How much are tickets?
Adults €19.50
Children €32.50 (1 to 12 years old)
Babies €11.00 (0 – 11 months)
Everyone attending Christmas Island must have a ticket. Non ticket holders will not be allowed through the gates.
Please note: Children are the responsibility of the supervising adult at all times. All safety procedures must be adhered to at all times. By making this booking, customers accept full responsibility for themselves and their children. Waivers must be completed before arrival.
My 13 year old child wants to visit Santa too, what ticket should I buy?
Children older than 12 years old can purchase a “Child Ticket” if they wish to visit Santa and receive a present. The same is true for children who are 12 years old who do not wish to visit Santa – an “Adult Ticket” can be purchased and the 12 year old will not receive a present from Santa.
Do we need to sign a waiver?
Yes, the waiver needs to be signed online before arrival. Each adult (18 years and older) needs to sign their own waiver, and children/minors are added to an adult waiver. Waivers are cross referenced at the check-in gate. Bookings without completed waivers will be refused entry as per insurance requirements.
Do I need a ticket for a baby?
Yes, babies will receive a present. Buggies are allowed, however they must be small and collapsable to fit on the train. Buggies that cannot collapse/fit must be left in your vehicle.
Do you offer a professional photo?
Yes, you can get a professional 8×6 photo of your family on Santa’s sleigh for €12. The photo comes with a Christmas Island photo mount, which works as a frame so you can display your photo at home on a hard surface. Please note this photo is not with Santa. Guests can use their own phones/cameras to get their kid’s photo with Santa at the Grotto.
Please note the professional photo must be purchased in advance. Christmas Island is a scheduled event and we cannot rearrange the photo schedule on the day.
Is there accommodation on site?
Yes, the Christmas event takes place at Hidden Valley Resort in Rathdrum, County Wicklow. The resort offers both glamping lodges and boutique lodges. Each lodge is for single family use only. Guests must have tickets to Christmas Island to stay overnight and all bookings are cross referenced.
The lodges are available for hire on the following dates:
November: 22, 23, 24, 29, 30
December: Friday, Saturday & Sunday evenings
Is there parking at Christmas Island?
Yes, parking is on site and free of charge.
Can I bring a buggy for a child?
Yes, you can use a buggy on the entire resort, however the buggy will need to be small and collapsable to fit on the train. Buggies that cannot collapse/fit on the train must be left in your vehicle.
Can you have a wheelchair on the train?
No, unfortunately the train cannot take a wheelchair, however if the person has some mobility, then they can go on the train and we’ll bring the wheelchair around for them. There is bridge access to Christmas Island.
Is Christmas Island an outdoor or indoor event?
Christmas Island is both an indoor and outdoor event, so please dress appropriately. The event will only be cancelled in extreme weather conditions. To date, the event has not been cancelled. Don’t forget, we’re in Ireland, so Christmas Island still operates on wet and windy days!!
Can we book tickets at Christmas Island or by phone?
No, tickets must be purchased online in advance from www.christmasisland.ie
Can I change dates or cancel my booking?
All sales are final and non-refundable. Customers can change their date/time of booking with a minimum of 72 hours notice. To change your date/time please login to your account by clicking on My Tickets. The link to amend your tickets can also be found on your booking confirmation email.
If you are unable to attend, your tickets can be transferred to other family and friends. There is a €10 administration fee to change the names and details of the tickets. The new details must be emailed 48 hours in advance to [email protected]. Changes to tickets cannot be made by phone.
Transaction/Booking Fee:
There is a €4.95 booking fee per transaction for the costs associated with the ticketing system and also for the installation and maintenance of computer software. This fee is non refundable.
Can we add extra adults/children to our booking?
Yes, if there is availability, then please email [email protected] and we can make this change for you.
Can we add the family photo, Christmas craft and/or downhill tubing to our booking?
Yes, if there is availability. Please email [email protected] and we can add these items to your booking and email you a payment link.
Do we get a refund if the weather is bad?
No, Christmas Island still operates in cold/rainy/windy weather. In the unlikely event that an event has to be cancelled, everyone will be contacted as soon as possible to rearrange their booking. We will also post notices on our Facebook page. Please dress appropriately as the Irish weather is unpredictable. To date, the event has never been cancelled.
Are pets allowed?
No
What if we book tickets to find out later that we cannot attend?
All ticket sales are final and non-refundable. If you cannot attend, and you cannot rearrange your date/time within the same calendar year, then customers can give their tickets to family or friends. There is a €10 administration fee to change the names/details of the tickets.
All name changes must be made at least 48 hours before your scheduled event time by emailing [email protected]. All changes MUST be emailed. Changes cannot be made by phone.
What happens if we’re late to our scheduled time at Christmas Island?
Christmas Island is a scheduled event and therefore the train must leave on time. Please allow sufficient time for any unforeseen traffic problems, weather, etc. If you are late, then we cannot move your family into another time slot as the event is always fully booked. Families must arrive on time. For example, if you booked 10AM, then your train leaves at 10AM, so your arrival time should be no later than 930AM. Families should arrive no later than 30 minutes BEFORE their scheduled time to allow time for check-in, parking and being ready to board the train.
Is there food at Christmas Island?
Yes, we will be serving hot food and drink during opening hours. The Lakehouse closes at 9PM each evening and opens 1 hour before the first time slot of the day.
What time is Christmas Island open to/from?
Please check the online calendar as opening times change depending on the day. The gates open 1 hour before the first scheduled time. If you’ve booked one of the later time slots, then it’s important to arrive earlier to get food/drink, look around, etc before your Christmas experience begins as all the extras close at 9PM. Families are welcome to arrive at anytime and most families spend 2 hours with us.
Will families meet Santa individually?
All adults and children on the same booking will visit Santa together. If two families are visiting Christmas Island together, then please make two separate bookings for the same date/time slot to ensure each family has their own private visit with Santa.
