As Christmas approaches and festive lights continue to glow across Tralee and beyond, this year’s Christmas programme delivered by Tralee Chamber in partnership with Kerry County Council stands as a celebration of something intentionally simple — a Christmas rooted in community, shared experiences and pride of place. By providing free events and accessible entertainment for all, Tralee has once again shown why, as the county town, it plays a vital role not just as a shopping destination, but as a place where community is everything.
At the heart of the programme was the 8th of December Community Radio Kerry Special, marking the traditional start of the Christmas season. The broadcast focused on the values that underpin Christmas and community life, featuring several well-known Tralee retailers alongside special guests including renowned author Alice Taylor and President of Killarney Chamber, Johnny Maguire, who joined in supporting newly elected Tralee Chamber President, Sandra Rusk, during her first Christmas season in the role.
Coinciding with the radio special, Tralee came alive throughout the day with traditional Christmas crafts such as wreath-making and live music across the town, reinforcing the message that shopping locally is not a task to be rushed, but an experience to be enjoyed. Throughout the programme, Tralee Chamber consistently highlighted the importance of supporting local as a sustainable choice, reminding people that thriving towns need thriving businesses — and that both rely on one another to survive and grow.
The festive atmosphere reached its peak on the 8th of December in The Square, where a large crowd gathered for a Christmas Kiddies Disco, live music from David Lynch and a performance by Cór Na Seoda Christmas Choir. The Christmas lights were officially switched on by Mayor of Tralee Cllr. Terry O’Brien, alongside Brendan O’Brien, Chairperson of Tralee Tidy Towns, a moment that reflected the pride, volunteerism and collaboration that underpin Tralee’s Christmas.
A standout feature of the season was the return of The Island of Geese Christmas Market, Tralee’s flagship Christmas event since it was first introduced in 2022. Continuing to grow and evolve, this year’s market placed an even greater emphasis on live local entertainment, with many performers from the town creating a vibrant evening atmosphere. The introduction of stilt walkers, family-friendly additions and the opportunity to visit Santa highlighted a market that is developing year on year while remaining true to its community-focused roots.
That community spirit extended well beyond the town centre through Ernie the Elf’s Tour of Schools, delivered in partnership with An Garda Síochána and Garvey’s SuperValu, and supported by Castleisland Chamber Alliance and Listowel Business & Community Alliance. Ernie’s journey also brought him to the Ballybunion Christmas Market light switch-on, further strengthening connections between Tralee as the county town and communities across Kerry.
Throughout the Christmas programme, sustainability messaging was clear and consistent. Shoppers and visitors were encouraged to use public transport, walk or cycle, helping to reduce congestion while making the town more welcoming and accessible. These messages reinforced a simple truth: supporting local businesses, travelling consciously and choosing shared experiences all contribute to stronger, more resilient communities.
Tralee Chamber would also like to extend sincere thanks to our fellow Chambers within the Kerry Chamber Network — Castleisland, Killarney, Listowel and Ballybunion — for their engagement, collaboration and continued support throughout this year’s Christmas programme. Their involvement highlights the strength of working together across towns and regions to deliver meaningful, community-led initiatives.
As the festive season draws to a close, attention now turns to ringing in the New Year together on Denny Street, where Tralee will once again come together for a shared moment of celebration, with special guest Bernard Casey as MC.
Looking ahead to 2026, the question is not just what it will bring, but how we will shape it together. If this Christmas has shown us anything, it is that the future of Tralee and Kerry lies in community-centred events, sustainable choices, strong local businesses and continued collaboration. With that spirit firmly in place, Tralee enters the New Year proud, connected and ready for what comes next.
Thanks to all the sponsors of this years Christmas in Tralee programme – Cara Credit Union, Garvey’s Super Valu, The Ashe Hotel, AIB and Bus Éireann
