Yulefest set for touchdown in Kilkenny City!

Following the roaring successes of autumn and early winter festivals in Kilkenny City, the city will put its finest Christmas finery on display as shoppers and visitors flock to medieval streets for Yulefest.

With Savour Kilkenny, Féile na Samhna and Kilkenomics having kept the city’s festival culture buzzing in recent weeks, all eyes will now turn to the tinsel and bright lights illuminating the cityscape as we head to the middle of the winter and the celebrations of Christmas.

Events will kick off on Saturday, November 29, as the Yulefest programme is officially launched and the City Christmas lights are switched on at 5pm on the Parade beside the city’s main Christmas tree.
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There will be a very special performance by Robert Grace — and his dad and son — of their beautiful new song ‘Home’. His Graignamanagh neighbour, celebrity chef and entertainer Edward Hayden, will be acting as master of ceremonies for the launch.

Mayor of Kilkenny John Coonan will switch on the city lights, while Cathaoirleach of Kilkenny County Council Mary Hilda Cavanagh will officially launch the festival.

In welcoming the Christmas season and the start of Yulefest Kilkenny, Cllr Mary Hilda Cavanagh, said: “Christmas in Kilkenny is pure magic, and Yulefest brings that magic to life. From Santa’s arrival on the Nore to the incredible local crafts and music, there’s something for everyone. I’m thrilled to launch this year’s festival and invite everyone to come out, celebrate, and soak up the festive fun.”

Earlier in the day, Santa Claus continues his now annual arrival to the city centre, being delivered on the River Nore to the Canal Square at 2pm by Kilkenny Civil Defence and the Nore Dragon Paddlers Group. He will be met there by a large group of Kilkenny Cyclists, with young and old all welcome and will travel through the city streets at 2.30pm on a cargo bike.
Ahead of Santa’s arrival, there will be an e-bike demonstration at 12pm and a social cycle at 1pm.
This is all part of a push to encourage people to travel sustainably for the Christmas celebrations, with Yulefest heavily promoting the Local Link and other bus and train services to and around the City in the coming weeks.
Mayor John Coonan looks forward to Yulefest Kilkenny as well.

“Yulefest is when Kilkenny truly shines bright! Switching on the lights is one of my favourite moments of the year—it’s the start of a season filled with fun, music, and community spirit,” he said. “I can’t wait to see our streets buzzing with laughter and festive cheer. Let’s make this Christmas one to remember!”

As well as the annual Christmas Food and Craft Market on the Parade for the ten days of Yulefest, the festival will welcome the Made in Kilkenny collective of local craftspeople to the heart of the city as they will set up for their 16th Christmas Pop-Up Shop in Bank House, the new community and social enterprise hub on Rose Inn Street in the former KBC Bank building. The festival is thankful to KIDCO, the Kilkenny Industrial Development Company, for making the venue available.

They will be bringing together 18 talented local makers for a festive showcase of local craft. Visitors can explore a vibrant mix of Pottery, textiles, woodwork, jewellery, glass and more—each piece handmade in Kilkenny—making it the perfect place to find unique gifts.

The opening weekend will also see the start of a series of live musical performances on the Yulefest Live Music Stage on the Parade as choral, classical, rock, folk and trad groups will entertain the festival goers.
Details of all events are available on yulefestkilkenny.ie.