TAKE a look at the hidden Christmas island in Ireland – with plenty to entertain the family.
Just 40 minutes from Dublin and located in Rathdrum, Co Wicklow, is a stunning winter wonderland.
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Christmas Island has an Enchanted Train journey on the North Pole Express bringing you to the Fairy Forest where you can meet the Elves.
When you arrive, you will enter Santa’s largest igloo to meet the elves and make a Christmas craft.
You will then move on to the second igloo where you will meet Santa’s Head elves and enjoy some elf entertainment.
From here, you will take Santa’s Houseboat to Santa’s Grotto to meet the main man.
Here you can get a private visit with Santa, where you also get a gift.
You can visit Mrs Claus, post your letters to Santa and visit the Christmas Cinema room.
This year they have added a Winter Downhill Tubing Activity, and you can also make a Christmas Craft.
You can book tickets for both day visits and overnight stays (which are available on Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings).
When booking your Santa visit time slot, if you book it for the start of the day you can stay on after your visit to see the extra activities.
If you have booked it for the end of the day, you are advised to arrive early to see everything as everything closes at 9pm.
You can buy a Christmas family photo on Santa’s sleigh, make a Christmas craft, take a ride on the Winter Downhill Tubing Activity and visit The Lakehouse Restaurant for extra fees.
You can also print off and colour your own poster to bring with you on the day to give to Mrs Claus.
This will be entered into a draw, with the winner posted on the Christmas Island Facebook page on December 24.
Tickets went on sale on August 24 at 10am.
They start from €32.50 per child, €19.50 per adult and €11 per infant.
The Island is open in November on: 22, 23, 24, 29 and 30.
December Dates include every Thursday to Sunday along with Wednesday December 18 and Monday December 23.
If you choose an overnight stay, each family gets an individual lodge.
The Christmas Island experience will take around one hour, but if you are getting food on site and have booked a family photo, downhill tubing and/or the Christmas Craft, then it will take between 2 to 2.5 hours.
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