The Santa Experience is fast becoming a tradition with families and there are so many wonderful and magical Santa encounters to be had in North Mayo … Below is a list of Santa experiences in our area with more to be added as we get word from the elves in the North Pole.
Beginning 25th November and 1st-2nd, 8th-9th, 15th-16th & 22nd-23rd December: Frosty Salmon Festival, Ballina
The much-anticipated Frosty Salmon Festival, Ballina kicks off on Saturday 25th November with two great events at the Jackie Clarke Collection – Santa’s Arrival Party and the Official Turning-On of the Christmas Lights.
Later in the afternoon on 25th November, Santa departs in style from the Jackie Clarke Collection to take up residence at his Grotto in the Military Quarter, Ballina, where he will meet with children that day, and on 1st, 2nd, 8th, 9th, 15th, 16th, and 22nd and 23rd December. It’s so exciting! At Santa’s Grotto Ballina hosted by the 5th Mayo Scouting group you can meet with Mrs Claus and Santa. You can have a chat and a giggle and tell Santa how good you’ve been all year.
25th November – Santa’s Arrival Party and Official Turning-on of Christmas Lights in Ballina
Times: 2PM-5PM
Venue: Jackie Clarke Collection
While we await the arrival of the main man, Santa, on Sunday, 25th November, take part in great fun activities at the Jackie Clarke Collection such as Children’s Arts and Crafts with the Ballina Girl Guides, Singing Christmas Songs and Storytelling. You’ll get to meet and chat with Mrs Claus, and then go on a fabulous Treasure Hunt in the Collection. There’ll be great fun and lots of festive cheer!
25th November, 1st-2nd, 8th-9th, 15th-16th, 22nd-23rd December – Santa’s Grotto, Military Quarter, Ballina
Times:
25th November – 5PM (Santa arrives at Grotto)
1st and 2nd December – 2PM-4PM
8th and 9th December – 2PM-6PM
15th and 16th December – 3PM-6PM
22nd and 23rd December – 3PM-6PM
Santa is busy getting ready for Christmas but he loves to have a break and a chat – and he’s looking forward to taking time out to meet the boys and girls over the weekends before Christmas Eve. Drop in to meet him at Santa’s Grotto in the Military Quarter, Ballina on 25th November, and on 1st and 2nd, 8th and 9th, 15th and 16th, and on 22nd and 23rd December. You’ll get to meet himself and Mrs Claus and you’ll get to talk about Christmas, the North Pole and what it’s like to ride on a sleigh!
This is event is a arrive and queue event – no need for booking
Price: €7.50 per child – includes visit and a Santa gift bag
For more information about Frosty Salmon Festival, Ballina
Online: Frosty Salmon Festival on Facebook — Ballina.ie on Facebook — Fifth Scouting Mayo on Facebook
8th/15th/22nd December – the Irish Rail Santa Train, with the 5th Mayo Scouting Group
Travel on the special Santa Express from Ballina Train Station. Catch a glimpse of the cheeky Grinch, have a chat with Mrs Claus and meet the main man himself, Santa, aboard the Santa Express. This is an unforgettable Christmas experience that has charmed and delighted children young and old each year.
Dates of Departure: 8th, 15th and 22nd December at 11.10 am
Price: €12.50 per ticket. Child must be accompanied by an adult
To book:
Tickets on sale from Ballina Train Station from Saturday, 24th November at 1.30PM.
For more information about the Irish Rail Santa Train:
Contact Ballina Tourist Office at (096) 72800
Online: Polar Express Ticket Sale on Facebook – Fifth Mayo Scouting Group Facebook page
Saturday 15th December – the Ballycastle Christmas Experience
On Saturday 15th December Ballycastle gets into the festive spirit with their annual “Ballycastle Christmas Experience”, organised by BEO! the Ballycastle Events Organisation.
This celebration of the spirit of Christmas will be held in the stunning setting of “The Shambles” from 5pm-7pm. This Christmas experience will feature Santa and Mrs Claus in their grotto, and the elves busy at work in their workshop ahead of the big day. There will also be a living crib with real animals there on the evening with live music and other entertainment also being provided. It is the very best of festive season for all the family to enjoy.
This event is free, but any contribution to the Donation Box would be appreciated to help defray costs.
For more information about the Ballycastle Christmas Experience:
Tel: 086 3225128
Email: [email protected]
Online: Ballycastle Co Mayo Facebook
Sunday 16th December: Sunday lunch with Santa at The Ice House, Ballina
Sunday lunch with Santa
You’d better watch out…..Santa Claus is coming for Sunday lunch on December 16th. Look forward to a 3 course family Sunday lunch, plus a gift and activities for the kids. Places are limited so book early!
In one of the nicest Santa Experiences in North Mayo, Mammy and Daddy along with the little ones are invited to the hotel on Sunday December 16th from 1 pm. Enjoy lots of activities for the little people, storytelling, face painting, cookie decorating, kids can play in Santa’s Grotto while waiting for him to arrive. Santa will arrive by boat after lunch down the River Moy where he will meet all his little guests in the Ice House Grotto. Kids on the day will receive a gift from Santa.
Location: Ice House Hotel, Ballina
Date: 16th December
Time: 1PM-3PM
Price: €27 per person (adults’ lunch), €18.50 per child (children’s lunch – this includes visit to Santa, games and activities, sweet table and a present from the man himself!)
For more information about Sunday lunch with Santa at the Ice House, or to book:
Contact: 096 23500 (Ice House) and book your place before they all go.
Note: This is a pre-paid event – at the time of booking full payment is taken.
Saturday 15th and Sunday 16th December – Santa visits Crossmolina Christmas Market (Courtyard, Enniscoe House)
Time: 12PM-5PM
Crossmolina Christmas Market in the cosy setting of the Courtyard of Enniscoe House is a seasonal favourite featuring great local food and beautiful crafts. Festive cheer will be in abundance here. A highlight of the Market is that Santa will be in attendance – he’s really looking forward to chatting with the boys and girls. You’ll be able to let him know how good you’ve been all year, find out about Rudolph’s favourite food and maybe ask how Santa navigates all the way from the North Pole.
For further information about Santa’s visit to Crossmolina Christmas Market, Enniscoe Courtyard:
Telephone: (096) 31809 (North Mayo Heritage Centre)
Online: North Mayo Heritage Centre Facebook page
