience for older children

[Smallfry79]

Hi

Sorry to bring up Christmas so early in the year, but I know some experiences book up quickly, especially for key weekend dates.

So basically, as the title suggests, I would like to do a nice Christmas day/night for my older children.
It's mainly for my youngest son, who will be 11 and in 5th class. He is still a believer for now I think.
Im not sure if what I want exists but just a nice Christmassy vibe, ideally with a santa visit. I think this is the last year really before he is too old.

We dont like ice-skating so that narrows things a bit.

Also not interested in Elf Town or Aliwee Caves. He has no interest in decorating gingerbread cookies, doesn't like hot chocolate etc so all the obvious Christmas activities dont fit😭

Is Winterville in Waterford any good? It's a bit away, so it would mean an overnight, but I will consider it if worth it.

Any suggestions, or am I looking for a unicorn?

We did Legoland with my then 12 year old. There was biscuit decorating, but he liked that, as he loves food! There were also rides so that helped too. We walked through a tree trail to Santa's cabin and by some luck it was the same Santa we saw 2 years previously.

Also Chessington and I think Alton Towers does a version of the Legoland one. So maybe look into that.

Otherwise you could go and watch Elf the musical in London and visit Santa somewhere else.

Have you done the Christmas lights at Dublin Zoo? I haven't but I have been to the zoo during the day time when they are up and they look good then without being turned on.

My DS is only 1 so I haven't looked into it but Causey Farm in Meath is meant to be great. I think Tayto Park also do something.

There are Christmas markets in Galway, Belfast, Waterford.

I love Grafton Street at Christmas to see the light and the window in BTs. You said he doesn't like hot choc but what about a McDonalds? (I live no where near one so that's a treat for us!) Followed by just a Santa photo in one of the shopping centres? DH (who wouldn't be into it really) has very fond memories of going on the bus with his mum to see the panto. Is there still Disney on Ice?

We are going to centre parcs in the run up to Christmas. It looks amazing for Christmas stuff.

Oh sorry the post just came up in Active, I didn't realise what forum it was posted in. 🤦🏻‍♀️

Before I read fully I would have suggested Ailwee Caves, but I see it's a no go.

We've been to Wildlights at the zoo once and it was really good, so a definite possibility.
Also what about going to a panto?

@HateTheView, no worries, i should have specified Ireland really.

Yes, maybe I should look at a day in Dublin with a panto, the lights, and hopefully a few street musicians playing Christmas tunes.
He would always go for a Mc Donalds, we dont live near one either.
It's probably just me feeling a bit nostalgic, I can't believe I/we are almost past the stage of Santa, etc! I'm trying to squeeze the last bit out of it and wondering if I made enough of those few short years.

I'll look at the other suggestions too and see if they would hold the interest of an older boy.
Thanks all.

I live in the North so not 100% sure of best markets in the south? But markets,walk around Christmas lights,maybe just somewhere can see santa if he thinks he want to? A lot could change school wise between now and December.

We flew over and back to Edinburgh cheaper than goinf to Dublin last year if that's an option?

Also look at rorys travel club - there could be am offer somewhere else. I would love to fly over and back to London when mine are older

We happened to go to Centre Parcs the Christmas just before Covid. It was magical and we did the Santa visit there. Turned out to be our last Santa visit and she had no interest in seeing Santa when it became possible again. Fully understand it’s at the pricier end of things though !!

Hadn't thought of a night in uk but if flights were right it might be a nice treat.
Haven't been to centre parcs yet either.

Thanks for suggestions

I'd recommend Causey farm. It's nearish to Navan. We went several years in a row when our kids were smaller. It was my favourite Santa experience by far.

https://www.causey.ie/events/causey-christmas-experience/