Christmas is a nearly upon us and we are well and truly in the festive spirit. If you are looking to head on a mini break over the christmas holidays why not pack up the family and head to some of these great places. There is a huge amount of events on over the country with a little bit of something for everyone.

If you are hitting Dublin for the annual Christmas shop there is plenty of other activities taking place over the city. There is a huge array of Panto's on in Dublin this year...oh yes there is! Catching a panto is a must for the Christmas season and there is plenty options for the family to escape to. The old favourite Jack and the Beanstalk is on at the Tivoli with the hilarious Alan Hughes, (Dec 11th – Jan 12th), while the Helix is putting on The Sleeping Beauty, (Nov 29th to Jan 12th). Catch Snow White and the Seven Dwarves at the Gaiety, (Dec 1st – Jan 12th). And see the terrible twins, Jedward, in Beauty the Beast (Dec 18th – Jan 5th) at the Olympia!

Elsewhere the hit musical Wicked is playing at the Bord Gais Energy Theatre until the 18th January or if you want to embrace our culture why not take in the Top 10 Tour at the National Museum on Kildare Street, exploring 7,000 years of Irish history through ten amazing artefacts. And that's not all with the RDS all geared up for Christmas for all you thrill seekers why not head to Funderland and have a great day with the family.

If you fancy a break to the South East make sure to take in the wonderful Winterval Festival in Waterford. It features Winterval Illuminates, a spectacular 3D light and sound show. And exercise your legs at Winterval on Ice, billed as the 'best ice rink this side of the North Pole! Nearby in Wexford enjoy a day out with all the family on New Year's Eve Daisy Day at the Hook Lighthouse. This is an age old and free peninsula tradition where families gather to see the world's oldest operational lighthouse, and then take part in a daisy hunt, with free fun and games for all.

Limerick is another great stop off for a family break over the festive season. Panto's are in abundance with Aladdin at the University of Limerick Concert Hall, (December 20th - January 5th) and Peter Pan at the Lime Tree Theatre, (December 28th December – January 5th). Or if you feel like being a bit more active and working off all those christmas puddings why not  get on your bike for a challenging cycle around the mountain bike paths in stunning Ballyhoura Woods. The National City of Culture has loads more to offer with an exhibition of work by artist Hughie O'Donoghue in the Hunt Museum or take a visit to King John Castle which is steeped in 800 years of history.

Cork is another destination of choice over the Christmas period. Aladdin is playing in Cork Opera House until the 18th January. If you end up in Cork over the holidays make sure to Fota Wildlife Park in Cobh or see the amazing Titanic Experience in Cobh.

Not forgetting the lovely West. The kids will love the pirate adventure park in Westport House in Co. Mayo. Relax on a walk around the grounds and refresh yourself in the tea rooms afterwards. Take to the Greenway on a bike - if you are feeling brave cycle all the way from Newport to Achill!! Galway is not to be outdone when it comes to hosting a panto! Robin Hood and the Babes in the Wood runs at the Town Hall Theatre, Galway, (December 29th - January 12th) and promises lots of laughs! 

So keep your spirits up right through to the New Year with www.discoverireland.ie