Féile Lonrach – Festival of Glow - The Santa Bus (Tullow)

Hop Aboard Santa’s Big Red Bus!

Part of Féile Lonrach – Festival of Glow

A Magical Family Christmas Experience in County Carlow

This Christmas, Santa’s Big Red Bus is rolling into County Carlow as part of Féile Lonrach Festival of Glow, bringing families a heartwarming festive adventure full of sparkle, laughter, and magic!

Climb aboard Santa’s iconic double-decker bus and step into a world of Christmas wonder. From festive music and twinkling lights to smiling elves and joyful faces, every corner of the bus is bursting with holiday cheer.

The Experience

Your journey begins downstairs on Santa’s Bus, where children can enjoy:
Festive Face Painting – transform into an elf, reindeer, or snowman!
Colouring Competition – take part in Santa’s creative challenge with festive prizes to be announced after the tour.
Elf-Led Activities – Santa’s helpers guide your family through the fun before your private visit upstairs.

Then it’s time to head upstairs to meet Santa Claus in his cozy grotto. Santa will chat with every child, take photos, and present each one with:
A specially commissioned “I’m a Carlow Elf” Medal
A Festive Gift Selection Box to take home and enjoy!

Each family slot lasts 45 minutes, giving plenty of time to soak in the festive magic and create lasting memories together.

Event Dates & Locations

Tullow – Saturday, 6th December 2025
The Square, Tullow
10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. (last entry)

Bagenalstown – Saturday, 13th December 2025
Outside the Old Post Office, Bagenalstown
10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. (last entry)

Tickets & Booking Information

€7.50 per child (Adults Free)
Each booking includes a 45-minute family experience on Santa’s Bus

Every child ticket includes:
Face painting & colouring activities
Family visit with Santa
Official “I’m a Carlow Elf” Medal
Festive Gift Selection Box

Pre-booking is essential via Eventbrite – limited slots available and expected to sell out fast!

How It Works

1. Arrive Early – Please arrive 5–10 minutes before your scheduled slot for check-in.
2. Enjoy the Fun (Downstairs) – Join the elves for face painting and colouring while waiting for your family’s Santa visit.
3. Meet Santa (Upstairs) – Enjoy a private visit with Santa, where each child will receive their Carlow Elf Medal and Festive Gift Selection Box.
4. Capture the Moment – Parents are encouraged to take their own photos of this special encounter.

Photography Notice

Parents and guardians may take personal photos during their family visit.
By attending, you consent to the use of any official promotional photos or videos taken by Carlow County Council for Féile Lonrach – Festival of Glow marketing and future community promotions.

About Féile Lonrach – Festival of Glow

Féile Lonrach (Festival of Glow) celebrates the warmth, light, and magic of the Christmas season across County Carlow. From the dazzling Lightfest in Carlow Town to Santa’s Big Red Bus in Tullow and Bagenalstown, the festival brings families together to share in joy, laughter, and community spirit.

• Tickets & Payment
• Each child requires a paid ticket (€7.50).
• • Adults attend free but must be included in the booking.
  • Tickets must be booked in advance via Eventbrite.
  • Tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable.
• Event Duration & Timing
• • Each slot lasts 45 minutes, including activities and Santa visit.
  • Please arrive on time; late arrivals may not be guaranteed entry.
• Supervision
• • All children must be accompanied and supervised by a responsible adult at all times (Adults are free , it is assumed it is one adult per child)
• Safety & Accessibility
• • Santa’s Grotto is located upstairs on the bus, accessible via stairs.
  • Wheelchair access to the upper deck is limited.
  • Prams and buggies must be left outside as directed by staff.
• Gifts & Medals
• • Each paying child receives one “I’m a Carlow Elf” Medal and one Festive Gift Selection Box.
  • Contents of the gift box may vary and are suitable for children aged 3 and above.
  • No additional gifts are included.
• Weather & Cancellations
• • The event operates in most weather conditions.
  • If extreme weather or safety concerns arise, Carlow County Council reserves the right to cancel or reschedule the event.
  • Any cancellation will be communicated via Eventbrite, and refunds will be issued automatically.
• Liability & Conduct
• • Attendees participate at their own risk.
  • The organizers accept no responsibility for loss, damage, or injury.
  • Please follow all directions from staff and stewards.
  • The organizers reserve the right to refuse admission for safety or operational reasons.

Make Magical Memories This Christmas in Carlow!

Join us for Santa’s Big Red Bus – part of Féile Lonrach: Festival of Glow, proudly presented by Carlow County Council.

Meet Santa, enjoy festive fun, and take home your Carlow Elf Medal and Gift Selection Box!

Book early – limited family slots available!

Also check out other Festivals in Gorey, Contests in Gorey.