A visit to the Farmleigh Estate on the north-west edge of Dublin's Phoenix Park is special at any time of the year.

But, at Christmas time it is particularly beautiful, with the wonderful decorations in the 18th-century Georgian House, the choirs singing in the ballroom and the live crib in the courtyard stables.

Of special interest to the young is the decorated children's room in the courtyard, which Santa pays a visit to on Saturdays and Sundays throughout December. An exhibition of nativity cribs will be on exhibition from December 15th to January 7th.

Storytelling and children's books in general get a special focus this year, with storytelling sessions in the old kitchen on December 2nd, 3rd, 9th, 16th and 17th. On Sunday, December 10th, the Boathouse Restaurant will be transformed into a children's bookshop, and Children's Books Ireland have organised a Christmas-themed series of author readings throughout the day. There will also be a session for parents with advice on the best books to buy for different age groups.

For those who prefer to be out of doors, there will be chance encounters with Marcel, the Christmas elf, and opportunities to listen to Barbershop harmonies with the Mellowchords on Saturday and Sundays at lunchtime. Dancers from Ballet Ireland will perform Snowflakes, a scene from the Nutcracker, before and between the choral performances in the ballroom.

Farmleigh is open 10am-4.45pm on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays in December until December 22nd and then December 28th-30th and January 4th-7th. Free shuttle buses run on Saturdays and Sunday from Parkgate Street to Farmleigh, starting at 10.30am. The last bus leaves Farmleigh at 5pm. Admission to all events is free. 01-8155900, www.farmleigh.ie ST