Yulefest is back with a bang for 2024, and the programme of events has already filled out considerably.
While Kilkenny’s not on par – yet – with Prague, Berlin, or Brussels when it comes to Chrstimas outdoor markets, the Yulefest Christmas Market does bring a little magic to the city centre and The Parade for the run-up to Christmas, and this year should be no different.
2024’s Yulefest Kilkenny events get underway on Saturday 30 November with Santa’s arrival and the official Yulefest launch. Sticking to the tradition established in recent years, Mr. C himself arrives at the Marble City by boat up the River Nore (2pm) before making his way to Kilkenny Castle ahead of the switching on of the Christmas lights (5pm).
And if you’re heading along and hungry, the good news is that the Yulefest Christmas Market will be in full swing with food and craft producers set to open stalls on The Parade from 11am. This year’s Christmas market in Kilkenny will run on Saturdays and Sundays from 30 November through 22 December. The usual Farmer’s Market will continue on The Parade each Thursday.
For the late shoppers and grazers among us, the Christmas market will stay open until 8pm each of the Saturdays this year.
Last year’s lineup of traders included Happy Valley Coffee, Earth Food Chocolate (Wexford), Cakeface (doing a mean hot chocolate), Malone’s Fruit Farm, the Outdoor Herbalist (herbal teas), Mr. Muffin Man, Brownstone Pizza, Brewbuggy and more, mixing local and visiting food producers.
Applications for traders opened and closed this past July and while the list of those taking part in the market hasn’t been published yet, it would be worth keeping an eye on the Yulefest Instagram account details on events as they arise.
You can find a full list of events happening during Yulefest here.
