Get into the festive spirit and enjoy the most wonderful time of the year with a break to Carlow this Christmas!
Experience the magic of Christmas in Carlow with an array of events and activities for kids and adults alike to enjoy. Take an enchanting walk through the illuminated garden and enjoy an evening with Santa at Arboretum Home and Garden Heaven, experience a magical ride on the Rathwood Santa Train, delight in the visual spectacle of the marvellous firework displays at Lightfest, make a chocolate mould Christmas figure at the Chocolate Garden of Ireland and visit the Delta Christmas Lights Display for a truly amazing spectacle. The list of special activities in Carlow is endless …. along with Christmas markets, fairs, concerts, and of course the customary panto.
For special accommodation offers during the Christmas period visit www.carlowtourism.com/specialoffers
If you’re seeking a delicious meal or snack to round off a fruitful day’s shopping or a welcome drink log onto https://carlowtourism.com/food-and-drink/
Christmas fun at Arboretum Home and Garden Heaven
Children enjoying the illuminated Christmas garden at Arboretum Home and Garden Heaven
For a complete festive day out this Christmas, head to Arboretum Home and Garden Heaven where you can explore the Christmas shop and savour the delights of the stunning in-store Christmas décor. Browse festive lights, striking decorations, and Christmas trees of all sizes. This five-star garden and lifestyle centre has a whole host of family events for the Christmas period – come along for a free viewing of Santa’s two real reindeer daily and enjoy the fun, interactive Christmas displays. Explore the magical, illuminated winter garden, playgrounds, and maze. What a magical winter wonderland this is! From delicate twinkling lights to bold neons, this is a feast for the eyes and a great experience for both adults and children. With a well-stocked kitchen shop, beautiful boutique and a dedicated health and wellness area, it’s the perfect place to pick up that special Christmas gift. Round off your visit with a tempting Christmas lunch or snack in the award-winning Rachel’s Garden Café. Open seven days per week until the 24th of December 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. Late opening each Wednesday, Thursday and Friday until 8 p.m.
An Evening with Santa, available on selected days, is a great event for the whole family – enjoy a festive dinner together with Santa, Mrs. Claus and the elves! Follow the winding paths to find the way to the real reindeer all the way from Lapland! Then it’s time for the big moment when each child receives a special present from Santa himself.
Running on the following dates: November 30th, December 1st, 7th, 13th, 14th, 20th, 21st and 22nd.
Admission – child €35, adult €25. Booking is essential.
Rathwood Santa Train
Christmas Elves at the Rathwood Santa Train
Rathwood, Rath, Tullow, Co. Carlow, November 4th to December 24th
T: 059 915 6285 E: reception@rathwood.com
Get ready to embark on a wondrous journey aboard the Rathwood Express Train, where the magic of Christmas comes alive! This is a truly special experience, brought together by the amazing Spotlight Productions, the very same team behind the spectacular Late Late Toy Show. This year an extraordinary event straight from your wildest Christmas dreams, featuring Santa, Mrs. Claus, and all their cheerful elves is on offer! After the show, a special present lovingly prepared by Santa’s elves awaits each child at the Toy Factory, then it’s on to the New Santa experience where each family gets to meet the main man himself Santa Claus! Be prepared to be enchanted by the magic of your imagination during the most enchanting time of the year.
Every Saturday and Sunday in November and December until Sunday, December 17th. Midweek availability during the month of December. Also runs during week of December 18th – 24th. Trains run every 45-60 minutes.
Admission: Adult: €12.95, Children: €14.95, Babies: €11.95
Rathwood Christmas Shop
Make the most of your Rathwood experience and take in some seasonal shopping in the Rathwood Christmas Shop or enjoy lunch or tea/coffee and delicious cakes in the Merry Tree Restaurant. If it’s more fun and play your little ones are after, then the Ark Play Centre is the place to head. Running daily until the 24th of December.
Chocolate Mould Making at the Chocolate Garden of Ireland
Hamper of Christmas goodies from the Chocolate Garden of Ireland
Christmas mould making at the Chocolate Garden of Ireland
Chocolate Garden of Ireland Rath, Tullow, Co. Carlow, Tullow – December 1st to December 24th
T: 059 648 1999 E: info@chocolategarden.ie
Enjoy a truly special experience for young and old alike. Make a chocolate moulded Christmas figure to take home, complete with its mould. Hang it on the tree and keep it to savour on Christmas Day. Chocolate making is followed by a serving of delicious hot chocolate.
Runs every day on the hour, during regular store opening hours from December 1st to the 24th – seven days per week 11.30 a.m. – 4.30 p.m. (Monday – Friday) and 12.30 p.m. – 4.30 p.m. (Saturday and Sunday). If the weather is nice, the outdoor play area is perfect for the little ones to run around and stretch their legs. Price €13.50 p.p. Enjoyed by all ages; minimum age 3 years.
George Michael Tribute Live 2023
James Bermingham with his live band features George Michael iconic hit songs.
