Take a look at some of the great festive events for young and old taking place across the county

Hannah McNamara

It’s almost the holiday season and while you're busy Christmas shopping, we don't want you to miss out on Christmas planning. Meath has got so much to offer this festive season for the young, old and all who love Christmas.

There are some great Christmas events taking place over the festival season in Meath and we have put together a list of them which we know, due to their huge popularity, you will enjoy!

Causey Farm

Causey Farm is alive with a festive atmosphere. The farm animals are in for the winter and all of the sheds have been transformed into different Christmas-themed events. Visit Santa’s house and help Mrs Claus pack his bag for the big journey. Slide down into the toy workshop and play with the toys Santa has ready for packing. Make your way through the Elves’ door to Santa’s Parlour and keep your eyes peeled, you’d never know who might arrive down the chimney! The surprise visit from Santa will feature a gift for every child. Next, follow the Bethlehem Trail to the stable where Mary and Joseph take care of their new arrival, watched over by the cows, donkeys, sheep and lambs. That's not all! The Christmas Cottage with the old Irish Christmas experience invites all to make a wish as you stir the pudding. Lastly, don’t forget to Visit the reindeer as they relax before their big night. This one and a half hour Christmas at Causey experience costs €19 (adults), €29 (children), €10 (1 year olds) and free for babies under 12 months. Tickets are flying out so it's time to get booking. They're available at www.causey.ie/causey-christmas-experience/

Emerald Park

Santa is not the only person you're little ones look forward to seeing this Christmas, his elves also play a big part in the preparations. At Emerald Park you get to explore the magical adventure through Elf-land guided by Santa’s head elf, Jingles. Discover a number of excited elves who are busily preparing for Christmas before heading to Santa’s House where Santa Claus himself will be waiting to meet you! Visit the post office, Elfie station, Wishitarium and many more exciting locations in Elf-land. 'Bréagáin' will show you how the elves test the toys and 'Snowy' will teach you all about the reindeers and give you some special Santa approved reindeer food to bring home. Find out if you are on the naughty or nice list with 'Tricky' the elf before your private visit with Santa who will have a special gift for each child. This one hour experience costs €16.50 (adults), €33.50 (5-12 years), €25.50 (2-4 years) and €11 (0-1 years). With very little availability left, get your tickets now at www.emeraldpark.ie/events/christmas-experience/

Also returning to Emerald Park this year are the retro drive-in Christmas movie viewings. The two classics 'Elf' and 'Home Alone' will be played on the outdoor LED screens on Saturday 16th December.

General admission for a 5 seater is €33.90 and 7 seater is €36.00. For more information and to book your tickets go to www.retrodrivein.ie/emeraldpark

The Fairyhouse Winter Festival

Mammies and Daddies don't think we're forgetting about your Christmas fun! The famous Fairyhouse Winter Festival is back with thrilling jumps action, live entertainment, delicious food and drink, family fun activities, dazzling glamour and casual comfort of your best xmas jumper. You'll even get the chance to witness some of the best National Hunt horses in training first hand. The highlight of the Winter racing calendar, Fairyhouse plays host to 3 Grade One National Hunt races across the weekend including the Bar One Racing Hatton's Grace Hurdle, Bar One Racing Drinmore Novice Chase and the Bar One Racing Royal Bond Novice Hurdle. There are also some fantastic hospitality packages available including the Bobbyjo Bistro Package with a wonderful four course lunch overlooking the track. There's something for everyone at this that takes place on Saturday 2nd and Sunday 3rd December. For more information or to get your tickets go to www.fairyhouse.ie/winter-festival

Caulstown Christmas Tree Farm and Shop

Experience the magic of Christmas with a real tree this year from Caulstown Christmas Tree Farm and Christmas Shop! Explore the enchanting farm, filled with the aroma of fresh pine and twinkling lights. With Christmas trees ranging from 4-14ft, you're guaranteed to find the perfect one to bring home.

The Christmas Shop offers a great selection of crafts from fresh wreaths and garlands, to beautifully hand made table decorations and candles. Find the perfect gift for that someone special.

You can also take a ride on Santa's Sleigh and visit the family of Alpacas on site. This free event does not require a booking however if you wish to let them know your coming they can arrange to have a special Christmas Decoration available for your family!

They're open from 23rd November. For more information go to www.caulstownchristmastreefarm.ie/

The Santa Claus visit and Christmas Market at The Becks

The Santa Claus visit and Christmas Market at The Becks is returning on Sunday 10th December with plenty of gifts you can cross off your shopping lists. Santa will arrive at The Becks, Garristown in style and will greet all the kids outside before settling into his fireside grotto. Each Family will have their specified time slot of when they will have their private meeting with the man in Red.

Your Time slot will be e-mailed once ticket sales have closed, Wednesday 29th November. You can purchase a photo on the day and have an Elf take some pictures on your own personal device. While the little ones can enjoy their visit from Santa, you can get some Christmas gift shopping done! Tickets are only for children numbers and each ticket includes a gift from Santa on the day. Tickets are €10 on https://www.eventbrite.ie/

Loughcrew Estate

The Loughcrew Wonderland Lightshow is back again with another magical experience on offer. At Loughcrew Estate for a month of weekends from 24th November to 23rd December, Loughcrew's enchanted gardens will be illuminated at night time. There's no better way to kick off your celebrations for this magical time of year than through the prism of light, music and wonder. Book your lightshow tickets which include a visit to Santa and small present on www.loughcrew.com