Santa, Elves and...Dinosaurs?! A Festive Adventure Awaits at Jurassic Newpark

This winter, Jurassic Newpark in Kilkenny is set to deliver the ultimate festive adventure - a place where twinkling lights, roaring dinosaurs and Santa’s elves come together in one magical mash-up of Christmas wonder.

Running from Saturday 22nd November to Tuesday 23rd December 2025, the attraction on the grounds of the  award-winning Newpark Hotel invites visitors of all ages to step into a world of Christmas wonder, where timeless traditions meet Jurassic-sized fun.

From the moment you arrive, you’ll be swept up in the atmosphere — Christmas music and sparkling lights, the scent of hot chocolate, and cheerful elves waiting to hand you a Festive Park Passport to guide your journey. Around every corner, something new sparkles into view: the North Pole Post Office, Santa’s Grotto, the Elf Academy, and the Jurassic Express Train winding its way through a world where dinosaurs don Santa hats and fairy lights drape over prehistoric trees.

Of course, the real magic happens when you meet Santa himself, tucked away in his cosy grotto surrounded by the glow of fairy lights. Every child receives a build a bear experience from Santa’s Workshop, along with reindeer food to scatter on Christmas Eve and a gingerbread treat to decorate and take home.  From there, little helpers can roll up their sleeves to help the elves colour letters to Santa, and join in the interactive Elf Academy show at the Dino Den Theatre. You’ll have rosie cheeks just like Mr and Mrs Claus from all the dancing, laughter, and even a guest appearance from Paddy the Christmas Dinosaur- a particularly rare breed of dinosaur typically found in the Arctic Circle! 

Beyond the grotto, the park shimmers with festive touches. Families can follow the Christmas Scavenger Trail, meet real reindeer, and wander through the Elf & Fairy Village under a canopy of twinkling lights. At the Jurassic Snack Shack, steaming mugs of hot chocolate topped with marshmallows offer the perfect warm-up before a bounce in the covered Jurassic Bounce Zone or a turn at the carnival games.

And just when the excitement settles, there’s a moment of calm to be found at the live animal nativity, a beautiful reminder of the true spirit of Christmas.  With festive magic around every corner, and endless opportunities for family photos, this is a Christmas experience designed to delight children and grown-ups alike.

“Every corner of the park will sparkle with festive spirit,” says Niall Dunne, General Manager at The Newpark Hotel. “From Santa’s grotto to the dancing dinosaurs, it’s all about creating magical memories that last long after Christmas Day.”

Tickets

Tickets for The Jurassic Newpark Christmas Experience must be pre-booked online at www.jurassicnewpark.com, with sessions running from 22nd November to 23rd December 2025. Optional family photos with Santa can be booked in advance or purchased on the day (subject to availability). As the experience is largely outdoors, visitors are encouraged to wrap up warm and prepare for a festive adventure whatever the weather!

So gather the family, don your Christmas jumpers, and prepare to make magical memories at Kilkenny’s most enchanting and unique festive experience — where Santa, elves, and dinosaurs come together to create a dino-mite Christmas experience!