We are all dreaming of a white Christmas, but as it’s unlikely that we are going to be able to ice-skate across the canals of Dublin or ski down the slopes of the Wicklow or Dublin mountains, the ice-rink at the RDS is a very welcome novelty for the Christmas period.

Aside from the ice-skating, there are other forms of entertainment available for those who prefer to keep their feet more firmly rooted to the ground. These include the Powerscourt Springs Chill-Out Zone and heated terraces with full bar facilities where you can enjoy a steaming glass of mulled wine or sip on some bubbly.

There is also a Christmas market at weekends, offering an array of gifts, decorations and Christmas treats. Even if you don’t want to skate there is still a gate charge of €4 but this amount can be redeemed against the price of a Santa’s Polar Palace or skating ticket.

The Polar Palace has a lot to offer for children under twelve. Kids can post their letter to Santa at the Christmas Post Box, meet Santa and his helpers and they can also receive a gift. They can get immersed in some artistic endeavours at Santa’s Painting Wall or participate in the interactive Christmas Show.

A meeting with Ted the Tailor in the bear factory could be entertaining, especially watching a bear being ‘brought to life’. In the giant Polar Playzone there is a disco dome, two junior play areas for the under fives, an ice obstacle course, a winter slide and a kids’ karaoke.

Beside the big rink there is a children-only ice rink with small skates and mini-sleighs available. A session at the Polar Palace lasts around an hour and a quarter.

If you are more interested in the ice-skating, then you will be delighted to hear that the ‘7UP Christmas On Ice’ 2004 boasts one of Europe’s largest ice rinks and this year they will hold charity skates and an ice-sculpting event there.

There are skating lessons on Saturday and Sunday mornings at 9.30am. All skate sessions last for an hour. Schools can book a fun skate time and it is also possible to make a booking to hold birthday parties there. Further details on all activities can be found by ringing the office on 1850 423423.

The following skating tips from 7UP’s FidoDido might prove useful. Wear gloves to protect your hands and keep you warm! Don’t wear strings on trousers. Wear plenty of layers and waterproof clothes or ski clothes to keep you dry and cool.

When you get on the ice get your balance right by bending your knees, keeping your legs wide, and leaning slightly forward. To begin, keep your legs slightly apart, use the blade of your boot to move by pushing it to the side and push off with the other foot.Don’t push with your toe or you could end up flat on your face!

Pre-booking is recommended. Telephone Ticketmaster 0818 719300 or for group and family bookings Ice Line 1850 423 423. Ice skating for one hour costs €7, Family tickets from €28; Santa’s Polar Palace from €12.50, Family tickets from €45.

www.7upchristmasonice.ie