Category: News

The Santa Express 2024

Posted on by David

The Santa Express 2024 in Oakfield Park is back bigger and better than ever before!

We all know that Santa delivers presents to every boy and girl on the night of Christmas Eve, but nobody ever sees him then because we’re all fast asleep in our beds! And before Christmas Eve, Santa is at work in the North Pole, so how can you see him? 

How do you get to the North Pole from Ireland? With a magical Santa Express ticket from Oakfield Park! Hold your ticket tightly in your hand and make a wish as you pass through the bright tunnel of Christmas stars, and you’ll find yourself stepping out into the bustling Christmas village of the North Pole…

Walk through the brand-new tunnel of lights and feel the snow on your face as you emerge into the ambient Christmas village where The Santa Express train awaits. 

Snuggled together in your own private carriage, you’ll be gently whisked away to Santa’s grotto through the frosty forest where there’s a festival of lights, the biggest Christmas tree in Ireland, Candyland and Toytown, and many magical creatures to see along the way. 

At Santa’s grotto, the spirited elves invite you into in the freshly decorated festive Fun House to play before you meet Santa! Warm and cosy by his fire, he can’t wait to meet you and give you your special Christmas gift.

Back in the Christmas village, there are many places for you to exchange your special Oakfield Christmas token given to you upon arrival. Maybe you want to warm your hands around delicious hot chocolate or mulled wine from The Holly Hut or perhaps you’d prefer some Christmas candy from The Treat Truck. 

You could buy some reindeer food or enter the Christmas raffle for a chance to win incredible prizes or donate to our chosen children’s charity or simply hold on to it as a treasured keepsake – there’s something for everyone.

Tootsie’s Toy shop is back with a beautiful selection of gifts and toys this year, including bespoke Santa Express keepsakes for all ages. Mrs Claus is working in the Post Office and is so excited to see if you’re up for her latest challenge – getting your North Pole Passport! 

The crafty elves are back in The Green Room with new creations; you can make Christmas cards, tree decorations, and write your letters to Santa. There’s also the opportunity to make Christmas candles and brand-new yuletide logs! 

New for 2024 is a Sensory Tent, designed in conjunction with Letterkenny Autism Family Support group and situated in a new heated tepee to ensure everyone has an equally amazing experience.

Have you ever noticed that igloos look a lot like embedded golf balls? Well, Santa did! So, this year he has transformed Mo’s igloo into a Crazy Christmas golf course! See if you can get a north pole hole in one, or a Partridge in a Par 3.

Meet the Elves of the North Pole like Mo or Google in the piazza with many tricks up her sleeve and games to play. Be sure to take photos with the giant teddy and other new photo opportunities.

What’s new this year:

  • Christmas Currency: Each member of your party will receive a Christmas token upon arrival. These can be exchanged for an item of your choosing. Choose between a hot drink from the Holly Hut, a sweets from The Treat truck, reindeer food to take home, an embossed Christmas card or Santa letter from the Green Room, raffle entry (for prizes such as family ticket to Santa next year), children’s charity donation where every token donated, is worth 1 euro. You can also club your tokens together for an extra round of crazy golf or make-your-own candle. 
  • Real Snow machine. Watch real snowflakes tumble across the piazza making it feel like the perfect fairy tale Christmas.
  • Christmas Crazy Golf. The Igloo has been transformed into an exciting Christmas themed crazy golf course! Suitable for all ages. See if you can beat Mo’s record. 
  • The Biggest Christmas Tree in Ireland! It has long been an ambition to build the biggest Christmas tree in Ireland and this year we have achieved it! This magical construction can be seen from the train journey as well as with the newly extended Candyland, Toytown and Unicorn Kingdom.
  • Craft in The Green Room. New last year, the Green Room has been even more lavishly decorated and filled with new and exciting arts and crafts activities. We have real wooden logs hand cut into Yuletide logs for you to decorate.
  • Sensory Tent, designed in conjunction with Letterkenny Autism Family Support group.
  • New and Exciting Christmas menu in Buffers as well as indoor seating. No prebooking required. Buffers have created a delectable Christmas menu, with cosy indoor seating and festive favourites.
  • Fun House Cabins! The fully covered cabins outside Santa’s grotto have been given a fresh makeover, filled with all things fun from bendy mirrors, old fairground games, and face-painting stations and the elves are prepped with exciting new games for all ages and abilities.
  • Interactive challenges, collect stamps to complete your North Pole Passport application as you progress around your Santa Express journey. The entire experience takes around 2-3 hours including a 45-minute train journey.

