Christmas in Killarney 2008 sees a whole host of event and shows taking place right throughout the Christmas season. So if you’re heading to Killarney for a Christmas shopping break, our guide to the top five festive events will help you make the most of the town’s unique Christmas atmosphere.
The Christmas in Killarney Festival kicks off this November and runs all the way through to January 2009 with a fantastic range of events - here’s our guide to the top bits:
(1) Children’s Torch Light Parade & Christmas Lights Switch-on
Held on Tuesday 2nd December 2008, this is without doubt one of the highlights of the Christmas in Killarney festival. Kids from local schools, sporting clubs and children’s organisations parade through the streets of Killarney, illuminating the town as they make their way to Market Cross for approximately 6.30pm.
And whom are they arranging to meet with at Market Cross you may ask? Well, none other than Santa Claus himself, who, on his first official visit of the year to Killarney will turn on the spectacular Christmas lights to rapturous applause and great excitement!
(2) Santa’s Lodge
Although the magical location of Santa’s Lodge is not yet known (his elves are still keeping it a secret - don’t worry, we’ll keep you posted!) you can be sure that this will be one of the most visited places in Killarney this Christmas. Santa will be at Santa’s Lodge on Saturday 6th & Sunday 7th December and Saturday 14th & Sunday 15th December 2008.
Over this past few years the numbers of children visiting Santa’s Lodge each year have reached around the 5,000 mark. So we expect that the man with the beard who’s dressed in red and white will be just as busy this year.
What seems to make Santa’s Lodge so popular is the unique emphasis on the idea of giving. A Tree Of Giving and donation box are available so that visitors can bring along a Christmas gift for local charity, the Kingdom Toy Appeal. This event is free of charge and we reckon that it’s events such as this that show the real spirit of Christmas.
(3) Open Air Christmas Markets:
What better way to get in the festive spirit than by spending a few hours browsing through the market stalls of Killarney’s Open Air Christmas Market?
Held on Saturday 6th & Sunday 7th December and Saturday 13th & Sunday 14th December 2008, you’ll find everything from locally produced foods to hand-made yuletide crafts. Flit from stalls displaying uniquely packaged trinkets to mouthwatering home-produced Christmas treats and you’re sure to be swayed by the scent of mulled wine and roasted chestnuts if the cold starts nipping at your nose!
The markets are held in the town centre and will run along Main Street and The Laurels Lane so you can shop for original festive gifts right in the heart of Killarney.
(4) Christmas Shows For Kids
Young and old alike will be delighted to hear that the classic Disney musical, Beauty and the Beast will be performed at the INEC Killarney from Thursday 20th to Saturday 29th November 2008. This award winning show has enjoyed enormous success all over the globe with unmistakeable songs and visually astounding sets.
Friday the 19th December 2008 sees Buddies Christmas Party swing into action so take along the younger kids for an evening of fun and frolics at Buddies Play Centre at Woodlands Industrial Estate on Park Road from 6pm to 8pm.
And although Christmas will have passed by this stage, start off the New Year in style by enjoying Disney’s High School Musical live stage production at the INEC Killarney which runs from Wednesday 7th to Sunday 18th January 2009.
(5) Christmas Music Performances
For live music in Killarney this Christmas season you’ll find that the top performers will most likely be playing the INEC Killarney. For example, Daniel O’Donnell is provisionally booked there for Saturday 13th & Sunday 14th December but check direct with the INEC for further details.
A night of dance music is on the cards at the INEC on Saturday 20th December when Bubble Hits Revolutions featuring Cascada set the floors shaking. Irish favourites The Stunning perform live there on Friday 26th December while Bagatelle play the INEC on Sunday 28th December.
Country music favourite Isla Grant takes to the stage on Tuesday 30th December and then on New Years Eve an extravaganza of musical performers promise to bring the house down when Sharon Shannon, Shane McGowan and Mundy plus many more guests help to ring in the New Year.
For more information on the schedule of events, visit the Christmas in Killarney website
Need somewhere to stay? Check out our list of Killarney hotels, all of which are Irish tourist board approved.
We’d love to hear from you if you have any comments or questions.
