HAPPENINGS:

Santa Experience at Croker

Santa and his elite team of elves from the North Pole are using GAA HQ on select dates until Monday, December 23, as their base ahead of the busy Christmas season before starting preparations for the big ‘Final’ on Christmas Eve. 

Upon arrival at the GAA Museum, you’ll meet your Christmas guide before you jingle on your merry way to the Elf dressing room where you can see the Elf stars tog out.  You will then sneak pitch side to the sound of cheering crowds for a Croke Park ‘Elfie’ opportunity.

There will also be time to chill out in the GAA Igloo Clubhouse and you can test your own hurling, camogie and football skills in the North Pole Skills Zone.

All successful trainees will be rewarded with a visit to Santa, in his Grotto, where children will receive an age-appropriate gift.

The experience lasts around an hour and tickets, priced at €10 for adults, €16 for children aged 2-12 years and €8 for toddlers aged 13-23 months are available from www.crokepark.ie/santa

The Affordable Gift Fair

This event at Royal Marine Hotel, Marine Road, Dun Laoghaire, from 10am-5pm showcases over 60 stands of affordable and fantastic gifts for yourself or someone else.

Organisers say vendors are hand-picked to make sure visitors have a wide variety and top quality businesses to choose from. Unique design and contemporary craft, thousands of gifts to choose from. Many personalised items available on the day. For more information see www.giftfairireland.com.

Wine & Cheese Festival

The festival is taking over Jam Park Airside Retail Park, Swords with bookable wine and cheese sessions just in time for Christmas.

Tickets cost €15 (or €100 for a group of eight) with a glass of wine and festive cheesy treats on arrival. There’s also pop-up bars and cheese shops as well as mulled drinks and the Eatyard Cheese Shop menu has loads of cheese, fondue, mac and cheese, hamburgers & more. Tickets available from Thursdays to Saturdays. See https://www.wine-n-cheese.com

Dublin Gospel Choir

Get into the Christmas spirit with the Dublin Gospel Choir at The Draiocht in Blanchardstown with a brilliant selection of festive favourites and gospel greats.

The choir is versatile, vibrant and uplifting with powerful voices and rich harmonies. They have performed with artists as diverse as John Legend, Take That, Duran Duran, Damien Rice, Outkast and Ennio Morricone and their annual slot at Electric Picnic is nothing less than legendary.

There are two shows on Sunday, December 14 – a family friendly matinee at 3pm, with lots of fun for the kids and an evening performance at 8pm. Bring your Santa hats! See dublingospelchoir.com for ticket details.

Moving Crib

The Moving Crib at 42 Parnell Square West, is back for its 63rd year captivating generations of families. Children and adults alike and best of all it’s free!

Its history and old world charm is unchanged and has led to many describing it as a wonderful hidden gem in Dublin City and a real Dublin institution.

The exhibition includes historical and fun stories, Christmas scenes, competitions and an illusion wall.

The crib is open daily from 11an-6pm.

Santa at DSPCA

Animal lovers are invited to share in the magic of Christmas and visit Santa and his elves at the DSPCA Rescue Centre in Rathfarnham this weekend (December 14-15). It promises to be a magical experience that reflects the true values of Christmas – family time, charity, goodwill and creating special memories.

It’s a human only event and the kids will get a chance to have a look around the rescue centre as well as meet Santa and get gifts, photos and treats. See www.dspca.ie/santa for details.

Make Christmas cards

Children, teachers, families and adults can participate in innovative and enjoyable learning opportunities that explore the collection and temporary exhibitions in the Hugh Lane Gallery’s children’s area.

There’s a great festive workshop happening this Saturday. Inspired by the fine architectural details in Charlemont House, kids can design and make their own delicately embossed Christmas Card during this art workshop for 10-14 year olds with artist Jane Fogarty on Saturday December 14 from 2-3.30pm. The fee is €10 and you need to book through eventbrite.ie