Dun Laoghaire meets Antarctica this Christmas with the launch of a spectacular polar ice-themed festival for all the family. Partnering with the 2012 Shackleton exhibition at the Harbour Terminal Building, visitors to the town will embark on a magical journey to the Antarctic.
A magnificent 60-metre ice slide is being specially shipped in to Dun Laoghaire Harbour for an unforgettable experience for adults and children alike. Surrounded by hot chocolate and crepe stalls and an inflatable village, the spectacle will be lit up from top to bottom, drawing visitors from near and far.
Central to the entertainment will be the live creation of an Antarctic Ice Sculpture in the Main St. Sculptors, complete with chainsaws, will spend up to four hours working on this mesmerising exhibit.
Santa’s elves have already arrived to prepare his Polar residence in the town and excitement is building around the live crib with real live donkeys, sheep and cows outside St Michael's church.
Over 40 arts, food and craft market stalls in charming chalets will ensure a superb festive atmosphere. Retailers throughout the town are putting on special Christmas offers to provide excellent value to shoppers over the festive season.
Three fabulous fireworks displays on the 1st December (Santa’s arrival), the 16th December and New Year’s Eve will ensure non-stop celebration throughout the festive season. Special Christmas parking offers will be announced in November. See below program of events:
Dec 1st
12pm Santa’s Arctic Kingdom opens, Dun Laoghaire Shopping Centre
Spectacular Fireworks display
Dec 7th
11am – 7pm Ice Slide opens, Dun Laoghaire Harbour Plaza (open Saturday and Sunday and every day from Dec 13th until Jan 1st)
Dec 8th
1pm – 6pm Live Ice Sculpture Carving, outside IMC Cinemas, Dun Laoghaire Town Centre
Dec 13th
11am – 7pm Launch of Christmas Market in Metals and Town Centre (open every day until Jan 1st) Over forty market stalls in charming chalets in Town Centre and the Metals (Open daily until 1st January 2013). Life-size crib with live animals opens at St. Michael’s Church
11am – 7pm Life-size crib with live animals opens at St. Michael’s Church (open every day until Jan 1st)
Dec 16th
From 1pm: Daring Live Performance down the Ice Slide by the Ski Club of Ireland (range of performances between 1pm and 5pm)
5pm Spectacular Fireworks Display, Dun Laoghaire Harbour
Dec 22nd
4.30pm Winter Solstice Fireworks Display
Dec 31st New Year’s Eve
Fireworks
Jan 1st
7pm Festival closes