Question 1

What can I expect at Santa at Malahide Castle?

Accepted Answer

Details of our 2025 experience include:

• Arrive at check in for your pre-booked time slot
 • Make a wish at our enchanting Wishing Tree   
 • Meet Santa's merry elves as they welcome you for your much-anticipated visit
 • Enjoy an extended visit with Mrs. Claus as she prepares for the most wonderful time of the year
 • Enjoy a private encounter with the main man himself, Santa Claus
 • There will be a special cuddly gift and festive treat for all the boys and girls to wrap up this festive experience
 • There are plenty of photo opportunities along the way, so you can treasure these precious memories forever
 • Continue the magic with a visit to Avoca, the Alpine Food & Drink Village (based on opening hours) or the Vintage Funfair all within the castle grounds

Question 2

Will we get to meet Santa?

Accepted Answer

Yes of course, each family will enjoy an individual meet with Santa in his enchanting castle, where he will spend some time chatting with them. There will also be an opportunity to take some photos together with your own phones/cameras to capture the moment. You can also get a professional printed photo with Santa.

Question 3

Will Children receive a gift?

Accepted Answer

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Each child will receive a premium gift from Santa, a soft cuddly collectable, that has been carefully made in his Toy Factory.

Every child and infant will receive the same gift. This is a sustainable gift that kids can cherish as their trusty companion for years to come!

Please note gifts are not meant to represent any particular ticket value, or indicate the type of gifts our little guests can expect on Christmas morning.

The ticket price includes the entire experience and gifts are only a small part of this.

Our cuddly gifts are deemed suitable for children of the most receptive Santa visiting age. They are suitable from birth. Our gifts are eco-friendly and made from fully recycled materials.

If any guest would like to receive the gift from Santa, simply book a Child's ticket for this person, and they will receive the present from Santa on the day.

Take a look at our adorable 2024 gift above, Koda the polar bear cub!

Question 4

What is the maximum recommended child age?

Accepted Answer

We welcome Santa believers of all ages, there is no age restriction. If you have young adults attending and want to make sure they receive a present, please book them in as a child's ticket.

Question 5

Are there discounts available for carers/groups with special needs?

Accepted Answer

Yes – visitors with special needs may admit one accompanying carer free of charge.

All carers must be booked into our booking system.

Please note that there are a limited number of tickets available for each session

If a carers ticket is included in your booking, this is not a confirmed ticket you must bring relevant ID and documentation, such as an associated membership card in order to confirm entry.

Do get in touch with us directly if there are any specific special needs or requests and we will do our best to accommodate all.

Question 6

Is this event different by day and by night?

Accepted Answer

A lot of our experience is the same by-day and by-night, but we do have beautiful lighting and projections which can truly be appreciated from 4pm onwards. During the day the Castle and Garden surroundings can be seen more clearly, both are magical!

Question 7

Can I bring my camera?

Accepted Answer

Yes we encourage you to bring your phones / cameras to capture the meet with Santa himself & other parts of the experience.

Guests will also have the opportunity to purchase a professional printed souvenir photo. This can be purchased in advance with your tickets or on the day of your visit at the event.

1 print for €12.50

Or
 
Buy 2 get 1 free (3 prints) for €25

Please note there is no video professional photo taking or video recording equipment permitted at any time.

Question 8

Will there be food / drinks available to purchase?

Accepted Answer

There is an Avoca Cafe onsite in the visitor centre open daily for more see here (https://www.avoca.com/en/stores-and-cafes/malahide)
There are also an Alpine food Village open from 5pm on select dates adjacent to the castle

Question 9

How long does the experience last?

Accepted Answer

Guests can expect to spend approx 45-60 minutes at the experience

Question 10

What do I need to bring / when should I arrive?

Accepted Answer

Please aim to be at the venue 15 minutes before your experience start time and allow for traffic delays. Please bring your barcoded ticket for scanning by our team on entry. This can be shown on your phone, or printed if necessary. And of course don’t forget your Christmas spirit!

Question 11

If my appointed time is, for example, 5pm do I get to visit Santa at exactly 5pm?

Accepted Answer

No – this is the start time of your experience

Question 12

Whats the Magic Mail Pack?

Accepted Answer

Start the magic at home💫 The Magic Mail Pack is an optional extra including: 
🎄A keepsake postcard from Santa
🎄A magical train ticket
🎄Fun & festive activities 
& more!

Please allow 14 days before your booking to purchase the Magic Mail Pack to ensure it arrives on time. (Any guests booking for our opening weekend of Friday 28th - Sun 30th Nov, should book their mail pack by Wednesday 19th Nov at midnight in to ensure it arrives before your visit).

The Magic Mail pack will be sent to the address you insert at booking, so please ensure you enter correctly. For bookings with of 1 - 3 children, we recommend 1 Magic Mail Pack to cover all. For bookings with 3 - 5 children, we recommend 2 packs to cover everyone.

Please note that guests purchasing mail packs for international addresses should allow for longer delivery times and plan accordingly. Due to international postage, we cannot guarantee that deliveries will arrive on time.

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