Christmas in Tralee
Christmas in Tralee
Tralee Chamber in partnership with Kerry County Council is delighted to announce the return of ‘Christmas in Tralee’, which promises to be bigger and better than ever before.
Celebrate the most wonderful time of the year in Tralee, where the magic of Christmas comes alive with a sparkling array of festive events for everyone to enjoy! From dazzling lights and enchanting parades to festive markets and joyful musical performances, Tralee’s Christmas Calendar is brimming with festive cheer.
Whether you’re watching the town light up during Festive Flair in The Square, exploring the festive delights of the Island of Geese Evening Market, listening to heart-warming musical performances in The Sounds of Christmas or joining in the magic of Santa’s Magical Fantasy Parade, there’s something to capture the hearts of all ages.
With opportunities to shop local, enjoy family-friendly adventures, and ring in the New Year with a spectacular celebration, Tralee promises a festive season filled with unforgettable moments. Gather your loved ones and make this Christmas in Tralee one to treasure!
Read about each activity in Tralee over the festive season below!
Festive Flair in The Square
Kerry County Council
Christmas in Tralee is set to be officially launched for 2024, and the Christmas celebrations will begin on Saturday 30th November, with a ‘Festive Flair in the Square’. This dazzling opening ceremony will see a full programme of festivities including spectacular seasonal live music, entertaining stage shows, Children’s Disco and it might even snow! Along with the official turning on of the town lights with the Mayor of Tralee, Mikey Sheehy.
Programme:
3.00pm David Lynch Sings some festive favourites.
3.30pm The Oliver Hurley School of Musical Theatre Choir.
4.00pm Christmas Singalong with Jack Patrick Healy the piano man.
4.45pm Children’s Disco with Brian Hurley and some of your favourite animated characters.
5.00pm Official turning on of the lights with the Mayor of Tralee and the main man himself Santa Clause
Location:
The Square
Island Of Geese Festive Evening Market
in partnership with Garvey’s Supervalu
Jingle all the way to the Island of Geese for a festive themed Christmas Market on Friday 6th to Sunday 8th December. Soak up the magical atmosphere at this 3-day festive evening market which will consist of Christmas themed stalls offering lots of seasonal goods, delicious food and drink, live performances, festive character meet and greets, and lots more entertainment to spread the festive cheer.
Our Festive Market will be a feast for your eyes and your bellies, promising to leave you with a warm, fuzzy glow that will melt even the grinchiest of hearts. The market will include a covered seating area for you to enjoy seasonal snacks and drinks as well as atmospheric music, live performances, choirs, carollers, buskers, and delightful Christmas characters.
Date & Time:
Friday 6th December 5pm – 9pm
Saturday 7th December 5pm – 9pm
Sunday 8th December 2pm – 9pm
Location:
The Island of Geese
Santa Magical Fantasy Parade
Sponsored by Sean Murphy Electrical, The Rose Hotel and Kirby’s Brogue Inn
Get ready for the most magical parade of the season! This year, Santa’s Magical Fantasy Parade returns with two incredible routes and, for the first time ever, a dazzling night-time parade!
Join us for a festive celebration featuring beloved fairytale characters, glittering floats, and lively dancers as they bring holiday magic to life. Meet the Snow King and Queen, Disney Fairytale Princesses, Dancing Toy Soldiers, Fairy Twinkle, Elf companions, the Gingerbread Man, Giant Polar Bears, and, of course, Santa Claus himself.
Date & Time: Saturday 14th December Leaving Rock Street at 7.00pm
Parade Route: Leaving Rock Street @ 7.00PM Upper Rock Street, Lower Rock Street, Russell Street, Bridge Street, The Mall, finishing at Denny Lane Denny Street.
Date & Time: Sunday 15th December Leaving Rock Street at 3.00pm
Parade Route: Upper Rock Street, North Circular Road, Ashe Street, Lower Castle Street, The Mall, Bridge Street, finishing at the turn-off to Dominic Street.
The Sounds of Christmas
The Island of Geese will host the ‘Sounds of Christmas’, a heartwarming musical performance that will fill the town with the sweet sounds of the festive season.
This captivating show will feature local talents, singing traditional Christmas carols and modern classics, sure to warm the hearts of all who attend.
Date: Saturday 21st December at 7pm
Location: The Island of Geese
Séamus the Elf’s – Tralee Christmas Adventure
Séamus An Elf – Eachtra Nollag Thrá Lí i gcomhpháirtíocht le Comhar Creidmheasa Cara
Sponsored by Cara Credit Union
Join Séamus the Elf on a magical journey through Tralee this December and be in with the chance to win a €1,000 Corcoran’s Furniture & Carpet Gift Voucher!
Throughout December, Séamus the Elf will be making stops all around Tralee, encouraging the community to explore the town’s fantastic shops, eateries, hotels, and attractions. Each person who collects 5 stamps from participating businesses can enter to win the €1000.00 Voucher from Corcoran’s Furniture & Carpet.
Ag tosú ar an 1 Nollaig, cuirfidh Séamus An Elf – Eachtra Nollag Thrá Lí i gcomhpháirtíocht le Comhar Creidmheasa Cara tús le heachtra draíochta ar fud Thrá Lí, ag spreagadh an phobail chun a bheith ag spaisteoireacht timpeall an bhaile agus ag tacú le siopaí agus gnólachtaí áitiúla. Bailigh cúig stampa ó ghnólachtaí rannpháirteacha chun a bheith sa chrannchur le haghaidh dearbhán bronntanais Corcoran’s Furniture & Carpet €1,000 a bhuachan.
