Any number of Christmas fairs, particularly craft ones, are taking place this weekend – today's Magazinehas a guide to some of them – but parents who'd prefer to save up for an outing closer to Christmas might rather opt for something a little more low key – or, better still, free. It's hard to take a couple of kids to most fairs without haemorrhaging cash.
Tomorrow, Bog of Allen Nature Centre in Lullymore, Rathangan, Co Kildare, is holding a Christmas open day and cranberry festival. Seasonal crafts, a side show, cranberry pies and a tour of the bog are all on offer. Proceeds go to the Save the Bogs campaign. Noon-4pm, €2. 045-860133, ipcc.ie.
Deferred from last week because of the brutal weather, Dún Laoghaire’s Christmas fireworks and parade to switch on the lights in the Co Dublin town takes place tomorrow. Assemble for the parade at Clarinda Park at 4.45pm – everyone is invited to take part – to arrive at the ferry plaza at 6pm. Then a huge tree will be lit and there’ll be a celebratory burst of fireworks. Santa will be making a brief visit. The event is free. 01-2808681, dlharbour.ie.