Santa is coming to Kilkenny to launch Yulefest 2025!
Join us on Saturday, 29th November 2025, as Santa Claus makes his grand arrival to officially kick off Yulefest Kilkenny 2025!
Keeping with tradition, Santa will journey by boat along the River Nore, before making his way through the city streets on Santa’s City Cycle before arriving at Kilkenny Castle. After saying hello to everyone and taking pictures Santa will then head to the Christmas Tree on the Parade, where he will be joined by special guests Robert Grace & family to switch on the spectacular Christmas tree lights – launching Yulefest Kilkenny 2025!!
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.
On the day the Yulefest Christmas Market will open it’s doors for the first time in 2025. With a range of magical food and craft stalls in wooden huts on the Parade Plaza!
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! Don’t miss the magic!
This is a free event and all are welcome!
11am – Yulefest Christmas Market opens for the first time in 2025
12noon – Alize’s School of Singing on the Yulefest Live Music Stage
12noon – Registration for e-bikes for Santa’s City Cycle
1pm – Pre-event Social Cycle beginning at The Parade (near the Castle)
2pm – Music & entertainment begins at Canal Square and Santa will soon be making his way down the river.
2.30pm (approx) – Santa will arrive at Canal Square and Santa’s City Cycle will begin. Pre-registration for Santa’s City Cycle is required. Find out more here.
3pm – Live Christmas Music at the Yulefest Live Music Stage
3.15pm (approx) – Santa’s City Cycle will conclude at Kilkenny Castle Park & there will be an opportunity to say hello and to get pictures with Santa
4.30pm – Start gathering beside the Christmas Tree on The Parade for the official turning on of the lights with special guests Robert Grace & Family.
5pm – The Lights will be turned on for the first time in 2025!
5.30pm – Live Music Performance on the Live Music Stage
8pm – The Yulefest Christmas Market closes.