Illustration of a child whispering a wish to Santa in an armchair by the fireplace while an elf holds a list (The Rathwood Santa Train Experience)

The Rathwood Santa Train Experience

Visitors board the Rathwood Express for a train ride through a twinkling forest to a festive live show inside the Big Top. Families stop at the reindeer farm to see Santa's reindeer and visit Santa's Toy Workshop, where each child receives an early Christmas present. The journey also includes hot chocolate and a cosy personal meeting with Santa Claus in his home.

Map It Details Official site

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Plan Your Visit

Ages

All ages

Food & Drink

Each child receives a hot chocolate.

Parking

Plenty of parking is available on-site.

Going?

Location

Rathwood · Rathwood, Tullow, Carlow, R93 X3F9 Get Directions

Local Insight & Ratings

Family Friendly

🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 (5/5)

Best For

Families with young children

Vibe

Festive and magical

Energy Level

Moderate

Photo Friendly

High

Weather Sensitivity

Moderate

Tips & Advice

  • Book online early, because some dates are already marked as filling fast and some time slots have sold out.
  • Buy some reindeer food for the visit to Santa's Reindeer Farm so the children can feed the reindeer themselves.
  • Leave time after meeting Santa for the Rathwood Funfair, an optional extra with rides and games, including the Dumbo ride.
  • Dress the family warmly, because the Rathwood Express takes you on a train ride through the forest to the Big Top.
  • Families with babies will find baby changing facilities and toilets on site, plus cafés for a break between activities.

Special Events & Promotions

  • Reindeer food to buy so your family can feed Santa's reindeer yourselves
  • Rathwood Funfair rides and games as an optional extra after your Santa visit

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 does the visit include?

You take a train ride through the forest to the Big Top for a Christmas show made by the team behind The Late Late Toy Show. You also visit Santa's Reindeer Farm and his Toy Workshop, then meet Santa in his home. Every child gets a hot chocolate and an early Christmas present.

Can the kids feed the reindeer?

Yes. You can buy reindeer food so your family can feed Santa's reindeer yourselves.

Is there more to do after seeing Santa?

Yes. The Rathwood Funfair has rides and games, including the Dumbo ride, as an optional extra.

What facilities are on site?

There are cafés, toilets and baby changing facilities, plus plenty of parking.

How do I book?

Book online: pick Santa 2026, then choose a date and time slot.

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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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