*Updated for 2018*
Its almost that time of year again. Halloween passed by a couple of weeks ago so now our thoughts turn towards Christmas events in Wicklow. County Wicklow is a great place to be when it comes to Christmas activities as it has so much variety. It has walking trails (occasionally with festive snow!), country houses, beaches and many Christmas markets. It even has its own Christmas Island!
Sorry I’m getting ahead of myself. It has to be said, Christmas is probably my favourite time of year.
Let’s get started with my favourite places to visit at Christmas.
4 Christmas Events In Wicklow You Don’t Want To Miss
#1. Kilruddery House and Gardens
Throughout December there is the annual Christmas Farm Market running at Kilruddery House. The Christmas farm market will also be open every weekend in December. The market has a huge range of Christmas treats and gifts.
There’s nothing like having a pork and apple hot dog and a cup of mulled wine on a cold winters morning to get you into the festive spirit!
If you are looking for some special gifts or treats, they have you covered there too. A variety of Teas, cheeses, chutneys and salamis are usually on offer too… Basically, there’s too much there to list!
Find out more >> http://www.killruddery.com/whats-on/killruddery-christmas-farm-market/
Kilruddery, Southern Cross, Bray, Co. Wicklow, Ireland
#2. The Chocolate Garden of Ireland
This is a hidden gem in the south of County Wicklow and close to the border of Carlow. I’m not going to argue its address being in Carlow but look at the county border on the map. I’m claiming it for County Wicklow!
It’s a must do for anyone with a passing interest in making or eating chocolate. They run workshops all year but at this time of year there is a special Christmas Elf chocolate workshop where children, trainee elves, get to make their own Chocolate figure to take home.
Make sure you check out their online shop for gift hamper ideas too.
Find out more >> https://chocolategarden.ie/christmas-elf-workshop/
The Chocolate Garden of Ireland, Rath, Tullow, Co. Carlow
Tel: 059 6481999
#3. Wicklow Christmas Market
Wicklow Christmas Market is set in the historic Abbey Grounds of Wicklow town with traditional German Market style huts, funfair, an Alpaca experience, workshops, live music and Santa.
Open December 8th, 9th, 15th, 16th and 22nd from 12-6pm.
Find out more >> www.wicklowchristmasmarket.com
And if you want to meet Santa don’t forget to book for only 5 euro https://www.wicklowchristmasmarket.com/book-online
#4. Christmas Island at Hidden Valley Holiday Park
See, I told you County Wicklow had a Christmas Island! This begins as you board the North Pole express (not to be confused with the Polar Express, one of my favourite Christmas Movies) and prepare yourself for a trip to Christmas Island.
You get to meet Mrs Claus, make a Christmas Decoration and get a photo in front of the Santa’s sleigh. Then comes time for the big event itself, taking a Sleigh boat ride over to Christmas Island to meet Santa.
Finish off your day with a walk around the winter wonderland and childrens adventure play area.
Find out more>> www.christmasisland.ie/christmas-island
Hidden Valley Holiday Park, Rathdrum, County Wicklow
Tel: 086 7272872
