SANTA arrived in Lullymore Co Kildare, on 1 December and departs for the North Pole on Sunday 23 December. A magical experience for both young and old is guaranteed as the park is transformed into a winter wonderland of family fun with some very special guests to entertain you along the way. The Christmas Express will take you on a magical trip through ancient woodlands, glassy lakes and a beautiful peatland landscape. Visit the crib scene in the old-style thatched cottage. Animals such as donkeys, goats and miniature horses will be in paddocks beside the centre. And don’t forget to post your letter to Santa. See www.lullymoreheritagepark.com for more.

ENJOY the unique market celebrations of food culture from around the world this Sunday 9 December. The Fusion World Market in New Market Square, Dublin 8 is a free event offering an excellent selection of international stalls, as well as workshops, live music and entertainment for all ages. You can sample traditional food from across the globe, with exclusive artisan treats. Alongside the market activities, enjoy ethnic dance performances, yoga workshops for adults and children and live music to add to the authentic, culturally-diverse atmosphere. Find out more about this free market event on www.fusionsundays.ie.

SAVOUR the festive spirit in Kerry this year at the Christmas in Killarney Parade, on Saturday 8 December. Santa is being very generous with his time this Christmas by agreeing to take part in not one but five parades before he jets back to Lapland to finalise his naughty or nice list. Watch as one of Ireland’s best-loved traditional towns is transformed into a North Pole look alike. Be sure to join in the fun of festive music, singing and dancing in a family fun environment. See more information on www.christmasinkillarney.com

GET your skates on. It’s that time of year when ice-skating returns to Leisureland, Galway with a 600m2 real ice rink. For the kiddies there is a specially designed rink. Here until January, the fully housed 1,200m2 all-weather marquee means that rain, hail or snow, you and your friends will be able to skate away to your heart’s content. So make the journey to the beautiful city of Galway and don’t miss out on this great family fun activity. For further information see www.galwayskates.com.

JOIN in the Christmas fun at Rumleys Open Farm in Cork. Every Saturday and Sunday throughout December, the four-acre farm will be illuminated by a dazzling array of lights and fresh snow. Get up close and personal with some of our animals in the special Christmas crib, or climb aboard Santa’s tractor sleigh ride and explore the farm. There will be Christmas-themed arts and crafts as well as a chance to write your letter to Santa and give it to one of his elves. Mams and Dads can relax over a free glass of mulled wine or tea/coffee while the little monkeys are having fun in the fully transformed indoor play area.