Please note that the most popular tickets sell out first, so we advise early booking to avoid disappointment. When you receive your tickets, please keep them safe. There will be no refunds under any circumstance. It is essential that only the ticketholders attend on the day. We encourage everyone to read the Terms and Conditions carefully before booking, and before contacting us. 

The start time on your ticket is the time that the TRAIN LEAVES THE STATION. We advise arriving at least 10 minutes before your allocated time. However, if your train time is later in the evening, you can arrive a long while BEFORE and enjoy the other activities, have a meal and take in the atmosphere. The same applies for early trains – you can hang around AFTER the train comes back to the station. On later trains there won’t be enough time after your train ride to enjoy all the activities.

We advise having at least an hour set aside either before or after your train ride to fit everything in. The train ride and Santa visit itself takes approximately 40 minutes. Therefore the total experience can take 2 hours or even more. 

Join us for one of the country’s biggest Christmas events, and take a real train to meet the man himself by visiting www.oakfieldpark.com/santa or ticketmaster.ie

The Easter Express 2025

Posted on by Aidan Spence

“An Egg-citing Easter Adventure Awaits!”

Hop aboard the Easter Express and set off on a magical journey through the enchanting woodlands! With your Bunny Bingo card in hand, search for hidden clues along the train route. Keep your eyes peeled—can you spot them all before arriving at The Carrot Queen’s Cottage?

Present your completed Bunny Bingo card at the cottage to continue your ‘Easter Express  Adventure’ through the park! Along the way, you’ll encounter playful characters—some will help, while others might send you in the wrong direction. Can you crack the clues, stay on the right path, and earn your delicious chocolate treat from the Easter Bunny?

The Hunt is on—are you ready for the challenge?

Enjoy NEW exciting activities throughout the park, including:

“Carrot Toss Challenge” Leap into Easter fun and test your aim, we shall be rooting for you!

“Bunny Hop Races” Hop, skip, and jump your way to victory on the lawn.

“Craft, Create & Celebrate Easter!” Spring into The Green Room for a world of  hands-on  creativity! From painting Easter eggs to designing your own bunny ears, all activities are included in your ticket!

“The Spring Putt”  Get ready for a fun-filled challenge with an egg-citing crazy golf adventure in the “Mad Hatter’s Den”

The Easter Express is the ultimate family springtime day out.

Donegal’s Biggest Easter Hunt 

April 19th, 20th & 21st

12 – 6pm

Teddy Bears’ Picnic

Posted on by Shona Tinneny

Oakfield Park Teddy Bears’ Picnics are one of the most popular family days out in Donegal.

Don’t forget to bring your favourite teddy and have fun meeting the Oakfield Bear, Peppa Pig, Winnie the Pooh, Tiger and friends, as you spend time enjoying outdoor games, crafts, and bear hunt, with train trips all day long, so you can take your teddy for a journey around the park!

The Teddy Bear Hospital will be open where you can put your teddy through all our tests, including the amazing TED-X scanner, and receive a health certificate for your teddy!

Choose to bring your own picnic, eat in Buffers indoors and outdoors, enjoy treats from the Ice-cream van, or purchase one of our kids’ pre-made picnic packs for €9 on the day.

We look forward to welcoming you and your Teddy Bears!

For 2024 dates please follow our social media channels for updates – Facebook & Instagram!

No pre booking required |Normal gate fees apply | Trains are running all day 

Photography Competition

Posted on by David

Each month the team at Oakfield Park choose a winner who will receive a Family Pass with the overall annual winner receiving an Annual Pass for 2022.

