Santa Claus is coming Kilkenny City on November 26th to launch Yulefest Kilkenny 2022! After enjoying their trip so much last year, Santa and Mrs. Claus will return to Kilkenny to turn on the City’s Christmas Lights!
Kilkenny Civil Defence will travel with them down the River Nore before they take off around the City for Santa’s City Cycle and the official turning on of the lights on the Parade.
Santa’s journey will begin on the river at Greensbridge at 2.30pm, viewers can line the banks and bridges to welcome him as he travels down the river heading for Canal Square. Put on your best Christmas jumper and give Santa, Mrs. Claus and their helpers a warm Kilkenny welcome.
Once settled at Canal Square, Santa will lead Santa’s City Cycle from 3pm. Children are invited to join Santa on his cycle, by blinging their bikes for Christmas and choosing the green transport option with a cycle around the town before finishing at the Castle Park. Yulefest is partnering with Cycle Kilkenny to help Santa on his journey through Kilkenny, pedal power will transport Santa on his elf-powered cycling invention through the City centre. Artist and inventor Paddy Bloomer has designed the eco-elf mobile from recycled materials and six elves at a time will pedal-power this through the marble city streets.
The journey will end with the official turning on of the Christmas lights at the Yulefest Bandstand on the Parade. On the day there will be live music, the Kilkenny Christmas Market on the Parade and lots of family entertainment.
Santa’s arrival and the turning on of the lights marks the beginning of Yulefest, a celebration of Christmas in Kilkenny. This five-week festival welcomes visitors to Kilkenny with a festive programme of Christmas events, family fun, and markets where visitors can pick up the perfect gift for their loved ones. 2022 sees the return of festival favourites including the Yulefest Bandstand; Kilkenny Christmas Market; Medieval Mile Run; Yulefest Outdoor Movie night, plus some very special events soon to be announced!
Speaking about the festival Kilkenny County Council Cathaoirleach Pat Fitzpatrick said: “Santa himself told me how much he enjoyed last year’s Santa’s City Cycle so we’re delighted to have him, Mrs. Claus and all the elves back for 2022. I encourage all children to get involved in the cycle and for everyone to come out for a fun day of family entertainment and festive cheer as we launch Yulefest Kilkenny 2022.”
Tim Butler, Kilkenny County Council Director of Services said about the festival: “Santa’s arrival is set to kick-off another great festival here in Kilkenny. Christmas in Kilkenny is a magical time of the year, and with this year’s Christmas Market growing in size plus all the festive events and the fantastic shopping and food available in Kilkenny, we’re delighted to welcome visitors to Kilkenny for the festive season.”
More information can be found on www.yulefestkilkenny.ie and @YulefestKilkenny on social media.
