Everything You Need To Know About The Kilkenny Christmas Market 2023

The Kilkenny Christmas markets (Yulefest Kilkenny) is one of the lesser-known Christmas markets in Ireland.

And, although it’s one of Ireland’s smaller markets, its jam-packed events schedule packs a punch.

Below, you’ll find info on everything from when the markets take place to what events to look out for. Dive on in!

Some quick need to knows about the Kilkenny Christmas market 2023

Although a visit to the Kilkenny Christmas markets is fairly straightforward, there are a few need-to-knows that’ll make your visit that bit more enjoyable.

1. Location + parking

The Kilkenny Christmas markets takes place on The Parade in the heart of the city. If you’re driving, you can park in the Market Yard and the County Hall car parks.

2. Dates

It has been confirmed that the Kilkenny Christmas Market 2023 will kick-start on Saturday, November 25th and will run until Saturday, December 23rd.

3. Opening times

The Christmas markets in Kilkenny will take place on the Parade in Kilkenny City. They’ll be open from 11am – 6pm every weekend from Saturday, November 25th.

4. Heaps of events

There’s a busy events schedule surrounding the Christmas market in Kilkenny, from the arrival of Santa and the Yulefest Bandstand to the ROGU Fireshow and more (see list below).

Things to do in and around the Christmas market in Kilkenny

Now that the Christmas market in Kilkenny has been confirmed, here’s what you can expect when it kicks-off:

1. Kick-off day (with Santa)

The Kilkenny Christmas Markets will open at 11am on Saturday, November 24th. There’ll then be music at Canal Square at 2pm followed by the arrival of Santa at 2:30pm.

He’ll arrive into Canal Square and then make his way around the town before arriving at Kilkenny Castle Park. 

The official launch of Yulefest will then take place at the Bandstand followed by the turning on of the Christmas lights at 5pm.

2. The stalls at the Parade

As is the case with every Christmas market in Ireland, Yulefest Kilkenny boasts its fair share of stalls.

Here, you’ll find local artisans tucked away in beautiful wooden huts selling everything from food and crafts to festive trinkets.

3. The Yulefest Bandstand

Although the line-up of acts is yet to be announced, there will be a mix of acts taking to the stage every weekend, from November 25th to December 23rd.

A mix of local and visiting musicians will be taking to the stage. Perfect for those looking for some pre-dinner entertainment, before tipping into one of the many restaurants in Kilkenny.

4. The Christmas tree festival

This annual display returns to the magnificent St. Canice’s Cathedral, bringing with it a mix of creative and quirky Christmas of every kind imaginable.

It takes place from the 7th to the 12th of December and tickets cost €4 for adults, €3.50 for concessions, €2 for kids and €10 for a family.

5. Mrs. Claus’ Family Farm

You’ll find Mrs. Claus’ Family Farm running every Sunday from November 26th onwards from 12pm to 4pm at The Parade.

Here, kids can meet and interact with small animals from the Nore Valley Family Farm.

6. The Santa Truck

The Santa Truck will arrive to the Kilkenny Christmas Market on Saturday, December 9th, with Santa and Mrs. Claus arriving at around 4.30/5pm in Kilkenny City.

Children will have the chance to board the truck and visit Santa’s Grotto. This event in aid of LauraLynn’s Children’s Hospice, so donations are appreciated.

7. The festive Friday market

On Friday 22nd December, as the final days of the Christmas market in Kilkenny approach, a late-night market with live music and ‘special surprises’ will take place.

It’s still TBC at the minute, but expect a festive buzz about the city with Christmas fast approaching.

8. What else you can expect this Christmas in Kilkenny

There’s plenty taking place in this Christmas in Kilkenny. Here are some of the highlights:

• Santa’s magical village: Taking place at Castlecomer Discovery Park from 15th November to 23rd December
• Christmas with the Kilkenny Choir: Taking place at St. Canice’s Church on 10th December
• Mountain View Christmas Markets: Taking place every Sunday from 26th November to 31st December
• The Nore Valley Santa Experience: Starting December 1st at MacDonagh Junction Shopping Centre
• The ROGU Fireshow: Taking place at Coach Park, St. Canice’s Place on 16th December

More Irish markets like Yulefest Kilkenny

If the Christmas market in Kilkenny doesn’t tickle your fancy, there’s plenty of other markets dotted around Ireland to choose from:

• Dublin Christmas Markets
• Waterford Christmas Markets
• Cork Christmas Markets
• Wicklow Christmas Markets
• Galway Christmas Markets
• Belfast Christmas Markets

FAQs about the Kilkenny Christmas Markets

We’ve had a lot of questions over the last couple of days asking about everything from whats on at Yulefest Kilkenny to whether or not it’s worth visiting.

In the section below, we’ve popped in the most FAQs that we’ve received. If you have a question that we haven’t tackled, ask away in the comments section below.