To enter, visit the park and explore and send your best photographs of your visit to [email protected]. The winner is announced on social media at the end of each month. Good luck!

TERMS & CONDITIONS

Our judges decision is final. By submitting a photo you will be giving permission to Oakfield Park to use your photos for future marketing purposes. Drone photography is not permitted.

Jobs at The Santa Express

Posted on by David

So you want to be an Elf? Santa has asked his Head Elf to form a new squad for Oakfield Park’s Santa Express 2022 and we want you. There are many roles that we need some bright new faces for. Please read through the job descriptions below and select the one(s) you feel you’d be best suited for. You need to be energetic, positive, enthusiastic with a sense of good old Christmas spirit. Performance experience is preferred but not necessary. You will probably do more than one role in your time at the Santa Express and will be trained to do all.

Applicants need to be 15 years old and above with a few roles only suitable to those over 18. The Santa Express Dates are 30th November to the 23rd of December. Weekday shifts start at 4pm and weekends at midday. Preference will be given to those who are available to work 3+ days a week.

Please submit your CV to [email protected] along with your reasons for wanting this role. Closing date for applications is Saturday 16th October. Successful applicants must be available to attend auditions 20th-22nd October & training 25th -27th November.

Job Roles:

ENTRANCE KIOSK
The first face customers see. Happy and welcoming with good organisational skills.
Jobs: Greeting and information, ticket scanning, distribution of tickets and tokens, story-telling and communication with platform elves.

GROTTOS
Part of a 5 elf team with Santa. Energetic and organised.
Jobs: Keeping Santa’s Grotto magical as well as clean and tiday! Helping customers safely board and disembark the train. Queue management, entertaining families while they wait by leading games, story-telling, running Christmas craft, singing and dancing. Organising and distributing presents for children, helping Santa. Full engagement with families.

ICE-CREAM VAN
Friendly and very organised. Café experience preferred.
Jobs: Running of the van. Making ice-creams & waffles. Selling drinks and snacks, cashing up. Keeping the van clean and tidy and stocked.

HOLLY HUT – HOT DRINKS & INFORMATION POINT
Friendly and very organised. Café experience preferred.
Jobs: Preparing and serving hot drinks, keeping the area incredibly clean. Giving information about train times, puppet shows etc.

TOY SHOP
A new role this year. Responsible and Confident.
Jobs: Running of the toy shop. Selling toys & decorations as well as talking to customers. Restocking and making sure the shop always looks its best.

ASSISTANT TO MRS. CLAUS
Responsible and Hardworking.
Jobs: Helping Mrs Claus run the post office which includes helping children write their letters to Santa. Looking after Mrs Claus and running the post office in her absence.

PIAZZA PERFORMER
Acting skills required.
Jobs: Story-telling and performing. Entertaining and interacting with families, performing set pieces.

PLATFORM
Organised with good communication and performance skills.
Jobs: Getting passengers safely boarded and disembarked from the train. Keeping everything running on time, in charge of the clock and schedule. Cleaning in between trains. Entertaining the boarded passengers and hyping up the energy to get everyone excited to see Santa. Managing late families, ticket confusions, liaising with the Kiosk elf.

CAPTAIN (4-5 days a week. preference for 18+)
Management role. Organised, leadership skills.
Jobs: In control of the team at the Grotto. In charge of assigning daily roles, costumes for all the team, organising breaks, overseeing entire grottos clean routine as well as performing one of the Grotto roles. Making sure all elves are working and all customers are happy. Keeping daily reports of elves performances. Assisting the Head Elf with weekly rotas.

PUPPET SHOW
Part of a performance team; theatre experience preferred but not required
Jobs: Performing learned routine puppet show on the hour every hour. You will operate the hand puppets (training provided). Also in charge of keeping puppet theatre clean and tidy, helping seat audiences and support the main actor.

