Santa Claus is coming to town 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! From Friday 25th November 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 Kilkenny has grown – with a larger Christmas Market on The Parade and an extended Christmas week programme.
On Saturday 26th put on your favourite Christmas jumper and make your way to Greensbridge and Canal Square to watch Santa choose the green route as he arrives by boat at 2.30pm! 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 Kilkenny 2022, join them 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 5-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 20th December. 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.”
The Yulefest Market is open each weekend from 26th November and Christmas week. Market opening times: 26th/27th (1pm – 6pm), each other weekend and Christmas week (10am – 6pm). Yulefest Kilkenny takes place from Friday 25th November until Friday 23rd December and is programmed, produced and marketed by Kilkenny County Council.
