It's that time of the year, the trees are up, the Christmas lists are looming and the smell of mulled wine is in the air. The festive season is well and truly upon us and I’m here to help you make the most of it.

With only a few weeks left to enjoy all things merry and bright, we’d better get started.

Festive movie night

Is there anything more festive than curling up in front of your favourite Christmas movie?! The Dot Theatre in Dublin offers private festive movie screenings which would be perfect for a date or girls night. The theatre is decorated with festive finery and minced pies, fresh popcorn, movie treats and drinks are all provided. Make sure to check your local movie theatre to see if they’re screening any of the Christmas classics. The Retro Drive In at Leopardstown and Lighthouse cinema in Smithfield always have a great Christmas offering.

Alpaca Christmasfest

Looking for something a little bit different this festive season? Cranfield Alpacas in Co Down offers the perfect solution with their Alpaca Christmasfest. Adults and children can walk the adorable alpacas, meet Santa, create some Christmas crafts AND have a hot drink with some mince pies. I know this is probably aimed at kids, but I’m in my 30s and I absolutely loved it!

Christmas markets

The festive season is not complete without a visit to at least one Christmas Market. I loved Christmas at the Castle last year but there are markets all around Ireland to get you into the festive spirit. Check out the Belfast Christmas Market, Winterval in Waterford and Yulefest in Kilkenny. Click here to find a Christmas market near you.

Broken Theatre Christmas Circus

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It’s not often you see a truly exciting Christmas activity, but Broken Theatre is offering just that. Their unique take on Hans Christian Anderson’s The Snow Queen, taking place at Kilruddery Yard in Co Wicklow, features aerial acrobatics, classical music and family-friendly circus acts. Check out the full Christmas program at Killruddery here.

Wonderlights

This sparkly spectacular is an annual tradition for me. There’s just something magical about wandering through a park on a cold night, all wrapped up, sipping mulled wine and being dazzled by festive light installations. Disco balls, fairies and eight foot unicorns in the middle of the woods? Count me in.

Wonderlights takes place at Malahide Castle, Marlay Park and Fota House and Gardens in Cork. Check out other light shows in your area such as - Land of Light in Westmeath, Wild Lights at Dublin Zoo, Skypark in Carlingford and more.

Festive workshops

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If you’re a bit crafty you’ll love the workshops on offer at Mount Congreve in Waterford. There’s a two-hour wreath-making workshop where you pick yuletide foliage from the gardens before creating your own perfect Christmas wreath. There’s also a Christmas calligraphy workshop and a candle-making workshop on offer. You’ll find all the details on the Mount Congreve website.

Ice-skating

If you prefer your festivities to be a bit more active, then ice-skating might be for you. Hopefully, you’re a lot steadier on your feet than I am! There are plenty of options all around Ireland such as Dundrum on Ice, The Alpine Skate Trail Cork and Wexford on Ice.

Festive Window Competition

I absolutely love Monaghan at Christmas. The independent shops in Carrickmacross are incredible for picking up gifts. However, the real reason to visit is their annual festive window contest. Each year the shops of Carrickmacross compete to see who can create the most unique and impressive Christmas window display. We’re talking full scenes from the Grinch, Santa stuck in a washing machine, and more. If you have time, pop into the Tin Church at Laragh on the way home, it looks like something from a Hallmark movie.

Take in a show

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I don’t know about you but I love an orchestra at this time of year. Christmas at the Movies, held in St. Patrick’s Cathedral and the National Concert Hall, is a two hour concert of famous festive movie scores from films like Home Alone and The Polar Express. If that doesn’t put you in the mood for Christmas, I don’t know what will.

Naughty or nice, there’s certainly something for everyone to enjoy across the country this festive season. I hope I’ve given you some inspiration to get out there and soak up the Christmas spirit, whether it’s with alpacas or at the circus.