Christmas in Tralee
Christmas in Tralee
Tralee Chamber in partnership with Kerry County Council is thrilled to announce the return of ‘Christmas in Tralee’, which promises to be bigger and better than ever before. Building on the resounding success of last year’s festivities, we are so excited to share some new additions to the line-up for this year’s celebrations, with some of last year’s favourites returning too. With something for all ages to enjoy, we invite all residents and visitors to come and immerse themselves in the festive season and celebrate Christmas in style in Tralee.
Christmas in Tralee officially begins on Saturday November 25th when the Christmas lights are switched on in Tralee Town Square at 5pm, followed by a special appearance from Santa Claus and some of his Christmas friends, the following weekend on December 2nd.
Christmas in Tralee will host a sleigh full of festive fun again this year including a magical Elf Trail with live character interactions, daily competitions with our ‘Visit Tralee: Shop Local Win Local”, a spectacular festive stage production in the Square, a 3 day Festive Evening Market and a brand-new ‘Sounds of Christmas’ musical performance both at the Island of Geese and even a naughty elf will be let loose, with all those lucky enough to spot him being entered into a competition to win a €1000.00 Gift Voucher.
Read about each of our festive activities below!
The 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. This year, festiveness is set to be taken to a new level with the addition of an extra day to the delightful market, allowing visitors more time to explore the unique and enchanting holiday gifts and treats on offer on Friday 8th December, Saturday 9th December and Sunday 10th 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 Evening 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.
Dates & Times:
Friday 8th December: 5pm to 9pm
Saturday 9th December: 5pm to 9pm
Sunday 10th December: 2pm to 9pm
Location:
The Island of Geese
THE SOUNDS OF CHRISTMAS
The Island of Geese will again play host to the brand-new ‘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 & Time:
Saturday 16th December: 7pm
Location:
The Island of Geese
The Elf Trail
in partnership with Cara Credit Union
A magical Christmas adventure awaits you and your little ones with our Elf Trail this festive season. Explore the trail together with four wonderful themed wooden cabins along the way.
Visit the home of Lily the Elf at ‘The Naughty or Nice Test Centre’, visit Jingle the Elf at the ‘The North Pole Post Office’ to post your letter to Santa, make a wish at ‘The Wishing Well’ with Tinsel the Christmas Fairy and join Buddy the Elf and see Santa’s sleigh at ‘The Sleigh Shed’. Enjoy lots of joyful interactions and festive fun along the trail.
Dates & Times:
Sunday 3rd December: 1pm – 4pm
Saturday 9th December: 12pm – 4pm
Sunday 10th December: 1pm – 4pm
Saturday 16th December: 12pm – 4pm
Sunday 17th December: 1 pm – 4pm
Saturday 23rd December: 12pm – 4pm
SANTA CLAUS THE SHOW
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Santa Claus is coming to town and he’s bringing his friends Frosty the Snowman, Fairy Twinkle, Ernie Elf and lots more along with him.
Enjoy a spectacular interactive festive stage production with a show jingle jam-packed with a sleigh full of Christmas fun, stories, songs, and dances to engage children and adults of all ages guaranteed to get everyone into the festive spirit.
The show which will feature many of our Christmas musical favourites and lots of surprises along the way will be staged in Tralee Town Square.
Dates & Times:
Saturday 25th November – 2:30pm
Saturday 25th November – 4:30pm
Saturday 2nd December -12:30pm
Saturday 2nd December – 3:30pm
Sunday 17th December – 12:30pm
Sunday 17th December – 3:30pm
Location:
Tralee Town Square
Santa’s Magical Fairytale Parade
in partnership with Kerry County Council, Sean Murphy Electrical and local business community.
As the festive spirit takes centre stage in Tralee, ‘Santa’s Magical Fairytale Parade’ is poised to be a visual feast that will wind its way through Pembroke Street, down Rock Street, Russell Street, along The Mall and culminate in a festive celebration in The Square.
The much-anticipated parade is set to feature beloved fairytale characters, festive floats and lively dancers with attendees encountering the Snow King and Queen, Disney Fairytale Princesses, Dancing Toy Soldiers, Fairy Twinkle, Elf companions, the whimsical Gingerbread Man, Giant Polar Bears and, of course, Santa Claus himself. Free treats will be distributed along the parade route, inviting the entire community to join in the celebration and create cherished memories with family and friends.