Date & Time: From December 1st
Location: Tralee Town
Visit Tralee – Shop Local Win Local
Sponsored by AIB
Throughout the month of December, all are invited to participate in ‘Visit Tralee – Shop Local Win Local,’ supported by local retailers and hospitality businesses. This exciting daily online social media competition offers the opportunity to win fabulous prizes from local businesses in Tralee.
Date & Time: From December 1st
Location: Online – Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn & X
New Year’s Eve Family Celebration
Sponsored by Cara Credit Union
Ring in the New Year with Family and Friends at the ultimate New Year’s Eve Street Party on Denny Street.
Hosted by Brian Hurley dance your way into 2025 from 6.00pm with a firework display at 7.00pm.
Date: December 31st
Time: 6.00pm with Fireworks at 7.00pm
Location: Denny Street
The Festive Hall
Step into the Magic of the Festive Hall this Christmas!
Escape the holiday hustle and wander at your own pace through the enchanting world of the Festive Hall. This unique experience invites families to stroll through a magical realm filled with timeless holiday scenes, from the charming fairy-tale village of Ballysanty to the starlit woodland of the Snow Queen, Brigid Bear’s cozy den, and the Blennerville Belle steam express. You might even spot Santa Claus himself as he prepares for the big day!
Create treasured memories without the stress of queues or booking times—just step across the magic threshold and let the wonder of Christmas come alive.
Dates: November 30th & December 1st, 7th, 8th, 14th, 15th, 21st & 22nd.
Time:10.00am – 6.00pm – Last Admissions 5pm.
Cost: €10.00 Child €8.00 Adult €2.00 Infant aged 2 and under.
Booking: Tickets available on the door. No advance booking needed.
Kerry Choral Union Gala Concert
Kerry Choral Union will be in concert at St John’s Church, Castle Street on December 8th at 7:30pm with guests The Scotia Ensemble. The concert programme is a mix of favourite carols, pieces from the classical choral repertoire and music for the festive season. Nothing brings people together like the shared experience of a live music performance.
Tickets available on the door.
For more information visit www.kcu.ie
Santa’s Winter Wonderland at Lakeside Cafe, Tralee Bay Wetlands
This festive season, Santa’s Winter Wonderland is coming to Lakeside Café, Tralee Bay Wetlands from November 28th to December 23rd—and it’s an enchanting experience for the whole family. Step into a magical world as boys and girls walk through the twinkling willow tunnel to meet Santa himself. Santa has a special gift for each visitor.
Dates: November 8th – December 23rd
Cost: €25 per child (includes a free adult)
To Book: 087 490 3282
Siamsa Tíre – Enchanted Christmas Winter Wonderland
Step into a sparkling world of festive wonder at Siamsa Tíre, where families can journey through an enchanted forest led by cheerful elves, leave letters for Santa in a magic letterbox, and enjoy festive interactive activities. Friendly forest sprites will guide you to Santa’s magical grotto for a memorable photo op and a special gift bag for each child.
Sensory Hours: Available for guests sensitive to sound and light. Contact the Box Office for more details.
Santa Paws: Bring your dog along for a special cuddle and photo with Santa!
Dates: Enchanted Christmas Winter Wonderland will run from 2nd-14th and 16th-23rd December 2024.
To Book: visit www.siamsatire.com for availability and details.
For enquiries about sensory hours and Santa Paws visits, please contact our Box Office at 066 7123055.
Christmas Day Swims – Fenit & Banna Beach
Celebrate Christmas morning with a refreshing swim for charity at two iconic beaches, supporting vital local rescue services:
Fenit Christmas Day Swim – 12:00pm, Fenit Beach In Aid Of: Fenit RNLI. Enjoy music and refreshments while supporting our local lifeboat crew.
Banna Christmas Day Swim – 12:30pm, Banna Beach, In Aid Of: Banna Inshore Rescue. Join the community for a dip with live music, refreshments, and festive cheer.
Aladdin Christmas Panto, Presented by Oliver Hurley Productions
Prepare for a dazzling adventure as Aladdin lights up Siamsa Tíre Theatre with spectacular special effects, stunning costumes, and endless laughter for the whole family. Join Aladdin on his journey from humble beginnings to a thrilling encounter with a magical lamp, a flying carpet, and a daring quest for love and happiness with an Arabian princess. This delightful panto is filled with audience participation, sing-alongs, and a storyline that will enchant audiences from ages 5 to 95.
Date: 28th, 29th & 30th December & January 2nd – 4th
Show Times:
2.30pm & 7.00pm Daily (December)
2.30pm & 7.00pm Daily (January)
Cost: Tickets from €19.00
To Book: Click the link here to book
Santa’s Grotto at Gally’s Bar & Restaurant
This year, Gally’s Grotto returns with two magical options for families. Visit Santa and his friends in a festive grotto experience or Visit Santa and stay for a family Christmas meal.
Cost:
Children 4+: €20.00
Children Under 4’s: €10.00
Adults & Under 12 Months: Free (Gift not included)
Dates: December 14th, 15th 20th 21st & 22nd
To Book: Call 066 719 2250 – Pre-booking is essential
Free Parking For Christmas
Enjoy complimentary parking in Tralee this festive season, courtesy of Kerry County Council!
From Friday, December 6, 2024, to Sunday, January 5, 2025, take advantage of free parking at Tralee Public Car Parks between 9:30am and 2:00pm daily. Please note that a maximum stay of 2 hours applies.
Spread the word and make the most of this festive gesture!
