This Christmas, Killarney will once again transform into a winter wonderland as Christmas in Killarney returns with six magical weeks of festive events, live entertainment, family activities and seasonal celebrations.
From twinkling lights and festive decorations to Santa’s Postbox, charming Christmas cabins and toy-soldier bollards lining the streets, the town takes on a storybook glow, creating a magical backdrop for families, couples and visitors of all ages.
The festival will bring Christmas markets, a Santa’s grotto, seasonal dining, ice-skating, live shows and family attractions to the town, alongside the return of its much-loved – and Ireland’s only – weekly Christmas Magic Parades. A major new addition this year is Christmas in Killarney – The Show, a family-friendly festive production at Killarney Racecourse, which brings a Christmas adventure to life on stage.
Other returning attractions are the Christmas Markets, and Shop & Dine in Killarney, which feature special shopping experiences and an annual culinary celebration and restaurant promotion with specially priced menus. Add to this a full entertainment programme throughout the festive season, and you can see why Killarney is the place to be!
A date with Santa:
Families can step into the magic of Christmas at Santa’s Holiday Residence at Golden Gate Lodge please in Killarney National Park. Meet Santa’s mischievous elves and receive an official Nice List Certificate before a private, unhurried visit with Santa in his cosy firelit sitting room. Santa’s Grotto runs from 27 November to 23 December. Tickets go on sale today (Friday 11th) at 10am on www.christmasinkillarney.com.
A new Christmas adventure:
Making its debut this festive season is Christmas in Killarney – The Show, a spectacular new family production at Killarney Racecourse. Running every Friday, Saturday and Sunday across the four weekends leading up to Christmas, the show follows a thrilling and heart-warming adventure after Santa’s sleigh crash-lands in Killarney during a routine test flight. With Santa missing, a quirky team of North Pole search-and-rescue elves, alongside their loyal reindeer Olive, embark on a frantic race against time to find him and save Christmas. Filled with humour, adventure, music and heart, the story travels through Killarney town and its stunning National Park before wrapping up their adventure just in time to join the Magic Parade in the town centre. Tickets are on sale now on www.killarneyracecourse.ie/christmas-in-killarney-the-show/
Magic takes to the streets:
Killarney proudly remains the only town in Ireland to host weekly Christmas Magic Parades, with four spectacular parades taking place each Saturday leading up to Christmas, commencing on Saturday 28 November. Thousands of visitors line the streets as dazzling festive floats, beloved Christmas characters, festive elves and Santa himself make their way through the heart of the town during the hour-long parades.
Festival Flavours and Christmas Shopping
The magic continues during Dine in Killarney, the town’s annual festive dining celebration, when food lovers can experience the best of Killarney’s renowned hospitality. Held across two evenings in the lead-up to Christmas (19 and 26 November), more than 30 restaurants will create dedicated seasonal three-course menus, showcasing locally inspired festive dining at exceptional value.
Located in Old Market Lane, just off Market Cross, Killarney’s intimate Christmas Markets offer a charming festive shopping experience. Beautifully decorated cabins, seasonal treats, handcrafted gifts and locally-made products create a warm and welcoming atmosphere at the heart of the festival. Tick off your Christmas list with special festive shopping events and offers from Killarney’s local retailers in the lead up to Christmas. There’s also loads of boutiques and shops in Killarney to pick up that special Christmas gift.
Ice, music and festive celebrations
Glide into the season with family and friends at Killarney on Ice, which returns on Friday 27th November and runs until Sunday 10th January. Whether you’re a beginner finding your balance or a confident skater, the rink is the perfect place for festive fun. With cosy vibes, twinkling lights, and the sound of laughter echoing on the ice, you’ll create memories to treasure all season long. Tickets go on sale on Friday 18th September on https://www.onice.ie/locations/killarney.
There will be plenty more happening throughout the six-week festival, with a full programme of concerts, comedy gigs, musicals, and seasonal celebrations for all ages. Highlights include THe Pogues, BellX1, Phil Coulter, The Stunning, Chasing Abbey, Scrooge – Cirque Extravaganza, The Tumbling Paddies, Bernard O’Shea, Deirdre O’Kane and Emma Doran, and Neil Delamere. Details are available on https://christmasinkillarney.com/whats-on/
Christmas fun for everyone
As an Autism Friendly Town, Killarney is committed to ensuring the festive season can be enjoyed comfortably by everyone. Festival organisers have included a range of accessibility initiatives across key events, including designated quiet viewing areas at each Magic Parade, visual and sensory guides for festival experiences and accessible wheelchair viewing platforms.
Cllr. Niall Kelleher, Christmas in Killarney Chairperson, says “Christmas in Killarney has become one of Ireland’s most loved Christmas festivals because of the incredible community spirit that brings it to life. From the moment visitors arrive, they are immersed in a magical festive world where Christmas traditions, family memories and unforgettable experiences come together.”
Christmas in Killarney is a volunteer-led festival managed by Killarney Chamber of Tourism and Commerce and supported by local businesses along with funding support from Kerry County Council’s Community Support Fund and Community Recognition Fund. Each year, the community comes together to create a truly special Christmas experience that welcomes visitors from across Ireland and beyond.
For full event details and ticket information visit www.christmasinkillarney.com or see @christmasinkillarney on social media
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