Stunning new Christmas lights to illuminate Kilkenny City from Saturday

Kilkenny City is set to sparkle this festive season with the unveiling of its spectacular new Christmas lighting, marking a significant upgrade to the city’s season decorations for the first time in generations.

The lights will be switched on next Saturday afternoon, November 25, at approximately 5pm by Kilkenny hurling legend Jackie Tyrrell and his sons.

This unveiling is part of a Yulefest programme that promises a magical experience for locals and visitors alike. Santa Claus will make a grand entrance into the city centre, by way of a boat trip from Green’s Bridge to Canal Square, accompanied by the Kilkenny Civil Defence. The festivities will continue with lively music in Canal Square, led by the beats of Kilkenny Samba Katz, before proceeding to Kilkenny Castle through the City Centre.

"As Mayor of Kilkenny City, I am delighted to welcome the switching on of the Christmas lights on Saturday next," said Mayor Joe Malone.

"The collaboration between the business community and Kilkenny County Council has resulted in a transformation that will undoubtedly illuminate the spirit of Christmas for everyone. Wishing everyone a very happy Christmas."

Kilkenny County Council director of services Tim Butler said that the decoration of the city centre streets and the Parade area has seen its first major upgrade in most people’s lifetime. 

“The business community and the council have collaborated for years to illuminate the city, and recent efforts have focused on ensuring a sustainable, and visually appealing lighting display for locals and visitors during the Christmas season," he said.

"This move aligns with our commitment to reducing carbon emissions within the city, as seen in the ongoing transition of street lights to low-emission and sustainable LED lighting. We believe that the people of Kilkenny will be delighted with the fresh and vibrant appearance of the City Centre over the Christmas season."

The new lighting system, awarded to MK Illuminations through a public tender process earlier this year, boasts cutting-edge low-energy LED technology. This environmentally conscious choice is expected to decrease energy usage by a significant percentage, resulting in a long-term financial saving.

The programme of events for the day will also involve music on the festival bandstand on the Parade, featuring Gwen Blanch and The New Brass Kings, a cycle-friendly trip around the city with Santa Claus who will travel on Ivan Sheridan’s Kilkenny City Tours city train and will kick off a five weekend Yulefest Christmas Market on the Parade, featuring predominantly local food and craft sellers. 

Saturday’s events will mark the start of a five-week programme with events on each weekend until December 23.