PANTO PERFORMER
Theatre performance required. Children’s entertainment / Panto experience preferred.
Fun and energetic, confident performer.
Jobs: Performing a pre-scripted show on the hour for 25 mins every hour. (The Puppets will take up 10-15 minutes of this time). You will host the show and engage with the crowd and then perform for the audience along with the puppets this involves getting children to engage with you as well as performing a set piece. Will rehearse with puppeteers and director the week before opening.

Working on The Santa Express was so enjoyable. It is great on my CV and to have Oakfield Park as a referee has really helped me to get placement during my studies. I would recommend it to anyone.

Elf from The Class of 2020

Santa Express 2024: Frequently Asked Questions

Posted on by David

The Santa Express in Oakfield Park is one of ireland’s most famous festive event in the that everyone will love, both young and old.

A Magical Christmas Experience on a Real Santa Train for all the Family. An experience that will create forever memories and the most precious moments to cherish with your family.

Prior to your arrival we are here to answer any questions you might have: 

How do I get to The Santa Express?

Please see directions to Oakfield Park on our website.
https://www.oakfieldpark.com/information/

Is disabled car parking available?

Yes in the main carpark. State requirement on arrival and you will be directed to the correct parking area.

Please note that if you wish to make a booking for a person who uses a wheelchair, that we ask you to do so by emailing [email protected] and include your phone number so that we can call you back.

What age is the Santa Express suitable for?

The Santa Express is suitable for all ages and for all the family.

How long does the event last?

Please allow at least 2 hours to fit everything in. However once you purchase a particular date, you can come anytime during opening hours and stay for as long as you wish.

There are only 3 in my group – which compartment should I book?

You will need to book a compartment of 4 as this is our smallest compartment. However, we suggest that you bring someone along to fill your carriage as get maximum value. The same applies for a family of seven – you should book two four person compartments, and you can bring along up to eight people.

If myself or a member of my group can’t make it to the event, will I be refunded?

No unfortunately not, tickets are non-refundable. However, up to 24 hours prior to your arrival you can change the name on your booking via your universe login.

What happens if I am late and miss my train?

You must arrive AT LEAST 15 mins prior to train departure (15 mins earlier than your ticket start time). If you miss your train we cannot allow for late arrivals due to pre-booked schedules.

When is the event?

The event runs from 29th November until 23rd December 2024 although there are a few days off during December. Some days are longer than others with the first train either at 12.00 midday or 4.30pm.

What if I book an early time slot?

We recommend is that for early bookings, you arrive 15-30 minutes before your train time and do the other activities and get something to eat after at your leisure.

What if I book a later evening time slot?

For later evening bookings, we recommend that you arrive over an hour before your train time to fit in food and drink, fun and games before your train journey so that you’re ready to go after the train takes you back to the station.

Can I bring food or drink into the event?

No food or drink can be brought into the event, with the exception of baby food. There will be a fully licensed Bar and Restaurant, hot food stand and Ice Cream van onsite onsite.

Is there an ATM?

There will not be an ATM onsite. Card & €/£ cash payment accepted. Please note no sterling coins will be accepted.

Are there baby changing facilities on site?

Yes, in the toilet block in the piazza.

We can’t wait for another magical Christmas experience at Oakfield Park. Set your reminders for Monday 26th August at 10am and get excited for the biggest Christmas event in the north west.

CLICK HERE TO BOOK YOUR TICKETS

Oakfield Park: We Are Hiring

Posted on by David

Want to join the Oakfield Park team?

If you’re interested in working in beautiful gardens, in a bustling restaurant then look no further!

We offer a vibrant workplace with a varied, challenging, and exciting working experience, and we require people with energy, ability, and a great attention to detail.

To apply please email [email protected] or call 0749173910

We will give you a call back on the phone number on your CV if you’re a suitable candidate and we would like to meet you.

Seasonal Chef

  • Sociable working hours
  • Full training provided

Oakfield Park: Top Four Ways To Help Pollinators

Posted on by David

Today is #WorldEarthDay and it’s all about highlighting way we can save our planet and be more sustainable. Here at Oakfield Park we strive to protect our planet How? By planting new trees, conserving water, supporting pollinators and using garden produce to create our Buffers menu. We all have a role to play and here are four ways you can help pollinators at home:

PLANT POLLINATOR FRIENDLY TREES

Native trees and shrubs such as Willow, Hawthorn, Rowan, Crab Apple, and Holly support huge numbers of insects including pollinators. Plant a young tree in the autumn or winter or grow them from seed.