‘Santa’s Magical Fairytale Parade’ is being brought to Tralee by Sean Murphy Electrical along with the generous support of local businesses including McElligott’s Tralee, EF Signs, Seán Óg’s Bar, Kirby’s Brogue Inn, Clifford’s Cash & Carry, The Ashe Hotel, The Grand Hotel, Kerry Petroleum, Dunnes Stores, Bolger Fabrication, MJ’s Diner, Ron Construction, Kelliher’s Electrical, Kellihers Hardware, Shaws and McCaffery’s Bar.
Date: 2pm Saturday 2nd December & 2pm Sunday 17th December
Parade Route: Departing from Pembroke Street, the parade will make its way down Rock Street, onto Russell Street, along The Mall and arrive into the Square.
Elf on the Loose
in partnership with Corcoran’s Furniture and Carpets
One of Santa’s Elves has been let loose in Tralee in the run up to Christmas, and we need your help to find him! He has been popping up in various locations, getting up to some seasonal mischief in and around the streets of Tralee.
If you are lucky enough to spot him, you could win a massive €1000 gift voucher and luxury hamper full of Christmas goods just in time for Christmas!
For your chance to win, simply report his whereabouts by tagging Tralee Chamber in your social media posts.
Date: From Sunday 3rd December
Location: Tralee Town
New Year’s Eve
Family Celebration
in partnership with Ballyseedy Garden Centre
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 2024 from 6.00pm with a firework display at 7.00pm.
Date & Time:
Sunday 31st December: 6pm to 8pm
Location:
Denny Street
Visit Tralee –
Shop Local Win Local
in partnership with AIB
Throughout the month of December, all are invited to participate in ‘Visit Tralee – Shop Local Win Local,’ in partnership with AIB and supported by local retailers and hospitality businesses.
This exciting daily online social media competition offers the opportunity to win fabulous prizes, supporting local businesses while enjoying the chance to win fantastic rewards!
Location: Online across Tralee Chamber’s Social Media
Experience the Magic
Santa Experience in The Lakeside Café at Tralee Bay Wetlands
Santa is coming to the Lakeside Café at Tralee Bay Wetlands from November 23rd to December 23rd this festive season.
Families will meet ‘Ginger’ the Head Elf, who will guide you to Santa’s House for a private visit with the man himself, and a gift for each child. There will be lots more festive fun too with seasonal face painting, colouring competitions, complimentary hot chocolates and more.
Bookings can be made by calling 087 490 3282 from 9am to 11:30am daily.
Christmas at Siamsa Tíre
Siamsa Tíre, the National Folk Theatre of Ireland, also have quite the festive lineup of events taking place this Christmas.
For more information or to book any of these events, visit www.siamsatire.com
5KM Santa Fun Run
Register for The Tralee 5Km Santa Fun Run, now is in its 10th year!
This year’s Tralee 5Km Santa Fun Run will take place on Sunday 10th December 2023 at 11am from the Tralee Bay Wetlands.
Walkers, runners, buggies, scooters, 4 legged friends are all welcome as long as dogs are kept on a lead.
To Register Click Here
Gally’s Bar & Restaurant Grotto
This December experience the magic of Christmas at Gally’s Bar & Restaurant Grotto!
Book into Gally’s for a set Christmas meal (Main Courses) for 2 adults and 2 kids and after your meal enjoy a personal visit to Santa and his magical friends in the winter wonderland of Gally’s Grotto where all the good boys and girls will receive a gift.
Bookings are available for the following dates and times:
Friday Dec 15th 5pm-8pm
Saturday Dec 16th 1pm-5pm & 5.30pm -8.00pm
Sunday Dec 17th 12pm-4.00pm & 4.30pm-7pm
Thursday Dec 21st 2pm-5pm and 5.30pm-8pm
Friday Dec 22nd 2pm-5pm and 5.30pm-8pm
(Santa Visit Only €15.00 per child)
Pre booking is essential and payment must be taken over the phone in advance. The cost is €84.95 for 2 adults and 2 kids. Additional supplements of €20 per extra adult and €12.50 per extra child apply.
TO BOOK CALL 066 719 2250