Struggling parents are being urged to splash out on tickets for a Santa event next Christmas – before this festive season is even over.
The Santa House Express, which takes place at the Palmerstown House Estate in Johnstown, Co Kildare, yesterday sent an email to “priority members”.
It announced the bookings for the Christmas 2020 event will be open for two weeks only, with tickets available only to those who have previously visited the seasonal event.
But after January 12, bookings for the 2020 event will close until the autumn.
The email said the tickets were going on sale for next year due to the “phenomenal demand”.
But as parents continue to pay off debts accumulated over this Christmas period, booking early will not save them any money.
That’s because tickets will cost the same whether they buy them now or in the autumn.
Tickets for children cost €21, while passes for adults will set you back €15.50. The 2020 event is scheduled to take place from November 20 to November 29.
As part of the popular event, visitors travel on Santa’s Express Christmas train through the grounds of the Palmerstown House Estate.
The journey ends at Santa’s Magical Kingdom and children can go inside the manor house to meet Santa and Mrs Claus.
Children are given a gift before taking the train to the stables, where Rudolph and friends live.
But head of the Consumers’ Association Of Ireland, Dermott Jewell said families are still under pressure from this year’s festivities and they will still have to fork out more for New Year’s events before 2019 is over.
He branded the selling of tickets for an event next Christmas as “ridiculous”.
Mr Jewell told the Irish Mirror: “This is an example of marketing gone mad. It is far too early to be burdening families with things to buy for next year.
“Planning is one thing – but this goes far beyond that.”
He said this sort of consumerism puts people off as they try to celebrate the season with family and friends.
Mr Jewell added: “This sort of thing potentially ruins the idea of Christmas for so many people.
“It’s time to take a breath. Let’s get back to a degree of reality.”
The Santa House Express was contacted for a comment.
