Santa's House Express Returns With Same Prices and Even More Magic
Right, hands up if the thought of trawling around yet another shopping centre trying to find somewhere magical to bring the kids to see Santa makes you want to hibernate until January. Because honestly? Same. Between the queues and the frazzled energy and that one child who always needs the loo at exactly the wrong moment, sometimes the festive magic feels more like festive admin.
But here's the thing. Some Christmas experiences actually deliver what they promise. And Santa's House Express at Palmerstown House Estate in County Kildare is one of them. Now in its 12th season (which tells you something right there), it's back and running through to 23rd December with all the bits families love, plus some lovely new touches this year.
Mrs Claus brings the magic of Christmas to life with enchanting storytime in a cosy festive grotto.
The Full Experience
From the moment you roll up to the gates at Palmerstown House Estate, the whole place is lit up like something from a Christmas card. And I mean that in the best possible way, not in a "the electricity bill must be savage" kind of way. There are festive characters wandering about and the excitement level from small people tends to go through the roof before you've even parked.
After check-in you board the Santa's House Express train (yes, an actual train) which takes you through the estate grounds while the story unfolds. It's one of those moments where even the teenagers might admit it's quite cool, though they'll never say it out loud obviously.
The train brings you to Santa's Manor where Mrs Claus is waiting with stories and treats. It's properly cosy and warm, which matters when you're wrangling cold little hands and runny noses in December. Then comes the main event: a private meeting with Santa himself. And this is the bit parents love because it's not rushed. Each child gets a proper chat and leaves with a brand new cuddly toy that's sustainably made and actually nice quality. Not the kind that falls apart by Stephen's Day.
The Winter Wonderland Bit
After Santa there's the Winter Wonderland Village with a funfair that's included in your ticket. Each child gets two complimentary ride tokens so they can actually go on things without you having to dig out your wallet every five seconds. Result.
There are food stalls doing seasonal treats and proper winter warmers, hot chocolate, the works. Perfect for when you need a minute to regroup before the drive home. There's also a Wishing Tree where kids can make their wish before leaving, which is sweet without being over the top.
New This Year
The big new addition for 2025 is the Magic Mail Pack. It's an optional extra you can add when booking and it arrives at your house before your visit. Inside there's a postcard from Santa, a magical train ticket, festive activities and more, all designed to get the excitement building at home. There are instructions included for parents (because let's be honest, we need all the help we can get with keeping the magic alive) and it's a lovely way to stretch out the experience beyond just the day itself.
Jessica Fagan from Follow Fox Events, the team behind it all, said something that'll make stressed December budgets feel a bit better: "Families return year after year for the magic and memories, and in 2025, we're keeping our prices the same as the previous two year to ensure even more families can join us. Same prices, even more magic!"
And that's genuinely good news because Christmas adds up fast.
The Practical Bits
Tickets are on sale now at www.santashouseexpress.ie and here's where it gets interesting from a value perspective. Adult tickets start from €22.00 plus booking fee. Kids aged 13 months to 12 years are €28.50 plus booking fee, which includes Santa's gift and those two funfair ride tokens. When you add it all up, that's actually pretty decent for what you're getting.
Infants under 12 months are €12.00 plus booking fee and they get a little gift from Santa too, which is a nice touch. The Magic Mail Pack and photos are priced separately and discounts won't apply to those, but the core experience offers solid value for a proper day out.
Fair warning though: this is one of Ireland's most popular Christmas experiences and tickets do sell out. So if you're thinking about it, don't leave it until the week before and then panic when everything's gone. Book early, get it sorted, one less thing on the mental load list.
Group bookings are available too if you're organising something with other families or for a school or club. Just email tickets@santashouseexpress.ie and they'll sort you out.
Santa's House Express runs on select dates through to 23rd December at Palmerstown House Estate in Johnstown, Naas, County Kildare. It's the kind of outing that actually feels special without being stressful, which in the middle of December madness is worth its weight in gold.
Now if only someone could invent a similarly magical experience for getting through the Christmas food shop without a meltdown. Any volunteers?