Question 1

What can I expect at Santa's House Express?

Accepted Answer

Your journey begins the moment you enter the gates of Palmerstown House Estate and marvel at the breathtaking views and twinkling lights! Guests will make their way downstairs into the Clubhouse for check-in, where Santa’s friendly helpers will be on hand to ensure you have everything you need before your trip to Santa’s Magical Manor. The excitement builds as you enter the departure lounge and prepare to hop on board the train for a magical journey to the Manor. Enjoy meeting the elves before you go, and look out for our 'grouchy' guest in The Ice Cave—he's mean, he's green, and very mischievous!

This year, for the very first time, Santa is inviting you to step through a secret gateway into the hidden forest beneath the Elven World, which you will discover as soon as you hop off the train. Introducing ‘Merrymyst Hollow’—an extraordinary new addition to the experience where wishes take flight into the skies. Join Luminette, Pettlepop, and Starwyn, along with their friendly mystical elves, as you enter a sparkling world where a dazzling blend of lights, laughter, music, and magic awaits your family.

Next up, you will be warmly welcomed into Santa’s beautiful country Manor. Inside, Mrs. Claus is busy in the kitchen prepping her famous Christmas treats, and she will have some samples for all the children to enjoy while she tells you a story! Then, it’s time for the all-important meeting with the main man himself, who will spend some time chatting to each family individually and snapping some photos together. Each child will receive a special, sustainable cuddly gift from Santa to treasure forever!

After you have visited Santa, the train will take you back to spend some time at the Winter Wonderland Village and Festive Funfair. Make a wish on our magical Wishing Tree! For those who make the trip to Santa’s House Express every year, you’ll be delighted to hear that the funfair is back and better than ever before, featuring all-new rides and two tokens included for each child. Guests can also purchase delicious festive treats or a selection of hot food and drinks from our vendors.

There will be lots of festive photo opportunities along the way, including brand-new professional photo opportunities with Santa for the first time, plus the classic 'Sleigh' photo and more. Groups will each receive a QR code, giving you the opportunity to view your professional photos at the printing stations and choose to purchase booklets, digital copies, snow globes, or tree decorations featuring your festive memories to treasure forever.

Question 2

Will we get to meet Santa?

Accepted Answer

Yes - each family will meet Santa individually in his reading room after they’ve taken the train up to his Manor. Santa will spend some time chatting with you and will give a special gift to each child.

We now have a professional photo opportunity with Santa, you can view these afterwards at our kiosks and decide on any booklets, digital copies, snowglobe, christmas tree decorations you may want with your precious memories inside.

Question 3

How long does the experience last?

Accepted Answer

The 2026 experience itself has been extended with a whole new part of the show, so guests can now expect to spend approx 2 - 2.5+ hours, including the departure lounge, train journey, new Merrymyst Hollow area and the visit to Santa’s Manor.  Guests can then spend as long as they like in the Winter Wonderland village where they can enjoy the festive funfair or some food & hot drinks from the vendors.

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

The time you book is the start time of your experience not the time of your visit to Santa. Please aim to be at the venue 15 minutes before your experience start time and allow for traffic delays. Please bring your QR barcoded ticket for scanning by our team on entry. This can be shown on your phone, printing is not necessary. Dress appropriately for winter weather, you will be outdoors for some of the experience. Christmas jumpers are encouraged, and of course don’t forget your Christmas spirit!

Question 5

Will children receive a gift?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 6

Will the funfair return this year?

Accepted Answer

Yes - when you arrive at our Winter Wonderland after visiting Santa in his Manor you will find the funfair. Each child ticket comes with 2 tokens = 2 funfair rides. Guests can purchase extra tokens for the funfair on the day.

Question 7

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 8

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

Accepted Answer

Visitors with special needs may admit one accompanying carer free of charge . All carers must select a carer request at booking stage, please note this is not a confirmed ticket, you will need to bring relevant ID or documentation, such as an associated membership card or anything that shows proof that you are the carer for the guest in order to gain entry on the day.

Please note there are limited free carer tickets available at specific sessions.  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 9

Do you have any sensory friendly times?

Accepted Answer

Yes we do offer sensory friendly sessions during which the music will be played at a lower level and staff will take extra care in ensuring any additional needs are met. These sessions will be visible and highlighted on our booking system on the days they are available. Please feel free to reach out to us directly if there is anything you are concerned about in advance of your booking.

Question 10

Is the event wheelchair friendly?

Accepted Answer

Yes we can accommodate wheelchair users throughout the experience - we do require prior notice to ensure the best possible experience.

Our trains have limited capacity therefore guests to are required to book a wheelchair pass (free) on our booking system as part of their order, this will ensure a wheelchair spot on the train. Sessions will show up as unavailable where the wheelchair capacity on the train has already been filled up. If this happens, please try the next available time slot.

Some small amendments to our planned event will be made to facilitate wheelchair access in the best way possible. If you have any queries in relation to this, please do email tickets@santashouseexpress.ie

Question 11

Can I take photos?

Accepted Answer

Yes - we encourage you to bring your phones / cameras to capture the experience.

This year we have a new professional photo service. Each family will receive a QR code on arrival and will have their photo taken in various locations along the journey, including with Santa and on Santa's sleigh. You can view these afterwards at our kiosks and decide on any printed booklets, digital copies, snowglobes, christmas tree decorations you may want to purchase with your precious memories inside.

Booklets can be purchased in advance with your tickets too.

Please note there is no professional photo taking or video recording equipment permitted at any time. Please be mindful of other guests and their privacy.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS