The families of around 100 children will spend Christmas at Our LadyÂ’s ChildrenÂ’s Hospital in Crumlin.
While doctors and nurses try to get as many home as possible, some children will be too sick to leave.
So staff and play specialists are spending today entertaining the troops and raising spirits on Ho ho day.
Juliette Gash reports;
Santa and Mrs Claus were on hand to hear baby Martin Mongan's requests for the big day along with mum Victoria Sweeney.
It's a tough time of year for families to spend their time in the hospital. Head of nursing at Our Lady's Children's Hospital Crumlin, Rachel Kenna, says it's important to make them feel they're not missing out.
"The children that are in hospital are missing out on all the important preparation for Christmas at home, and there's a lot going on outside that they're missing, so its really important that we bring that element of magic into it and also because remember a lot of the children aren't going to get home for Christmas so it's important that we try and make their experience as magical as we possibly can, considering what they're going through."
Nurses, doctors and play specialists dressed up to spread some seasonal cheer.
