Kilkenny Christmas Events & Things to Do 2025
Your complete guide to the best christmas events in Kilkenny and surrounding areas
Kilkenny celebrates the Christmas season with glowing Christmas lights along the Medieval Mile and market streets, blending historic architecture with festive activities and seasonal entertainment. The castle and cathedral set a dramatic festive scene. Don’t miss Yulefest Kilkenny and the many holiday activities, markets and parades offering family-friendly events, craft stalls and concerts that bring the city’s medieval charm to life under twinkling lights.
Find the best Kilkenny Christmas happenings this year!
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Christmas Shows
6 eventsNostalgic Christmas concert with live vocalists and instrumentalists.
Christmas Markets
5 eventsIreland's largest Christmas festival and European City of Christmas.
Christmas Activities
8 eventsMagical Santa Experiences for families
Editor's Picks (6)
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Winterval Waterford
(Waterford)
Ireland's largest Christmas festival and European City of Christmas.
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Magical Santa Experiences at Talbot Hotel Carlow
(Carlow)
Magical Santa Experiences for families
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The Birr Castle Christmas Express
(Birr)
Christmas Express train ride to meet Santa.
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The Rathwood Santa Train Experience
(Tullow)
Santa train experience by Late Late Toy Show creators
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Visit Santa Claus at Killruddery with Me and The Moon
(Bray)
Visit Santa Claus and his elves with creative workshops.
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Christmas Wreath Workshop at Russborough
(County Wicklow)
Handmade Christmas wreath workshop with local florist.
Events Happening Soon (5)
Christmas Parties Near Kilkenny
Festive dining experiences, holiday parties, and Christmas-themed food and drink events in Kilkenny.
Clanard Court Christmas & New Year Events
Clanard Court Hotel in Athy, Ireland, invites guests to a magical Christmas and...
View full details →Christmas at Keadeen Hotel
Experience a magical Christmas at the 4-star Keadeen Hotel in Kildare. They offer...
View full details →Christmas Lights Near Kilkenny
Additional holiday activities and unique Christmas experiences in Kilkenny.
Santa's House Express
Step into a magical Christmas adventure at Santa's House Express, set within the...
View full details →Kilkenny Christmas Events Map
See every Christmas event, light display, and market on one map.
Also Near Kilkenny
Christmas Events Road Trips & Weekend Getaways
Worth the drive for more holiday events near Kilkenny!
Kilkenny Christmas FAQ
Kilkenny often hosts vibrant Christmas markets and festive events centered around its historic city center. Look out for seasonal markets featuring local crafts, food, and entertainment.
Kilkenny's rich medieval heritage often influences its holiday traditions, with events frequently drawing inspiration from its historic setting. Expect a blend of traditional Irish festivities and seasonal cheer.
The historic city center and surrounding residential areas often boast beautiful Christmas lights. A stroll through these neighborhoods will reveal many homes and streets adorned with festive decorations.
Christmas markets and artisan stalls typically pop up in Kilkenny's city center, often near Kilkenny Castle or in Market Yard. These are great places to find unique gifts from local makers.
Enjoying the city's Christmas lights, browsing market stalls, and attending free community events are excellent budget-friendly options. Many churches also host free carol services.
Families often enjoy visiting Santa Grotto experiences, attending festive pantomimes or children's shows, and exploring the Christmas markets. Many venues offer specific family-friendly entertainment during the holiday season.