Oh, the excitement! SOLAS Eco Garden Centre in Portarlington is transformed into a fantastical Christmas wonderland like never before, where magic and mayhem await! This year, Santa’s in a bit of a pickle: he’s plumper than a Christmas pudding and can’t quite squeeze into his favourite red suit.
But not to worry, because Santa’s bootcamp begins here at SOLAS, and we need YOU to help get him back in tip-top shape for our Christmas Grotto Experience!
Come one, come all to our Santa Grotto Launch Night on Saturday, November 9, and prepare for a magical evening filled with festive lights, jolly surprises, and a grand Christmas adventure!
“Santa’s Bootcamp begins” and it’s up to the children to help get him “fit for Christmas!”
Our event opens at 2pm, and the evening will be bursting with surprises, from carnival rides to a Christmas Craft Market, mouth-watering seasonal foods, and, of course, a chance to join Santa on his lively journey back to festive fitness!
An Evening Full of Enchantment and Adventure
Here’s a sneak peek at the magic planned for our Santa Grotto Launch Night:
2pm-9pm: Carnival Rides – From Market Street to the heart of SOLAS, thrilling rides will set the festive mood, bringing joy to all ages.
5pm-9pm: Christmas Craft Market – Step into a delightful holiday market with up to 20 charming stalls, brimming with handcrafted gifts, unique finds, and Christmas cheer.
5pm-9pm: Seasonal Food Court and Café – Savour the taste of the season with festive favourites and warming drinks at our fully decked-out food court.
6.30pm: Santa Claus Hide-and-Seek – Santa has gone missing! Calling all young adventurers! Children from local schools will embark on a delightful hide-and-seek journey to find Santa, who’s napping (and perhaps snoring) in our furniture department. With a bit of giggling and plenty of urging, they’ll wake him up and get him ready for his Christmas bootcamp!
6:45.45pm: Fit for Christmas Training – Led by Santa himself, our “Fit for Christmas” workout takes place in the brand-new “Christmas Workshop Dome,” inspiring children and adults alike to join Santa in preparing for the busiest season of all.
7pm: Lights-On Spectacular – With a sparkle and a shout, the SOLAS market lights up as Santa, now glowing with Christmas spirit, gives the all-clear from his doctor, signalling the official start of the holiday season!
7.15pm: Carol Singing and Christmas Music – Let the seasonal tunes fill the air as the talented Anne Dunne and our local choir lead a sing-along of everyone’s festive favourites.
7.30pm: A Festive Feast Fit for Santa – Our chef Allan will be crafting a special healthy Christmas meal inspired by Santa’s “new diet,” showing that even the jolliest among us can indulge in the season with wholesome treats!
Shop till you drop –Enjoy food and drink in our heated café and outdoor food court, and snap up early deals in store with 20% off all Christmas decorations.
A Special Christmas Competition!
Want to meet Santa at SOLAS? Now’s your chance! Enter our competition to win a free child pass for the Santa Grotto Experience. To enter, simply answer this question:
“I Love Santa’s Grotto at SOLAS because…”
Email your response to solas@thegardenshop.ie for a chance to win this magical experience!
This is no ordinary Santa experience; this is an invitation to dive into the heart of the season, surrounded by the magic, joy, and excitement that Christmas brings. With every light twinkling, every ride whirling, and every song uplifting, SOLAS Eco Garden Centre invites you and your family to be part of an unforgettable night that will set the tone for the most enchanting Christmas yet.
For more information or bookings, please contact:
SOLAS Eco Garden Centre
Email: solas@thegardenshop.ie
Phone: 057 9373330
Book Grotto Tickets Online: https://solas.digitickets.ie/tickets