CREATE NESTING HABITATS FOR POLLINATORS

Our ninety-nine species of wild pollinators nest in hedgerows, wild areas, dry stone walls, and even in the ground. To make a nesting habitat for them, just scrape back some bare earth, leave some areas to grow wild, or simply drill holes 10cm deep in unvarnished wood for solitary bees.

NECTAR AND POLLEN-RICH PLANTS FOR YOUR GARDEN

There are plenty of beautiful plants you can choose for your garden that are rich in nectar and pollen. Bidens and Bacopa are great bedding plants for small containers and hanging baskets; and herbs such as Thyme and Rosemary provide food for you as well as for pollinators. Make sure you keep these plants to your garden and don’t plant them in the wider landscape. Outside your garden, the best action for pollinators is to create biodiversity meadows and margins by reducing mowing.

SPREAD NATIVE WILDFLOWER SEEDS

Spread native wildflower seeds in your gardens!

Want to find out more about all the environmental practices at Oakfield Park? Check this out – OUR PRACTICES.

Oakfield Park Ready For 2022 Season

Posted on by David

Oakfield Park is ready for the 2022 season! Excitement is building ahead of our re-opening this week. We can’t wait to welcome you all back! Re-opening on Wednesday 30th March, we have a bumper season of events and family days out planned. Oakfield Park will open from 12noon – 6pm Wednesday – Sunday in April and May. From June until August, we will be open seven days a week from 11am – 6pm, with some late evening openings for special events.

FIRST EVENT OF THE YEAR
While the Oakfield Park team is putting the final touches to the gardens for our first visitors of the year, we are also busy in the background planning for our first event of the year – Oakfield’s Easter Storybook. Taking place on Friday 15th, Saturday 16th, Sunday 17th and Monday 18th April, this exciting event will bring together your favourite characters from children’s storybook classics such as Alice in Wonderland, Hansel and Gretle, Little Red Riding Hood and Harry Potter, to name a few. Expect family games, face-painting, story-tellers, crafts, Easter egg trails and hunts, puppet shows and delicious craft food from Buffers. We’ll be launching more details on our social channels in the coming days and weeks, but be sure to pop this four-day Easter weekend into your diary for a must-do experience in Donegal this Easter!

Other events to keep an eye out for during 2022 include our annual family music festival Oakfest, our popular Teddy Bear’s Picnic event, Steam Sundays, Halloween, Buffers Nights foodie experience and our magical Harry Potter weekend.

NEW ADDITIONS
We always strive to bring new elements to the park for visitors to enjoy and over the last few years we’ve added a real life-size Maze, geodesic dome and art sculptures. New to Oakfield Park this year is the launch of a new self-propelled rail-cart that’s suitable for one or two people. We are also working on an educational nature table in the geodesic dome.

BUFFERS
For the first time since 2019, Buffers will reopen for indoor dining with a delicious menu filled with new additions and various options to suit everyone. Our outdoor dining will still also be available We are also very proud to say that our head chef has been working hard on the menu, and all kid’s options will be homemade, including our hand-cut chips. We’re also excited to announce that ‘Buffers Nights’ will return this year. This is a unique culinary foodie experience, inspired by seasonal local produce. Keep an eye on our social channels for details coming soon.

GROUPS & TOURS
We are now taking bookings for group tours, private functions and school tours for all ages. We can also arrange a special Nature Trail for school-going age groups.

2022 SEASONAL / GOLD PASSES
Our seasonal and gold passes are now available to purchase online or from Oakfield Park’s office. Offering excellent value for customers, they pay off after only a few visits. Find out more HERE.

For more information or to speak to a member of staff – call 074 91 73922 or email [email protected]. To keep up to date on news and special offers, follow us on social: Facebook and Instagram.