Together for Christmas in Limerick: Limerick to Light Up as Festivities Begin

• Join the Official Switching On of the City’s Christmas Lights this Saturday 

• Get Your Skates On at Limerick on Ice from this Thursday 

• Visit Santa at Limerick’s Milk Market 

• Toots the Christmas Train and the Christmas Circus Roll Back into Town 

• Get Planning with the Event Guide or visit Limerick.ie/Christmas 

Together for Christmas in Limerick

Under the heartwarming theme “Together for Christmas in Limerick”, the city and county will enjoy enchanting markets, family-friendly experiences, vibrant street performances and cultural celebrations. Expect dazzling light displays, storytelling, the sound of carol singing, and even spectacular fireworks lighting up the winter skies in Rathkeale. Whether you’re strolling through the city streets or exploring charming county towns, there’s something to warm every heart.

Mayor of Limerick, John Moran said:

"It is great to be able to unveil the exciting programme of events for Christmas in Limerick this year. This year will again be special and we are delivering with a light up procession event in the city to kick off the magic of the season this Saturday. This year’s theme, Together for Christmas in Limerick, reflects Limerick’s spirit of community and celebration. I wish everyone peace and happiness for the season’s festivities.” 

Príomh Chomhairleoir, Cllr Catherine Slattery added:

"It’s wonderful to see such a rich and diverse line-up of festive events across the city and county. From family-friendly activities to evening entertainment, there is something for everyone, and I’m excited for residents and visitors to experience it all."

Dr. Pat Daly, Director General, Limerick City and County Council commented:

"A huge thank you to everyone who has come together to bring Christmas in Limerick to life. From our Council teams to local businesses, community groups and volunteers, this programme is the result of incredible collaboration and commitment. I am excited to see Limerick light up with the festive spirit, creating a welcoming place to celebrate, come together and make lasting memories.”

A comprehensive digital event guide will help residents and visitors plan their festive experience.

Here are some of the Highlights:

Christmas in Limerick City

• Light Up Limerick Procession 
  Saturday, 22nd November @ 7:30pm 
  Be part of the magic as Limerick City’s Christmas lights come to life in a spectacular illuminated procession led by the renowned LUXe Theatre Company. Starting at The Crescent and winding its way to The Potato Market, this vibrant celebration promises an unforgettable start to the season! Best of all, it’s completely free!
  Major Traffic Restrictions will be in place for the procession. Details HERE.

• Christmas at Limerick Milk Market 
  5th– 24th December 
  Festive markets under the iconic canopy with artisan food, crafts, music, and themed fairs (Art, Vinyl, Antique). Includes Santa’s LEGO-style grotto upstairs.  

• Santa’s Grotto at Limerick Milk Market 
  5th – 7th, 12th - 14th & 19th – 24th December 
  Meet Santa in a LEGO-inspired grotto; includes gift for children and optional photo packages. Family tickets available.  

• A Cruises Street Christmas – Seasonal Street Shows
  Weekends in December 
  Expect stilt walkers, circus acts, juggling Jack Frost, and kids’ discos for festive street entertainment.  

• Toots the Christmas Train
  Selected dates from Friday 5th December to Sunday 4th January 
  Hop aboard the festive train for a magical ride through Limerick city centre. Wheelchair accessible and buggy friendly.  

• Fossett’s Christmas Circus 
  Wednesday 17th December - Sunday 4th January 
  Step into the heated festive big for Limerick's Christmas Circus presented by Limerick Twenty Thirty at the iconic Cleeves site on O’Callaghan Strand.  

• Limerick on Ice at Arthur’s Quay Park 
  Thursday, 20th November – Sunday, 4th January 
  Experience the magic of real ice at one of Limerick’s most celebrated festive attractions! Whether you’re a seasoned skater or a complete beginner, enjoy the ultimate winter family fun activity!  

• Christmas Tales by the Limerick Fireside
  Saturday 29th November, Sunday 14th December and Monday 22nd December 
  Warm up your holiday season with these magical stories and festive sing-a-longs at King John’s Castle, The Hunt Museum and The People’s Museum of Limerick.

• Irish Red Cross: Light Up Limerick Run
  Sunday 14th December @ 6pm - 8pm 
  Santa will lead a light-filled parade of trucks, tractors, cars, bikes and trikes through the city this Christmas showing appreciation for blue light services.

• LCETB - Christmas Céilí
  Saturday, 13th December from 1pm 
  A lively afternoon of traditional Irish music and dance on Thomas Street, featuring performances from a lineup of distinguished traditional musicians.

• Christmas on the Silver Stage
  Sunday 21st December 1pm – 3pm 
  A heartwarming Christmas Concert on the Silver Stage at Bedford Row Festive performances with music and entertainment.

Christmas in the County

You can explore more than 150 festive events happening across Limerick city and county -organised by local groups, communities, businesses, and individuals - at www.Limerick.ie/Christmas. 

Limerick’s County towns will be bustling with activity with Christmas fairs, markets and Santa experiences. Search the Christmas in the County section to find information on events in Croom, Bruree, Pallasgreen, Ballyneety, Castleconnell, Hospital, Murroe, Rathkeale, Liskennett, Newcastle West and more. 

• Rathkeale Lights Up
  Friday, 5th December 
  Enjoy a Christmas Market from 11am in Rathkeale Town Square with seasonal treats and handcrafted gifts. At 4:30pm, Santa & Mrs Claus switch on the lights at the Crib, followed by a fireworks display lighting up the night sky.

• Newcastle West Christmas Market
  Saturday 20th – Tuesday 23rd December 
  Four-day Christmas Market at Newcastle West Community Centre (12pm–8pm daily) featuring artisan crafts, festive food, family amusements, and live entertainment. Perfect for last-minute gifts and holiday cheer.

• Bruff Christmas Boutique Market
  Sunday, 7th December 
  Boutique Christmas Market at Rockbarton Garden Centre from 11am. Discover unique gifts and festive décor in a charming 18th-century courtyard, with plenty of seasonal treats and cozy Christmas vibes.

• Ballyneety Hub Christmas Market
  Sunday, 30th November 
  Artisan Christmas Market at Ballyneety Golf Club from 3pm. Over 20 stalls with handcrafted gifts, food trucks, mulled wine, and mince pies. Santa & Mrs Claus will visit, plus live music from local choirs for a truly festive atmosphere.

Nighttime Economy Grants

Limerick’s nights will be brighter than ever thanks to a diverse programme of events supported under the Night-Time Economy Grant Scheme. Delivered by local groups and businesses with the backing of Limerick City and County Council, these experiences are designed to bring people together to enjoy Limerick after dark in new and exciting ways. Highlights include a Christmas Fair on Nicolas Street, a Santa Paws pet-friendly market, vintage toy display, and even a sober rave to start the New Year.  

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