There’s a moment every year when the lights come on in the forest at Rathwood, the train whistle sounds, and you hear the first gasp from a carriage full of children. It never gets old.
The Rathwood Christmas Experience, our Santa Train, is back for 2026. Whether it’s your first visit or a family tradition you’ve kept for years, here’s what’s waiting for you.
What’s included in the Santa Train experience
🚂 A train ride through the twinkling forest
Your adventure begins on board the Rathwood Express, with a gentle ride through our forest lit up for Christmas. It’s the moment most families tell us they remember long after the day is over.
🎪 The Big Top show
The train brings you to the Big Top for a festive show created by the talented team behind The Late Late Toy Show. Expect songs, laughs and plenty of Christmas magic. Every child also gets a hot chocolate and a special gift.
🦌 Santa’s Reindeer Farm
Meet Santa’s reindeer up close before their busiest night of the year. You can buy reindeer food on the day, so little ones can help get them ready for the big trip.
🧝 The elves and the Toy Workshop
Our magical elves are on hand for jokes, mischief and plenty of chats along the way. In the Toy Workshop, every child receives an early Christmas present to take home as a keepsake.
🎅 Meeting Santa
Then comes the big one: a cosy visit with Santa in his own home, where every child gets their own special Christmas moment with the man himself.
Make a day of it
The Santa Train is the highlight, but there’s plenty more to fill the rest of your visit:
- The Merry Tree Restaurant. Stop for breakfast, lunch or something sweet. Open daily 10am–4pm. See merrytree.ie.
- The woodland walks and Deer Park. Wrap up warm and take a walk through the trees.
- The Ark Playcentre. Indoor play, whatever the weather. Book at arkplaycentre.ie.
- The funfair. Rides and games, including the Dumbo ride, available as an optional extra.
- Christmas shopping. Browse our store for gifts and festive finds while you’re here.
We have cafés, toilets, baby changing and free parking on site.
Tips for the best visit
- Book early. Weekend and December dates are always the first to go.
- Arrive a little before your session so you’re not rushing. Parking is free and easy.
- Dress for the outdoors. Part of the experience is outside in the forest, so warm coats, hats and sensible shoes make it much more fun.
- Bring a few coins if your little ones would like to feed the reindeer.
- Keep your phone charged. Between the forest lights and Santa’s house, you’ll want photos.
Getting here
Rathwood is in Rath, Tullow, Co. Carlow (Eircode R93 X3F9), on the Carlow–Wicklow border, about an hour from Dublin and within easy reach of Kildare, Wicklow, Kilkenny and Waterford.
Book your Santa Train tickets
Tickets are on sale now at santatrain.ie, and dates sell out every year. Pick your date, choose your session and you’re all set.
We can’t wait to welcome you to the forest this Christmas.
The Rathwood Team 🎄
