Question 1

Why is the original experience (train ride + manor visit) postponed again for 2021?

Accepted Answer

Our original experience involves a shared train journey to and from the manor, group entertainment rooms and then meeting Santa in his reading room, where both guests and staff would be in close contact indoors. We have decided again that this is not appropriate this year given the ongoing circumstances and restrictions.   The journey we have planned for you in 2021 is mostly outdoors or in your own pod, with lots of space for guests to enjoy themselves safely. Any indoor elements will be very well spaced and ventilated.  If you had rescheduled your ticket to 2021 - we have sent you an email with all of your options including: ​ 1) postponing your booking 2) moving to our Drive-thru experience OR 2) getting a refund   Please check spam / junk or email tickets@santashouseeexpress.ie if you did not receive this email.

Question 2

What can I expect at Drive-thru Christmas?

Accepted Answer

Located just off exit 8 on the N7 and a 15-minute drive from Dublin, Santa’s House Express Drive-Thru Christmas begins when you are greeted by twinkling lights at the North gates of Palmerstown House Estate where your pre-booked ticket will be scanned. You and your family will then embark on your 5km self-drive journey through the beautiful Christmas wonderland. The festive route takes you through the mesmerising grounds of Palmerstown House Estate, past Elf Town, Santa's Toy Factory and the Reindeer Stables. Marvel at the Elves as they make their final preparations for Santa's busiest night of the year. The fun doesn’t stop here - Drive-Thru Christmas continues through the beautiful grounds and a visit to the Enchanted Forest with all its woodland creatures and magical friends. Turn down Candy Cane Lane and make your way to Sing Street where the true magic of Christmas comes alive. With sparkling, colourful lights, Christmas music and decorations aplenty it’s a street bursting with festive cheer. Next up is Santa's Drive-Thru Grotto where you will be greeted by Santa and his friends who will have a chat with you all. The Elves will have age appropriate gifts for all little visitors which will be delivered safely to your car. For those who make the trip to Santa’s House Express every year, you’ll be delighted to hear that the free funfair is back and better than ever before with all rides included and unlimited in your ticket. This will be set at the fabulous Manor House Gardens where you can also grab a delicious treat like the famous Santa’s House Express hot chocolate! Festive snacks and hot food from the swing-grill will be available. What’s more is the whole experience is outdoors in the most wonderful surroundings so families can relax and feel safe while having so much fun together!

Question 3

How much are tickets?

Accepted Answer

Peak times: Adult Tickets: €18  Child Tickets: (13 months – 12 years) €26 Babies (under 13 months)  €5   Off-peak times: Adult Tickets: €14 Child Tickets: (13 months – 12 years) €22 Babies (under 13 months)  €5   All prices are excluding booking fee (€1.45 per ticket)   Deals for larger families: If you are booking for 5 guests in 1 car – the driver goes free (1 x adult ticket) If you are coming in a larger car with 7 – 8 guests, 2 adults go free (No need to book the free adult on the system – must all be in the same vehicle to avail of this deal) Max 8 people per car Please make 1 booking per vehicle

Question 4

How do I add more guests to my booking?

Accepted Answer

Please purchase the extra tickets for the same date/time as the booking you already have. Simply bring the two booking references with you on the day and you can all go together as one group. -Please note there is a max of 8 people per car.

Question 5

How do I make a booking for more than 1 car?

Accepted Answer

Please only book 1 vehicle per transaction – max 8 guests depending on car size.  For corporate & other large groups please contact tickets@santashouseexpress.ie for more information.

Question 6

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. Carers do not need to book on the system but must mention it at ticket check. Please bring relevant ID and documentation, such as an IAA Autism ID card, or an associated membership card. Please 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 7

Why is there a booking fee added?

Accepted Answer

There are charges passed on to us for secure payment transaction services to process credit/debit card transactions, also for the installation and maintenance of ticketing systems and all other costs associated with secure online bookings. Please note that refunds under any circumstances, only apply to ticket prices and not booking fees. Booking fees are charged at the start of a transaction for services and cannot be refunded by the operator

Question 8

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 our beautiful country estate and sets can be seen more clearly, both are magical!

