With the festive season nearly upon us, it's about time you started getting into the Christmas spirit — and what better way to do that than to visit a Christmas market? Santa's Village opened in Dundrum Town Square recently, where visitors were met with carol singers, old St Nick himself and even a snow machine all in the name of getting excited for the silly season. But what's on offer at this Christmas village, you say? So glad you asked...

Sweets aplenty

At the Simply Sweets stall you'll find a huge selection of pick 'n' mix where you'll feel like a kid in a candy store, when in actual fact you'll be an adult at a candy stall. If you're more of an ice-cream kinda person then head over to Arctic Stone, Ireland's first hand rolled ice-cream company, who'll create artisan ice-cream customised to your individual taste in front of your very eyes.    

Something a little more substantial to eat

At Sugarmama's BBQ you'll find a veritable BBQ bonanza of burgers, hot dogs and frikadelle, as well as hot apple punch. Or if you're in the mood for a good ol' sambo, Dublin start-up 'Santas Sambos' are serving up traditional Christmas sandwiches.

Or you can head to Crepes In The City, where you can find a selection of savoury or sweet treats to enjoy.

Ice-skate, you skate, we all skate!

Santa's Village is just a hop, skip and a jump away from the real ice rink Dundrum On Ice, allowing you to really get that full winter wonderland effect.    

Get cosy over steaming hot drinks

Swing by Barista Bike for an artisan coffee or Italian hot chocolate to put some warmth in your belly in the tastiest way possible — just the thing you yearn for while perusing a Christmas market on these chilly winter nights.    

These are the opening times

You can experience Santa's Village for yourself Monday-Friday from 12pm-7pm, Saturday and Sunday from 10am-6.30pm, until December 24. From December 12 it'll be open from 10am every day.

The little 'uns can visit Santa here

Making the process easier for parents, you can now book your tickets for Santa's Grotto on Town Square where you'll be added to a mobile queue, this will let you know your estimated wait time so you can go shopping or for a bite to eat while you wait. You'll also receive a reminder message 10 minutes before Santa is ready to see you. Entry to the Grotto includes a visit to Santa, a gift and one photograph. The price is €16 for two adults and one child and an additional child is €10.    

Most importantly, it looks like this...

Are you feeling Christmas cheer yet?!

You can visit Santa's Village at Dundrum Town Square until Christmas Eve.