7 Dublin shopping centres where children can meet Santa Claus

Unfortunately, the Arnott’s experience is booked out, but don’t worry, Santa still pops into many other shopping centres in Dublin. So if your child is hoping to catch a glimpse of the man himself, here are the places to go.

Jervis Shopping Centre

The Jervis Shopping Centre is delighted to welcome everyone to their Santa’s Grotto where the Elves will help create your very own ‘Magic Snow Storm’ and capture some wonderful Christmas photos. There are multiple slots still available, with a visit plus parcel costing €16 for one child. Discounted rates are available for those with multiple children, while parents go free.

Ilac Shopping Centre

An elf guide will take you directly to Santa’s house for a visit with the big man himself. Santa will know something special about each child and give them an age-appropriate gift. A professional photographer will be there to capture beautiful photos. For a limited time, they are also offering an official invitation from Santa by post to really bring the magic home this Christmas. It’s €13.50 per child and €6 for an adult.

Pavilions Shopping Centre

Santa is returning to The Pavilions in Swords this year to greet all the girls and boys in advance of his round the world trip on Christmas Eve. Each child ticket includes a special gift from Santa. It costs more to add a family photograph. Children’s tickets cost €15 and adults are free.

Liffey Valley Shopping Centre

Santa and his elves are very excited to welcome you to the brand new cosy grotto experience. Immerse yourself in the Christmas magic, capture the perfect photos, and share the excitement as your loved ones meet Santa. While online bookings are encouraged, walk-ins are welcome, subject to availability on the day. Kids tickets are €15 and adults are free.

Blanchardstown Centre

Santa is at his grotto in the Blanchardstown Centre where his hideaway is adorned with twinkling lights and festive decorations. Each visit comes complete with a cuddle toy for your little one and a delightful children’s storybook to spark their imaginations. Pre-booking is essential and tickets are €20 with discounts available for multiple children, adults go free.

Stephen’s Green

Santa will have his grotto in this city centre this Christmas. Tickets cannot be pre-booked online, so it’s advised to get there as early as possible. It’s estimated to be a 30-minute wait at maximum. It’s €10 for a visit including a present, and €20 with a photo added in. Adults go free.

Dundrum Town Centre

Every child will receive a personal passport stamped by Santa. An Elf will help you solve a series of riddles on the Candy Cane trail to find the magic key and unlock a giant chest full of lollipops. At the workshop, there’ll be some wooden toys made by the Elves and freshly printed ‘Letters to Santa’ for you to fill out and post.

Then it’s on to Mrs Claus with her collection of story books, mince pies and secret reindeer food for the kids to leave out on Christmas Eve. Santa will then give the children a wrapped present and ‘nice list’ certificates. It’s advised to book online with a child’s entry costing €29. Adults go free.