- Christmas in Killarney announces six-week programme for 2026
- Weekly Christmas Magic Parades commence on 28 November
- New production Christmas in Killarney – The Show debuts at Killarney Racecourse
- Santa’s Holiday Residence runs from 27 November to 23 December
- Killarney on Ice returns from 27 November to 10 January
Christmas in Killarney has revealed a six-week programme of festive events for 2026, bringing Christmas markets, a Santa’s grotto, seasonal dining, ice-skating, live shows and family attractions to the town. The festival includes the return of the weekly Christmas Magic Parades, Ireland’s only weekly Christmas parades, with four parades taking place each Saturday leading up to Christmas commencing on 28 November. A new addition for 2026 is Christmas in Killarney – The Show, a family-friendly festive production at Killarney Racecourse.
The show follows a Christmas adventure after Santa’s sleigh crash-lands in Killarney during a routine test flight. With Santa missing, a team of North Pole search-and-rescue elves alongside their reindeer Olive embark on a race against time to find him and save Christmas. The production runs every Friday, Saturday and Sunday across the four weekends leading up to Christmas. Santa’s Holiday Residence at Golden Gate Lodge in Killarney National Park runs from 27 November to 23 December with tickets on sale from 11 September at 10am.
Killarney on Ice returns from 27 November to 10 January with tickets on sale from 18 September. The Dine in Killarney celebration takes place across two evenings on 19 and 26 November with more than 30 restaurants creating dedicated seasonal three-course menus. The Christmas Markets in Old Market Lane offer festive shopping with decorated cabins, seasonal treats and handcrafted gifts. Killarney is an Autism Friendly Town with accessibility initiatives including designated quiet viewing areas at each Magic Parade and visual and sensory guides for festival experiences.
Niall Kelleher, Christmas in Killarney Chairperson, shared: “Christmas in Killarney has become one of Ireland’s most loved Christmas festivals because of the incredible community spirit that brings it to life. From the moment visitors arrive, they are immersed in a magical festive world where Christmas traditions, family memories and unforgettable experiences come together.”
