Donegal Has It All this Christmas

 Donegal has so much to offer you at this magical time of the year, there are a host of events and adventures that cater for families, friends, couples, the young, and the not so young. Go Visit Donegal has put together a range of suggestions that will help to maximise your Christmas experience if you are thinking of paying us a visit. It is by no means all that Donegal has to offer this festive season but may whet your appetite to jump on board the magical sleigh ride of festive fun that will be passing your way in the coming weeks.

Santa Express at Oakfield Park

Date: 1st – 21st December 2016

Where: Oakfield Park, Raphoe, Co.Donegal

Santa can make your wishes come true…..

This Christmas, for the first time ever, Oakfield Park will be opening its gates for a very special event. The Santa Express will be running daily from the 1st to 21st December, from 3.30pm till late.

This promises to be an extraordinary Santa experience. Board the Santa Express at the Station and enjoy an enchanting train ride through Oakfield’s magnificent woodlands to meet Santa and his special helpers.
More info: here 
Donegal’s Lapland

Date: 25th November 2016 - 22nd December 2016

Where: Clonmany, Inishowen, Co. Donegal

Christmas in Donegal can be a magical and fun-filled experience, especially if you visit Santa’s Island at Donegal’s very own Lapland.

The longest running Christmas show in Donegal is back again this Christmas and you do really have to pass the North Pole to get here, we kid you not!

At Santa’s Island, they aim to create a world for the young and old that helps capture the magical spirit and enchantment of the festive period from the moment you arrive.

Christmas Carols at Glenveagh Castle 

Date: 8th December 2016 - 9th December 2016

Where: Glenveagh National Park, Churchill, Co. Donegal

Time: 8.30pm

If you are in Donegal, why not come along to the magnificent setting of Glenveagh National Park for Traditional Christmas Carols performed in 4 part harmony by the chorus of North West Opera led by professional soprano Ann Jennings. Featuring beloved works such as O Holy Night, Silent Night and many others sung in the beautiful, atmospheric surroundings of the library of Glenveagh Castle. It is a unique Christmas treat not to be missed.

Iosas Centre Christmas Trail 

Date: 10th December 2016 - 21st December 2016
Where: The IOSAS Centre, Derryvane, Muff, Co. Donegal

Follow the Star to the Celtic Garden Christmas Trail at the IOSAS Centre. A wonderful family Christmas experience in a truly unique setting. Storytelling, Christmas themed arts and crafts, a very special dramatic performance and Christmas carols.

Each little house in the garden will have its own Christmas theme and, in the tradition of the great Irish storytellers, will have characters telling the Christian stories behind some of our favourite Christmas traditions. These include the story of St Nicholas, the Christmas Tree Miracle, and of course, the greatest story ever told, the birth of Jesus.

The tranquil setting will be an oasis for families looking to escape the commercialism, and hustle and bustle which can dominate this time of year. Take some time together to enjoy an experience which will have the children discussing the real Christmas story long after this event.

‘Christmas Presence’ Craft & Design Fair

 Date: 10th December 2016 - 11th December 2016

Where: Rathmullan House, Rathmullan, Co. Donegal 

Time: 12pm - 5pm

Donegal Designer Makers present ‘Christmas Presence’ Craft & Design Fair showcasing the work of the county’s leading designers and artisan craft workers with a unique range of quality gifts.

This is the perfect place to pick up that unique gift for someone special. There will also be workshops  and demonstrations during the weekend to keep you entertained. 

Cinderella Christmas Panto

Date: 26th November 2016 - 9th December 2016

Where: Balor Arts Cente, Ballybofey, Co. Donegal

Time: 4pm / 8pm

The Balor welcomes you and your family to a captivating re-telling of a time honoured classic that is sure to enthral the bright-eyed dreamer in all of us. Packed with brilliant comedy, stunning song and dance routines, dazzling costumes and delightful sets this is an unforgettable evening of hilarity and audience participation for all the family. 

Christmas Wonderland at Gartan

Date: 15th December 2016 - 18th December 2016

Where: Gartan Outdoor Education & Training Centre, Churchill, Co. Donegal

Not long now until the start of a Magical Christmas Wonderland at Gartan.

Santa’s team are working really hard to get the setting ready and it is coming along tremendously well. 

Follow your Wonderland map and Christmas lights through the magical woods. Santa says you must bring warm clothes, waterproof jacket and wellies!
Join Santa by the fireside for your pressie, before he sets off on his very long sleigh journey with Rudolph and all of the other reindeer.

Christmas Storytelling in Donegal County Museum

Date: 12th December 2016 
Where: Donegal County Museum, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal 

Donegal County Museum invites you to free Christmas Storytelling in Donegal County Museum on Saturday 12th December. Maybe you and your family can take some time out from your festive shopping in Letterkenny to come along and enjoy some Christmas stories and songs to inspire the Christmas spirit and create memories that will stay with your precious little ones long into their adulthood!

Sessions at 1.30pm and 3pm.

Admission free –  most suitable for U10’s.
Don’t forget to wear your Christmas jumper or hat!

Perhaps an Overnight Stay?

There are many great deals on accommodation in Donegal if you fancy popping by for a visit. So whether you want to avail of one of the many charming self-catering cottages, apartments or holiday homes available, or are looking to sample some first class service in one of our many hotels, B&Bs and guesthouses. Come and enjoy the feast of festive fare on offer as Donegal prepares to celebrate the holiday period in style.

Finally, we at Go Visit Donegal wish you and your family a Christmas that is as breath-taking as our landscape, as heartfelt as our welcome, as pure as our water, and as peaceful as our lakes! 

Nollaig Shona Daoibh!