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Ice skating at Yulefest in Kilkenny. Dylan Vaughan
family event guide
6 family-friendly weekend events to help kick off your Santa countdown
From ice skating to treasure hunts, there’s plenty here to get everyone in the festive mood.
KILKENNY
Yulefest: Head to the Yulefest HQ at Parade Plaza all weekend for a spin on the carousel wheel and a meander around the gorgeous festive food vendors, all of whom are determined to feed you into a festive state of mind.
Suits: The whole family. Time: 12pm – 9pm. Tickets: Free. Find out more here.
DUBLIN
Winter Funderland: Is it even Christmas without a visit to Funderland? With a market, ice rink and of course, loads of amusements, this is the ideal place to bring the kids to run off any excess excitement.
Suits: All ages, but height restrictions apply on some rides. Time: All day. Tickets: €23.50/€33.50. Find out more and book here.
Visit The Crib: Get prepped for Christmas with a visit to the moving crib at the Mansion House this weekend. With a plethora of live animals taking up home there until 1pm on Christmas Eve, this is a super-cute way to celebrate the big day ahead.
Suits: The whole family. Time: Sat 11am-5pm, Sun 11am-1pm. Tickets: Free but donations to the Mansion House Fuel Fund welcome. Find out more here.
The Snowman: Take a break from last minute shopping and bring the whole family to St Patrick’s Cathedral on Saturday to hear The Snowman narrated by Morgan Crowley and accompanied by the Choristers of Saint Patrick’s Cathedral. Bring your spare change - there’ll be a collection in aid of the Laura Lynn Hospice.
Suits: The whole family. Time: 4pm. Tickets: Free, but pre-booking advised. Find out more here.
WATERFORD
Winterval: Saturday marks the end of Waterford’s epic Winterval carnival. Take the children and use the opportunity to soak up the incredible festive atmosphere that will be parading around the streets, with the Winterval Christmas market, the Winterval Express train and much more.
Suits: The whole family. Time: All day. Tickets: Free. Find out more here.
LIMERICK
Christmas City Treasure Hunt: Saturday marks the last of the Limerick City Christmas Treasure hunts organised by Nevsail Watersports, where kids and grown ups get to hunt down clues, with a visit from the Big Man In Red himself to round things off.
Suits: The whole family. Time: All day. Tickets: From €10. Find out more here.
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