Perfect in the lead up to the holiday season.

Butlers Chocolate have launched their Christmas Chocolate Factory Tour. This is a magical opportunity to find out what really goes on behind the doors of a real working chocolate factory, and to discover lots of interesting facts along the way. Full of gleeful cheer, visitors will be able to see the fascinating process of how sweet ingredients are transformed into boxes of luxury chocolates, delicious chocolate bars, fudge, toffee and hot chocolate. And there's going to be plenty of delicious (and complimentary) chocolate tastings to savour throughout the tour. These include a chocolate movie on the origins of chocolate and the history of Butlers Chocolates with a few magic moments along the way. The interactive chocolate museum has optional worksheets and games for children of all ages, and a gallery walk-through gives a bird’s eye view of the Butlers factory. If that wasn't enough to get jingle bells ringing, Santa Claus arrives on the 30th November, just in time for the 9.45 am tour. Make unforgettable memories with a special Christmas story as told by Mrs Claus, write a wish list for Santa, enter a Christmas colouring competition and meet everyone’s favourite man in the red suit. After the tour, enjoy learning the art of chocolate decoration with one of Santa's jolly Elves in the demonstration room and unleash your creativity by decorating a hollow Santa with lashings of liquid chocolate and chocolate flakes. Finish up by gift-wrapping the festive chocolate masterpiece with a ribbon and gift bag to display under the Christmas tree. Santa has scheduled visits at 3.30pm on the following dates:

• December 6th
• December 13th
• December 20th

Santa also resides all day from November 30 and every weekend until December 23 - before he departs for the North Pole. Tickets start from €14.25 per person and all visits should be booked in advance here. The Butlers Christmas Factory Tour lasts over an hour and a half and is very accessible in Clonshaugh Business Park, just 6 Km from Dublin city centre and 5 minutes from the M50/M1 junction.