Last weekend we set off to meet Santa in County Kildare. I am trying to mix up the location each year. This year I booked Santa’s Magic Trail in the Clanard Court in Athy. Thought we’ve only been living in Kildare two years, I have never been down that end of the County.
I thought I was super organised by printing off the tickets, ready to go for our 3pm slot. It is roughly a thirty minutes journey in the car for us. However, I thought I would double check the ticket once again.It turns out, we were actually booked in at 1.30pm. I got completely mixed up with times. I think it’s because the day before we were supposed to go see Santa Claus the movie in the car in Leopardstown at that time but it was was cancelled because of the bad weather.
When I realised it was wrong, it was already 1.30pm. So we all jumped into the car. Thankfully it wasn’t a problem and they could fit us in to the next slot. We checked in at the desk, the kids were given a sticker with their names on it and a map with the trail. At each stop the kids had to collect a stamp off the elves.
While waiting, hubby bough the kids a little chocolate bar at the small cafe. In another corner you could have your picture taken on the sleigh, we didn’t do this though. When our family name called, we all gathered by the entrance of the Elf Control Room. There was not more than 4/5 families at the time going on the trail. I have to say each room was decorated very detailed, very impressive. The kids watched a security video by the elves and sang and danced to Jingle Bells.
In the next room we met Mrs. Clause who brought us through the trail and told us what we could still expect on the trail. Matthew had his picture taken with Mrs. Clause and on we went to the next room…
… it was Santa’s kitchen. This is where one of the elves makes Santa’s biscuit. The kids even got to have a taste. However the elf couldn’t make anymore as Lazy Bones the elf stole the golden eggs from one of the chickens. We all went on a mission to find the golden eggs.
We sneaked into the bedroom to find two of the elves asleep. They were holding the remaining missing golden eggs. The children had to wake up one of the elves, while Lazy Bones was not so easy to be woken up. Every child grabbed a pair of smelly socks and threw them at him. He woke up and they could gather all the golden eggs together.
In the last room we met one of Santa’s reindeer’s. With the help of the elves, the kids got a bag each to make some magical food for the reindeer’s. This is to be left out on Christmas Eve when Santa is arriving. The portion includes making Rudolph’s nose glow, make the reindeer’s fly and two other things which I can’t remember now.
It was time to head to the other part of the magic trail. We were collected by one of the buggy’s which were decorated all Christmassy. When I asked Matthew at the end what the best part was, he said the buggy ride. We both got to sit at the back of it and he was loving it. I think he would have happily circled around the car park on it.
We then entered a barn. This is where all Santa’s animals were kept such as ducks, geese, sheeps, ponies, Alpacas and baby reindeers.
We came to the last stop of the magic trail. This was the North pole zone. This is where everyone gathered while waiting to be called to meet Santa. The first part of the tent had games and rides for the small children. The second part was arts and crafts. The children could have their face painted or make a snowman. However Matthew enjoyed the third part too much. They had several different snowballs laying on the ground. They were made out of cotton.
Shortly after we were called to meet Santa. We met him in his little cabin. He had a cosy little fire going and was accompanied by one of this elves. Matthew had a little chat with Santa while Chloe was shy hiding in the corner by daddy’s side. Matthew told Santa that he suggested a name for the baby reindeer which was Tom. We had our photo taken with Santa and both, Chloe and Matthew, received their present. Chloe got a Littly Pony teddy and Matthew Lego. He was in his element so. Also Santa mentioned to Chloe he heard she is going to leave her dodie out Christmas Eve for the baby elves. She was a bit perplex how Santa knew this but she happily agreed she will do this. Fingers crossed.
We walked back to the Christmas Pavillion and had a hot chocolate in the Wonka tent. The elves also served marshmallows with chocolate from the chocolate fountain.
Overall I have to say this was the best Santa experience we have ever been to. I would definitely recommend it to anyone for next year when you book your Santa visit.
