The big day may come and go in the blink of an eye, but don’t worry, there are still plenty of festivities to enjoy. From New Year’s festivals to pantos, there are events all over the country for you and your family to enjoy as 2016 turns into 2017.

NYF Dublin – 3-Day Citywide Festival

Venue: Dublin City Centre
Date: 30th December – 1st January
Cost: Many events are free
Contact: See website

If you’re in the capital at the end of December, head to the city centre with your family and friends to celebrate the turn of the year. Family highlights include Luminosity, Tunes in the Church, Dr. Sketchy’s Anti Art Classes, Tongue Fu, family treasure hunts, and lots more.

Portmagee Traditional Old Year Festival

Venue: Portmagee, Co. Kerry
Date: 31st December
Cost: Free
Contact: Email [email protected]
Website: moorings.ie

The village of Portmagee has a unique New Year’s Eve tradition with a French connection. It dates back to New Year’s Eve 1727 when a French boat carrying smuggled cargo arrived into the port. Led by a piper the crew of the ship marched through the fog toward the village carrying an old man. A shot rang out and the old man appeared to die as a younger man appeared from the shadows. The French explained that the act symbolised the passing of the old and the birth of the new, prompting a tradition that goes on to this day.

Snow White in Limerick

Venue: Lime Tree Theatre, Mary Immaculate College, Limerick
Date: December 28th – January 8th.
Cost: Adults €19.00; children €17.00; family of four (2 adults + 2 children) €66
Contact: For booking, check out the website or call the box office on (061) 953400

RTE presenter Emma O’Driscoll stars as Snow White in the Limerick Panto Society’s production at the Lime Tree Theatre in Mary Immaculate College this year. Running from December 28h to January 8, the panto promises lots of laughs and great entertainment as Tony Cusack and all his team bring their unique brand of fun to Limerick once again this Christmas holidays. There will be something for all the family to enjoy.

Little Red Riding Hood in Galway

Venue: Town Hall, Renmore, Co. Galway.
Dates: December 30th to January 15th
Cost: Tickets €17/€15
Contact: Book on the website.

“What big ears you have!” Enjoy Little Red Riding Hood at this year’s Renmore Pantomime, which opens at the Town Hall on Friday, December 30. A delightful mix of jokes and music scripted by panto dame Peter Kennedy and directed by AIMS award-winning twins Brian and Seán Power, this is a fun event for all the family. Kate O’Mahony plays Little Red Riding Hood who has to deal with Wicked Witch Gwendolin (Katie Creaven ) in her efforts to look after her poor Granny Hood (Peter Kennedy). Along the way, she is helped by Woody, the Three Little Pigs, Prince Hansel and Princess Gretel.

The Ugly Sisters & Yer Wan

Venue: Olympia Theatre, Dublin City Centre
Date: December 16th, 2016 to January 8th, 2017
Cost: Tickets from €37
Contact: Box office website or phone 0818 719 330

Comedian Al Porter dominates the stage as Polly in this highly entertaining version of the Cinderella story, featuring Dustin the Turkey at The Olympia. After last year’s massive success with Freezin’, Al is back in a Dublinese version of the classic fairy tale.

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