The festive season is upon us and County Kilkenny is buzzing with holiday spirit!
From historic landmarks adorned with twinkling lights to cosy festive markets, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in Kilkenny this December. The sounds of festive songs and the irresistible smell of Christmas treats fill the air across the county as everything from markets to workshops take place. It’s the time of year when Kilkenny becomes a winter wonderland and it is not to be missed.
To help you plan the ultimate Christmas visit to Kilkenny that’s packed with seasonal activities and family fun this December, we’ve put together a guide of all of the incredible things to see, do and eat across the county this festive season!
Festivals & Events
Yulefest Kilkenny
November 25th – December 24th
Yulefest Kilkenny (pictured) is one of the top festivals in Ireland during December and it brings the festive cheer to Kilkenny from the 25th November. The Yulefest Kilkenny Christmas Market is open along The Parade in the city from 11am – 6pm every weekend until Saturday 23rd December with live music from talented Irish musicians on the Yulefest Bandstand providing the exciting atmosphere. The Santa Truck comes to town on the 9th December in aid of LauraLynn Children’s Hospice, the Santa Run on the 17th December and many more Christmas events across the county. You won’t want to miss the Festive Friday Finale on the 22nd December with a late market, face painting, family entertainment and a magical fireworks show!
Click here to view the full Yulefest Kilkenny event programme.
Santa’s Magical Village Castlecomer
November 18th – December 23rd
Castlecomer Discovery Park transforms into a winter wonderland, so step into Santa’s workshop where you’ll meet the elves hard at work, Mrs. Claus baking delicious treats and the main man himself! Visitors have the option to walk the park, visit some of the permanent on site attractions, dine in Jarrow Café or the very popular TukTuk Asian Street Kitchen Restaurant and browse the on-site retailers in the Craft Yard while they wait until called upon to have a chat and get a photo with Santa.
St. Canice’s Cathedral Christmas Tree Festival
December 7th – 12th
Experience the magic of the holiday season surrounded by a stunning array of creative and quirky Christmas trees at St. Canice’s Cathedral. This one-of-a-kind annual display is perfect for all ages. This unique collection is a result of community collaboration, with local groups, families and individuals invited to submit their creative Christmas trees made from any medium, in any shape or size. Visitors can participate by voting for their favourites in various categories.
Santa Paws at Connolly’s Red Mills
December 7th
Is your pooch on the Nice List this year? Bring them along to Connolly’s Red Mills Store where they can meet Santa for a photo, receive a gift and get a free puppuccino! Browse the store afterwards where they have a range of pet accessories and food.
Music & Arts
Family Shows at Watergate Theatre
Take your little ones to the theatre this December for family-friendly shows and moving screenings. Watergate Theatre’s stage will play host to Elfie Saves Christmas by Talisman Theatre Company (December 17th) and a performance of Goldilocks and the Three Bears (December 19th). Christmas movies will also be shown on the big screen and you can enjoy family favourites like Home Alone (December 21st), The Greatest Showman (December 21st) and The Grinch (December 22nd).
Sounds of the Season
December 3rd
Sit back and enjoy the Sounds of the Season at St. John’s Church. This afternoon of music includes performances from Cairdeas Choir, St. John’s Senior School Choir, Cois Nore Choir, Ukrainian ‘VoiceBand’ Choir and more. Proceeds in aid of Kilkenny Helping the Homeless and The Irish Pilgrimage Trust and there will be a raffle on the day.
Christmas at Rothe House
Storytelling, poetry, live music and more, Christmas Miscellany (December 12th) at Rothe House (pictured) is the perfect evening for settling into the festive season. Soak up the atmosphere in the stunning former merchant’s house as you sip on mulled wine and eat mince pies. For those looking for something with more of a crafty flair, book your slot at the festive wreath-making workshop (December 2nd).
Shopping
Santa arriving at MacDonagh Junction Shopping Centre
Christmas at Mountain View
November 24th – December 31st
The Mountain View Christmas Markets are back and Santa Claus himself will be paying a visit in the run up to Christmas! Pick up a gift for someone special (or yourself!) at the Irish craft and design stalls, warm up with some tasty treats and hot drinks from the food trucks and say hello to Santa before he heads back to the North Pole (10th & 17th December). The popular market is open every Sunday until Christmas Eve, as well as a special New Year’s Eve Market with live music.
MacDonagh Junction Shopping Centre
December 1st – 24th
This shopping centre in Kilkenny City is home to over 30 retailers which is ideal for crossing things off your Christmas list. Whether you’re shopping for a big Christmas dinner or searching for the perfect outfit for a festive event, you will find it all here. You’ll also find Kilkenny Famine Experience and K-Bowl Kilkenny on-site, so you can make a day out of it.
From the 1st December, the Santa Experience will be in full swing with Nore Valley Park. Don’t forget to write your letter to drop into the North Pole Post Office before you head in to meet Santa! With family entertainment and games, stop by Santa’s Grotto for family fun for a break while you get some Christmas shopping done.
Market Cross Shopping Centre
December 2nd – 23rd
Market Cross Shopping Centre is ideally situated in the heart of the city with a variety of retailers to browse. There are over 40 shops including coffee shops, clothing stores, tech retailers and more so you are sure to find whatever you are looking for.
Santa’s Winter Wonderland is open each weekend at the shopping centre where little ones can meet Santa to check that they are on the nice list, take a photo and receive a gift. Make sure to have your wishlist ready before you visit Santa!
MADE In Kilkenny Pop-Up Shop
December 1st – 24th
The MADE In Kilkenny Pop-Up Shop is back this December. MADE in Kilkenny is a multidisciplinary craft group organised and run by its members on a voluntary basis with the mission to promote Kilkenny County as the premier destination in Ireland for authentic handmade Irish crafts of exceptional quality. The Christmas Pop-Up Shop displays members high quality craft and design pieces which could make the perfect gift for someone in your life this Christmas.
Looking for somewhere to stay this festive season, or for the perfect location for a Christmas get-together over dinner and drinks? Check out our festive stays guide and our food and drink directories:
– A to Z of Kilkenny’s Restaurants
– A Guide to Kilkenny’s Pubs & Bars
– 8 Yummy Brunch Spots in Kilkenny
Lyrath Estate festive afternoon tea
Prefer to host a dinner party? Take a look at the popular Visit Kilkenny Christmas Cookbook for inspiration and recipes from local eateries! Download the cookbook here.
Looking for gifting inspiration? Check out our Kilkenny Christmas gift guide with gift ideas across food, retail, craft, experiences, stays and more.
Keep an eye on our event guide which is regularly updated with all of the festivities in Kilkenny!
