The Kilkenny Christmas Market 2026

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, Yulefest packs plenty in, with live music, festive stalls, family events and light shows throughout December.

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

Some quick need to knows about the Kilkenny Christmas market 2026

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 take 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

The Kilkenny Christmas Market has been confirmed to run from Saturday, November 28th to Wednesday, December 23rd, 2026. The market runs at weekends until December 20th, with three additional market days on December 21st, 22nd and 23rd.

3. Opening times

The Christmas markets in Kilkenny will run Saturdays (11am – 8pm) and Sundays (11am – 6pm) from November 28th to December 20th. There are also three Christmas week markets: Monday 21st (11am – 6pm), Tuesday 22nd (11am – 7pm) and Wednesday 23rd (11am – 6pm).

4. Heaps of events

There’s a busy events schedule surrounding the market, from Santa’s arrival and the Yulefest Live Music Stage to Yulefest Movie Night, the Santa Truck and the Luxmuralis Sound and Light Show.

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 Market launches on Saturday, November 28th, with Santa travelling by boat along the River Nore before making his way to The Parade to switch on the city’s Christmas lights.

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 Movie Night

Yulefest Movie Night returns on Thursday, December 10th, 2026. Tickets tend to sell out fast, so book in advance if you’d like to attend. It’s perfect for those looking for some pre-dinner entertainment, before tipping into one of the many restaurants in Kilkenny.

4. The Christmas tree festival

St. Canice’s Cathedral will be filled with quirky, creative Christmas trees made by local groups and families. Visitors can vote for their favourites (small entry fee).

5. Santa Truck at Yulefest

On Saturday, December 12th, Santa and Mrs Claus roll into Kilkenny in their illuminated Santa Truck, all in aid of LauraLynn Children’s Hospice.

You can watch the truck as it drives through the city or visit it at its final stop on The Parade beside the Christmas Market, where children can step aboard and see Santa’s grotto.

6. The Live Music Stage

Each weekend on The Parade features performances from local musicians and family-friendly acts, adding a festive soundtrack to the market atmosphere.

7. Luxmuralis at St Canice’s Cathedral

A spectacular 360° light and sound show by Luxmuralis transforms the 800-year-old cathedral into an immersive art experience.

8. The Yulefest Christmas Trail

The free Yulefest Christmas Trail runs throughout the festival and takes families on a self-guided adventure around Kilkenny’s Christmas lights, trees and historic streets. You’ll follow a map around the city while answering questions, solving puzzles and keeping an eye out for Santa’s reindeer along the way. Maps are available from local shops, Kilkenny Tourist Office and the Yulefest Christmas Market information point at weekends.

9. The Christmas Train

The Yulefest Christmas Train runs through Kilkenny every weekend during the festival, with a 20-minute journey through the city led by Santa’s Chief Elf.

It departs from outside Kilkenny Castle every 30 minutes and runs Saturdays from 12pm – 8pm and Sundays from 11am – 7pm. Tickets cost €7 per person or €20 for a family of four.

Other Christmas markets in Kilkenny

Outside the city, Mountain View in Ballyhale hosts a series of festive markets set in the scenic South Kilkenny countryside.

The markets feature handmade crafts, street food, and a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere – and they’re completely dog-friendly.

The Mountain View Night Market is a great countryside alternative to the busy city markets and a fine way to kick off the Christmas season in Kilkenny.

The 2026 market is still TBC but I’ll update this guide when details have been confirmed.

More Irish markets like Yulefest Kilkenny

If you’re spending Christmas in Ireland there’s plenty to see and do.

And, 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 what’s 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.