Yule have plenty to look forward to this Christmas in Kilkenny!

Yulefest ‘Christmas in Kilkenny’ returns at the end of November! From Friday, November 25, Kilkenny’s Medieval City will transform into a Christmas Wonderland of festive cheer for all the family.

After the success of last year’s festival, this year Yulefest has grown - with a larger Christmas Market on The Parade and an extended Christmas week programme. 

On Friday, November 25, head to Castlecomer for the Festival of Lights and on Saturday, November 26, put on your favourite Christmas jumper and make your way to Greensbridge and Canal Square to watch Santa arrive in Kilkenny by boat! Line the river banks and bridges to give Santa, the Civil Defence and the Nore Dragon paddlers a warm welcome into the city.

Then meet Santa as he comes off the boat at Canal Square and join him for the second part of his journey – Santa’s City Cycle. ‘Bling your bike’ and join environmentally conscious Santa as he takes the green option and takes his bike on the road around the city. Children of all ages are welcome to join Santa’s City Cycle - meet at Canal Square from 2.15pm to depart at 3pm.

Christmas will truly begin when, after his cycle, Santa turns on the Christmas lights on the Parade. The turning on of the lights officially marks the launch of Yulefest 2022, join us at the Yulefest Bandstand on the Parade from 4.30pm to take part in the fun. 

Kilkenny County Council Cathaoirleach Pat Fitzpatrick spoke about the upcoming festival: “Yulefest has something for all age groups, whether you’re looking for a festive staycation or family fun activities to create a magical Christmas for the kids. There will be lots of free or low-cost events, ensuring everyone can enjoy the magic of our medieval city this Christmas.”

The five-week festival welcomes visitors to Kilkenny with a packed programme of Christmas activities including live music on the Yulefest Bandstand; the Kilkenny Christmas Market where you can pick up perfect presents for the ones you love; the annual Medieval Mile Run; Yulefest Outdoor Movie Night; and Elf Village in Castlecomer, plus some very special events soon to be announced!

New for Yulefest Kilkenny 2022 is an extended Christmas week programme beginning on Tuesday, December 20. The Kilkenny Christmas Market will be open throughout the week, along with live music on the Yulefest Bandstand and some very special treats that you won’t want to miss. 

Festival Director Marian Flannery said: “We’re delighted to be back to build on what was a fantastic festival last year. Visitors to Yulefest Kilkenny can expect Christmas markets, live music, fire shows and Santa visits. Kilkenny also has great shopping and food options so it really is the perfect place for a Christmas day out.” 

Yulefest Kilkenny is programmed, produced and marketed by Kilkenny County Council.