Illustration of a knitted family in hats and mittens in a snowy street with a snowman and glowing string lights (Jingle Fest)
Christmas Lights

Jingle Fest

Visitors can wander through the Festive Fairy Woods light tunnel, marvel at a 30-foot Christmas tree, and view Ireland's first illuminated hot air balloon. Entertainment includes a 25-minute live panto show in the Big Top Tent, singalongs on the Candy Lane Train, and Christmas character meet-and-greets. Families can also explore the zoo, play in the Pow Wow Playground, and ride attractions in the Jolly Junior Zone.

Nov 20 – Dec 23, 2026 All ages

Plan Your Visit

Tickets

General Adult / Child: €20; Member Adult / Child: FREE. Santa Visit (0–1): General €12.50, Member €11.50; Santa Visit (2–4): General €33, Member €22; Santa Visit (5–12): General €37, Member €25. Santa visits are optional and available at an additional cost. All Santa ticket types include a visit to Jingle Fest.

Food & Drink

The Lodge Restaurant serves hot meals, including a Christmas carvery, and hot chocolate; check in-park notice boards for daily food and drink opening hours.

Accessibility

Reserved Santa slots for guests with additional needs have reduced visitor numbers; one accompanying carer receives free admission when suitable documentation is presented. These are not sensory sessions, and usual music levels and interaction remain. Rides have height, weight and safety restriction

Location

Emerald Park · Kilbrew, Ashbourne, Co. Meath, Ireland, A84 EA02 Get Directions

Local Insight & Ratings

Family Friendly

🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 (5/5)

Best For

Families with young children

Vibe

Festive and family-friendly

Energy Level

Moderate

Photo Friendly

High

Weather Sensitivity

Moderate

Tips & Advice

  • Book a Santa visit in advance, as availability is limited and the visit has a scheduled time.
  • Arrive early for a later Santa visit, and check in at least twenty minutes beforehand to allow for the walk to Santa Check-In.
  • Bring suitable documentation for a guest with additional needs to access a reserved Santa slot and the accompanying carer’s free admission.
  • Check in-park notice boards for food and beverage opening hours, as these vary by day.
  • Dress for the weather and allow for ride restrictions, since rides operate weather permitting and have height, weight and safety limits.

Special Events & Promotions

  • Members receive free adult or child admission.
  • One carer receives free admission when accompanying a child with additional needs at a reserved Santa slot; suitable documentation is required.
  • Reserved Santa slots for guests with additional needs have reduced visitor numbers; they are not sensory sessions, and usual music levels and interaction continue.
  • A Santa visit is an optional extra-cost add-on with a scheduled visit time.
  • Professional Santa photos can be purchased separately, in advance or on the day.

Links & Contact

Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide, not the organizer of this event. For tickets, entries, vendor spots or questions, contact the organizer directly through their contact page.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included with a Jingle Fest ticket?

It includes festive activities and entertainment, the Zoo, Pow Wow Playground, and access to more than ten rides and attractions in the Jolly Junior Zone.

Is a visit with Santa included?

No. A Santa visit is an optional add-on with a separately scheduled visit; select the ticket option that includes it when booking.

How long should families allow for a visit?

Most families spend three to four hours, and guests can stay for the full day during park operating hours.

What food and drink are available?

The Lodge Restaurant serves hot meals, including a Christmas carvery, and hot chocolate is available. Check the in-park notice boards for daily food and beverage opening hours.

What should I know if I have booked a Santa visit?

Check in at Santa Check-In at least twenty minutes before the scheduled visit. It is about a fifteen-minute walk from the Admissions Building; collect any photos on the day.

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Always check the official website for the most current information.

We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.

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