Question 9

Will we get to meet Santa?

Accepted Answer

Yes, each car will stop at Santa's Drive-thru Grotto where they will see Santa and the elves. Guests will remain in their car throughout the visit but can pull down the windows and have a chat with Santa from a social distance.

Question 10

Will there be a photo with Santa?

Accepted Answer

We do understand how important this photo is for our families. Guests would normally pose with Santa and ask our elves to capture the moment on their phone or camera. This year we can’t pass equipment and must keep a social distance. Please feel free to video or snap Santa in the grotto from the safety of your car. Please remember we are trying to bring some festive cheer under difficult circumstances, so we must accept things have to be different this year. Although we cant give any guarantees at this stage we ask that our guests allow us to access the protocols required closer to their visit and try to find a solution.

Question 11

Will there be food / drinks available to purchase?

Accepted Answer

Will there be food / drinks available to purchase? There will be hot drinks, a swing grill BBQ, snacks and festive treats available to purchase at the festive funfair area. Our hot chocolate is a must!   You can also pre-book with the venue directly to dine indoors at Sindon's Bar & Restuarant in Palmerstown Golf Club, open Wed - Sunday until 6:30pm (covid certs and indoor dining rules apply) email events@palmerstownhouse.ie to book

Question 12

Is there a vehicle height restriction?

Accepted Answer

Yes 2.3m max height without pre approval. Only domestic vehicles are allowed access. Commercial transporters, minibuses or small coaches are not suitable for this event unfortunately.

Question 13

Will there be bathroom facilities available?

Accepted Answer

Guests are expected to stay in their car throughout the drive thru section. However there are toilet facilities available at the festive funfair area

Question 14

How long does the experience last?

Accepted Answer

Guests can expect to spend 75 – 90 minutes for the Drive Thru and the meeting with Santa. Afterwards guests may spend some time at the unlimited access funfair (included in ticket price), visiting the Woodland Cafe or getting a photo taken on Santa's Sleigh.

Question 15

Will Children receive a gift?

Accepted Answer

Yes, all children will get a token gift delivered to their car by the elves.  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.

Question 16

How can I amend my booking?

Accepted Answer

If you think you may need to change your booking date or time, please ensure you create an account at the time of booking. You can change your booking only once, up to 96 hours before your scheduled visit. There will be a €5 admin charge to change your ticket to another date/time.   To access your account and make any changes to your booking please see here: https://drivethruchristmas.digitickets.co.uk/account/login

Question 17

Can I cancel my booking?

Accepted Answer

No, unfortunately tickets are non-refundable but they are transferable to friends and family. Should your booking be affected by new Covid-19 restrictions and protocols, we will do our very best to assist in rescheduling where possible and appropriate. Management will offer refunds beyond our normal T&C’s if new government protocols in your district, or our district require it.

Question 18

Where is Santa's House Express?

Accepted Answer

Please see our Contact us Page for a map. We are located: 2 minutes from the Naas Ball 15 minutes from the Newlands Cross / M50 Red Cow Junction 45 minutes from Dublin City Centre

Question 19

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 via your car window 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 20

What If Government Instructions Change in Regards to COVID-19?

Accepted Answer

The Management Team at Santa’s House Express will continue to monitor the evolving situation regarding Covid 19. Should your booking be affected by new restrictions and protocols, we will do our very best to assist in rescheduling where possible and appropriate. Management will offer refunds beyond our normal T&C’s if new government protocols in your district, or our district require it. To date we have assessed all aspects of our experience and have taken all steps necessary to comply with current Government directives and protocols. Social distancing, site hygiene & the appointment of dedicated Covid-19 safety personnel will ensure the safest of environments for all guests. Please note that refunds under any circumstances, only apply to ticket prices and not booking fees. Booking fees are charged at the start of a transaction for services and cannot be refunded by the operator.

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