Christmas in Killarney 2026

Christmas in Killarney brings festive parades, Santa visits and Cinderella - The Panto at Killarney Racecourse to the town and Killarney National Park. The Chamber’s festival listing starts on 22 November 2026, with Santa’s Holiday Residence welcoming families from 27 November to 23 December and the first Magic Parade taking place on Saturday 28 November.

What to expect

A date with Santa

Families can step into the magic of Christmas at Santa’s Holiday Residence at Golden Gate Lodge in Killarney National Park. Meet Santa’s mischievous elves and receive an official Nice List Certificate before a private, unhurried visit with Santa in his cosy, firelit sitting room. Santa’s Grotto runs from 27 November to 23 December 2026. Tickets are available through christmasinkillarney.com.

Cinderella - The Panto at Killarney Racecourse

Follow a sprinkle of fairy dust to Killarney Racecourse, where Cinderella gets a magical Kerry makeover. Deep within Ross Castle, Cinderella dreams of a life beyond endless chores and the demands of her wicked stepmother. When Prince Harold announces a royal ball at Muckross House, Cinderella dares to dream that her moment has finally arrived. Enter Molls: a fairy godmother from beyond the Gap of Dunloe, with a wand, a mission and plenty of Kerry attitude.

As Killarney’s fairy lights flicker out, can Molls help Cinderella find the courage to follow her heart? Expect sparkling transformations, songs, dance numbers and laughter for every generation, with plenty of chances to cheer the heroes, boo the baddies and shout, “She’s behind you!”

There are 12 shows over the four weekends leading up to Christmas, on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Check performance dates, times and tickets on the official Cinderella page at Killarney Racecourse.

Magic takes to the streets

Four Christmas Magic Parades take place on Saturdays leading up to Christmas, starting on Saturday 28 November 2026. Thousands of visitors line the streets as dazzling festive floats, beloved Christmas characters, festive elves and Santa himself make their way through the heart of the town during the hour-long parades.

Getting there

Killarney town centre is fully walkable, with the main event areas around the town’s central streets. Killarney’s bus and rail station is a short walk from the town centre, with regular services from Cork, Limerick and Dublin, and the National Park entrance is also within walking distance.

While you’re in Killarney

A Christmas visit pairs well with Killarney National Park nearby, whether that is a walk to Ross Castle or a horse and trap ride from the town centre. There is more to see in Killarney and across Co. Kerry.

Good to know

• Dates: the Chamber’s festival listing starts on 22 November 2026; Santa’s Grotto runs from 27 November to 23 December; four Saturday Magic Parades start on 28 November
• Venues: Killarney town centre, Golden Gate Lodge in Killarney National Park and Killarney Racecourse, Co. Kerry
• Price: varies by activity, some elements free and others ticketed
• Booking: book Santa visits through Christmas in Killarney and Cinderella through Killarney Racecourse
• Source: programme details supplied by Róisín Kivlehan, Client Director at ETC, on behalf of Christmas in Killarney on 22 September 2026, with the replacement Cinderella programme confirmed on 12 October 2026; official racecourse page checked 12 October 2026; Chamber festival listing checked 14 September 2026