Christmas in Limerick Festival in Full Swing as Thousands Flock to Light Up Limerick Procession

  • Image of performer at Light Up Limerick Procession Christmas in Limerick 2025. Photo: Paul Corey

Limerick lit up with festive magic on Saturday evening as an estimated 15,000 people lined the streets to celebrate the official start of Christmas in Limerick 2025.

Excitement filled the air as the LUXe Light Up Limerick Procession dazzled crowds with a festive display of colour and creativity, switching on the city’s Christmas lights, and bringing joy to young and old alike. 

This spectacular event marked the beginning of a season packed with festive cheer, all under the theme ‘Together for Christmas in Limerick’.

The joy of the season goes well beyond the city lights with the whole county joining the celebration! From festive markets and Santa visits to community events in towns like Newcastle West, Castleconnell, Rathkeale and more, there is magic everywhere.  

Get planning and discover what’s happening near you with more than 150 events listed on Limerick.ie/Christmas.  

Here are some of the family fun activities that will make this Christmas in Limerick special. 

Meet Santa in magical settings all across Limerick 

Whether it’s a traditional visit, a sensory friendly option or even a Santa experience for four-legged family members, Limerick has a Santa experience to suit everyone. 

The jolly man in red is stopping by locations throughout the city and county, taking up residence at the Santa’s Lego Style Grotto at the Milk Market from Friday 05 December to Wednesday 24 December.  

You can meet Santa for FREE at the Santa’s Grotto in Arthur’s Quay Shopping Centre, every Saturday & Sunday in December and all of Christmas Week (up to Dec 23rd). 

Other Santa Experiences include: 

Limerick On Ice celebrates its 21st birthday 
Daily until Sunday 04 January | Arthur’s Quay Park

A popular centrepiece of Christmas in Limerick, Limerick On Ice celebrates its 21st anniversary in 2025. Families, friends and skating enthusiasts of all ages are invited to glide, twirl or take their first steps on real ice at one of Ireland’s most beloved festive attractions. Whether you are a confident skater or a complete beginner, this is an essential winter tradition. 

Cruises Street Seasonal Street Shows (Free Event) 
Weekends from Sunday 07 to Sunday 21 December | Cruises Street, Limerick City 

Cruises Street will come alive with dazzling stilt walkers, circus performers, juggling Jacky Frost, lively children’s discos and more. This free family event captures the spirit of community and joy, bringing laughter and wonder to the heart of the city. 

Toots the Christmas Train 
Friday 05 December to Sunday 04 January | Departs from Liddy Street 

Hop aboard Toots the Christmas Train for a festive journey through Limerick’s city streets. Fully wheelchair accessible and buggy friendly, Toots is the perfect way for the whole family to take in the lights and atmosphere of the season. 

Limerick has the best Panto’s, oh yes it does! 

Limerick’s theatres will be bursting with song, laughter and panto magic, with something for audiences of all ages. 

  • Red Riding Hood, Lime Tree Theatre, Saturday 06 December to Sunday 04 January 
  • Cinderella, University Concert Hall, Thursday 18 December to Sunday 11 January 
  • Aladdin, Limerick Panto Society, Millennium Theatre, TUS, Saturday 27 December to Sunday 04 January 
  • Little Miss Muffet’s Christmas Adventure, Friars Gate Theatre, Kilmallock, Wednesday 10 to Friday 12 December at 10am and 12pm

Fossett’s Christmas Circus 
Wednesday 17th December - Sunday 4th January 

Step into the heated festive big top for Limerick's Christmas Circus presented by Limerick Twenty Thirty at the iconic Cleeves site on O’Callaghan Strand.  

Don’t miss out! Start planning now and make this Christmas one to remember. Explore the full programme at Limerick.ie/Christmas and get ready to celebrate Together for Christmas in Limerick! 

Getting Around Limerick This Christmas 

Make the most of your festive shopping and celebrations with easy transport and parking options across Limerick. Getting here and moving around has never been simpler. 

Visitors and shoppers can enjoy: 

  • Over 9,000 on - and off-street parking spaces 
  • 115 km of dedicated cycle lanes 
  • More than 30 bus routes serving the city, county and region 

Park & Stride 

  • FREE parking at Limerick City and County Council Car Park (behind Merchant’s Quay, access via Nicholas Street) 
  • Opening times:  
  • Saturdays and Sundays: 9am – 10pm (22 Nov – 23 Dec) 
  • Christmas Eve: 9am – 4pm 

City Centre On-Street Parking 

  • Over 4,000 spaces in Limerick City 
  • Parking from €0.50 per half hour (Monday to Saturday) 
  • FREE after 5.30pm 
  • FREE on Sundays 

Abbeyfeale, Kilmallock and Newcastle West 

  • First hour FREE between 9.30am and 5.30pm 
  • Additional two hours FREE from 2.30pm daily 
  • FREE on Sundays

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