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Santa, Mrs Claus and an elf excitedly waving, surrounded by families at the Yulefest Launch 2024

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SANTA’S ARRIVAL & YULEFEST LAUNCH 2025

  • Sat 29 Nov 2025
  • 2pm - 6pm
  • Free
  • Kilkenny City | Beginning at Canal Square

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 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.

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!

Full timeline of the day will be announced closer to the date.

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  • Welcome Inclusion Policy
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YULEFEST KILKENNY IS PROGRAMMED, PRODUCED & MARKETED BY KILKENNY COUNTY COUNCIL. © Yulefest Kilkenny