There is just two weeks to go till Santa arrives in Kilkenny to officially launch Yulefest Kilkenny 2025!
On Saturday, 29th November 2025, Santa Claus will make his grand arrival to the city to officially launching the festival. Santa will journey by boat along the River Nore, before making his way through the city streets and arriving at Kilkenny Castle. There, he’ll be joined by special guests to switch on the spectacular Christmas tree lights on The Parade Plaza.
On the day the Yulefest Christmas Market will open its doors for the first time. With a range of festive food and craft stalls in wooden huts along the Parade Plaza and Mayors Walk.
Festivities begin at 2pm on Canal Square with live music and festive cheer! Santa will turn on the Christmas lights and officially launch Yulefest on The Parade at 5pm.
Adding to the excitement Yulefest are delighted to announce that Santa’s City Cycle is back for 2025. This is the perfect opportunity to get involved in the event by decorating your bike and joining Santa for a spin around the city. Pre-registration is required for the cycle, find out more at yulefestkilkenny.ie
Families, friends, young and old — everyone is invited to come out and welcome Santa to Kilkenny, shop at the Yulefest Christmas Market and enjoy entertainment and festive cheer! You might even get the chance to snap a festive photo with the man in red himself!
Yulefest Kilkenny celebrates Christmas in Kilkenny with a range of festive events for all the family. Featured events at this year’s festival include Santa’s arrival to Yulefest, November 29th; Yulefest Christmas Market each weekend; Santa Truck, December 6th, Yulefest Movie Night, December 11th, and the highlight of the festival ‘Starlight’ by Luxmuralis, a light and sound show in St. Canice’s Cathedral December 14th – 21st. Plus, Santa Experiences, Markets around the County, Music Concerts, Art Workshops, Family entertainment and lots more!
Find out more and plan your visit at yulefestkilkenny.ie
