Yulefest Kilkenny - Now On!

Following the roaring successes of the 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 in the run-up to the seasonal celebrations. 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 brightening the cityscape as we head to the middle of the Winter and the celebrations of Christmas. 

Events kicked off on Saturday, November 29th with the Yulefest programme being officially launched and the City Christmas lights being switched on at 5 pm on the Parade beside the City’s main Christmas tree. 

There was a very special performance by Robert Grace and his Dad, Bob, and his son Lincoln of their beautiful new song ‘Home’. His Graiguenamanagh neighbour, Celebrity Chef and Entertainer, Edward Hayden, acted as Master of Ceremonies for the launch. 

Mayor of Kilkenny Municipal District, Cllr. John Coonan, switched on the city lights, while Cathaoirleach of Kilkenny County Council, Cllr. Mary Hilda Cavanagh officially launched the festival. 

In welcoming the Christmas season and the start of Yulefest Kilkenny, Cathaoirleach of Kilkenny County Council, 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 continued his now annual and different 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 was 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 was 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. 

Cllr. John Coonan, Mayor of Kilkenny Municipal District, looks forward to Yulefest Kilkenny and comments:  “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. 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 very 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 mix of Pottery, textiles, woodwork, jewellery, glass and more each piece handmade in Kilkenny making it the perfect place to find unique gifts while supporting the County’s thriving artisan community. 

Makers include Jerpoint Glass, Jodie White, Claire Molloy, Lydia Smith Ceramics, Bernard Kavanagh, Friderike Grace, Cushendale Woollen Mills, Eric Phillips, Doireann O’Riordan, Rosemarie Durr Pottery, Grainne Watts, Heike Kahle, Klaus Hartmann, Gus Mabelson, Sonja Guenther, Moth to a Flame candles, Eoghan Leadbetter and Patrick Joseph. 

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.