St. Peter's Primary Bray Blog

Am I allowed to talk about it yet?? As of today, there are 28 sleeps to Christmas! Here’s a list of all the things of all things Christmassy in Bray and a bit further away. We’d like to think of this as a starter list, so we can add to it as the month goes on. We will also have a separate post later in the month with all the details of masses, carol services etc in St Peter’s Parish!

• Obviously, the main date for your diary is the 18th December for St Peter’s Primary’s performances of Roald Dahl’s ‘Cinderella’ – always a popular event and we’re sure this year will be no different! Rehearsals are going really well and we’ve a great show in store for you!
• Bray has a number of amazing events planned for the Christmas season. The Live Crib takes place in the Design Centre (opposite the Royal Hotel) on December 14th, 15th, 21st and 22nd, with animals from Glenroe Farm. Admission is free!
• On December 14th, there will be a screening of ‘The Muppet’s Christmas Carol’ on a big screen at Bray Town Hall. A week later, on December 21st, there will be a screening of ‘Arthur Christmas’ – also at the Town Hall. Both events are free, but are expected to be very popular and admission will be on a first-come, first-served basis.
• Looking to post your letter to Santa? Pick up a special Santa letter form from one of the retailers around the town and make sure he gets your letter on time by posting at Bray’s Special Christmas Post Box to guarantee a reply. The post box is at Bray Design Centre (opposite the Royal) and is open on Saturdays and Sundays from 12-6pm.
• The Santa Experience will take place in Bray’s Design Centre. As part of the experience, Mrs Clause will tell Christmas stories, find out how to make some magic reindeer dust from Santa’s helpers in the workshop and then, visit Santa himself. The experience will last approximately 30 minutes and will start every half hour. Tickets are €8 per child or €20 for a family of 4 children and can be booked at the Bray Design Centre or online here. There’s a 20% discount on all bookings up until the 29th November (this Friday).
• The lovely Kilruddery House have Christmas markets on 30th November and 1st , 7th, 8th, 14th, 15th  and 21st December. Santa is also visiting Kilruddery – more details here – but as of last night, they were booked out on the 14th and 15th December, with limited places on 7th and 8th. They’re taking bookings up until this Thursday evening. Although there is a fee to see Santa, admission and parking for the Christmas markets are free.
• Our friends in the Mermaid have a special Christmas showing of the Muppet Christmas Carol on Sunday 22nd December at 2pm. Tickets cost €5 each.
• Wicklow Gaol holds a fantastic event every year all December. They decorate the Gaol and hold markets at the weekends. There’s also a Santa’s grotto. All details here! There’s a charge for the Santa’s grotto but not for the market.
• Powerscourt Stables invite families to visit and see Santa’s deer, miniature donkeys, rabbits, pigs, guinea pigs and more. It’s free of charge and it’s especially suitable for little ones. Powerscourt Stables are located beside Powerscourt Garden Pavilion. More info on this event (and on others in Powerscourt) here
• Christmas can be a difficult time, especially for those who have lost a loved one during the year. Wicklow Hospice are organising a Remembrance Tree in the Bridgewater Centre in Arklow. Wicklow Rotary Club usually organise one in Wicklow Town beside SuperValu. Another way to support Wicklow Hospice and the fantastic work they do, if you wish to,  is to buy your Christmas tree from them. Details here.
• We in St Peter’s are supporting the Operation Santa 2fm Toy Appeal. You can read all about it here and about St Peter’s involvement here.
• Finally, (for the moment), Christmas FM goes live this Thursday at 8am – frequency to pick it up in Bray/North Wicklow is 99.5FM, or you can listen online.

Right, help us out! Suggestions for events and activities – what makes it Christmas for you?