Victorian Christmas

17-23 December: Strokestown House in Roscommon is hosting a Victorian Christmas experience. Kids will meet Mrs Claus at the Woodland Walk Café and travel on Santa’s magical Christmas bus through the woodlands. This event takes place between 2pm and 5pm daily. Tickets are €10/adult, €20/child and €65/family.

Bunratty Santa

18-23 December: See Santa Claus and the gang and at Bunratty Folk Park in the run-up to the big day. Kids can visit Mrs Claus in her kitchen and listen to the park storyteller. Adults can enjoy a complimentary glass of mulled wine and mince pies at Corry’s Pub. Admission is €13/adult and €25/child. Call 061-360788.

Moving crib

18-24 December: The IFA live animal crib is stationed outside the Mansion House until Christmas Eve. The crib consists of a traditional nativity scene set among live animals in a stable. Admission is free, but the public may contribute if they so wish. The crib is open daily from 11am until 6pm, with a 2pm closing on Christmas Eve.

Trad session

18 December: From jigs and reels to ballads and folk, the Western Hotel session is known as one of the best in Galway. Sessions take place every Thursday from 9.30pm. Admission is free. Singers and musicians can contact opentrad@yahoo.com to join the session. For more information, visit www.westernhotelgalway.ie

Meath Panto

20 December-4 January: Robin and Maid Marian dream of getting married, but what does the Sheriff of Rottingham have up his sleeve? This panto is hilarious fun for the whole family and won’t resemble any Robin Hood story you’ve seen before. A family ticket costs €50. To book, visit www.solsticeartscentre.ie