George Bernard Shaw Theatre @ VISUAL Old Dublin Rd, Carlow – December 1st @ 8.00 p.m.
T: 059 9172400 W: https://visualcarlow.ie E: boxoffice@visualcarlow.ie
As an 80s music icon, George Michael’s songs are recognised all over the world. George.. The Essential Collection, is performed by James Bermingham with his live band and the show features George Michael iconic hit songs such as Faith, Careless Whisper, Fast Love, Outside and Wham songs such as Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go, I’m Your Man, Freedom, Everything She Wants and Last Christmas, to name just a few. Admission: €29.
Delta Centre Christmas Lights Display, Sensory Santa and Craft Fair
The Christmas Lights Display in Delta Sensory Gardens is an attraction which all the family will enjoy in equal measure.
Delta Sensory Gardens & Garden Centre, Strawhall Estate, Carlow, Co. Carlow – December 2nd to December 21st
T: 059 913 1354 E: info@deltacentre.org
W: deltasensorygardens.ie
Christmas Themed Lights Display This is an attraction which all the family will enjoy in equal measure. Daily from December 2nd until Thursday, December 21st – open until 7 p.m. each Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday during this time.
Admission: Adults €6, Children €4, Senior Citizens €5. No advance booking required.
Sensory Santa Experience Enjoy a visit to Santa and the Elves Workshop in this experience, on December 2nd, 3rd, 9th and 10th from 11 a.m. – 5.30 p.m. This event is exclusively for children and adults with additional needs in a fun, relaxed environment. Includes entry to the gardens for the Christmas Lights display.
Booking in advance essential by ringing Karen on 059-9131354.
Admission: Adult €8, Child €10, 2 adults and 2 children €30, 2 adults and 3 children €38. Max six per booking.
Delta Christmas Craft Fair Features an amazing variety of folk craft, traditional gifts and decorations. Round off your visit with a light lunch, tea/coffee, cakes or seasonal fare served each day in Café Thyme. Taking place on December 17th..
Order Christmas cakes, plum puddings and mince pies from Café Thyme on 087-9600779 before December 20th. Collections before December 21st.
Christmas in Carlow Libraries
Catch a series of great events at libraries throughout County Carlow this Christmas
Catch a series of great events at libraries throughout County Carlow this Christmas.
T: 059 917 0300 E: https://www.carlowlibraries.ie/online-library
Saturday, December 2nd
Christmas Craft Fun for Kids 7+
Come along to Carlow Library for a Christmas themed craft workshop and create a Christmas Snowman Tea Light.
10 a.m. Free admission. Carlow Library, Tullow Street, Carlow.
Christmas Craft Fun for Kids 7+
Come along to Carlow Library for a Christmas themed craft workshop and create your very own Christmas decorations to add sparkle to the Christmas Tree.
11.15 a.m. Free admission. Carlow Library, Tullow Street, Carlow.
Wibbly Wobbly Wendy does Christmas
Come along to Bagenalstown Library to meet Wibbly Wobbly Wendy who is all excited about Christmas and has a great Christmas story to tell all the boys and girls. Optional to wear your own Christmas costume. 11 a.m. Free admission. Bagenalstown Library, The Courthouse, Bagenalstown, Co. Carlow
Monday, December 4th
Creative Christmas Crafts for Adults
Come along to Carlow Library and unleash your creativity by creating your very own Christmas Star to add to the top of your tree this Christmas. 11 a.m. Free admission.
Carlow Library, Tullow Street, Carlow
Saturday, December 9th
Wibbly Wobbly Wendy does Christmas
Come along to Carlow Library to meet Wibbly Wobbly Wendy who is all excited about Christmas and has a great Christmas story to tell all the boys and girls. Optional to wear your own Christmas costume. 10.30 a.m. Free admission.
Carlow Library, Tullow Street, Carlow
Wednesday, December 13th
Come along to Carlow Library and join students of Carlow College of Music for a Christmas themed concert which will get that Christmas cheer going! 1 p.m. Free admission.
Carlow Library, Tullow Street, Carlow
Rathvilly GAA Annual Christmas Fair and Fireworks
Rathvilly GAA Annual Christmas Fair and Fireworks
Rathvilly GAA Club Rathvilly GAA Club, Rathvilly – December 2nd
T: 059 917 0300 W: https://www.facebook.com/rathvillygaaclub/
Family fun in Rathvilly with this year’s Chrtistmas market and fireworks display to get you in the festive mood and set the skies of north east Carlow alight. Art and craft stalls and gift ideas on offer. Crafts, music and fireworks – a great combination. Dress warmly for the weather and enjoy the atmosphere!
Carlow Farmers Market
The Exchange, Potato Market, Carlow Town – December 2nd, December 9th (special Christmas event), December 16th and December 23rd 9.00 a.m. – 2.00 p.m.
W: https://carlowfarmersmarket.com/about-us/
Carlow Farmers’ Market has proven hugely popular as customers embrace the wide variety of fresh fruit, conventional and organic vegetables, meats, juices and home baking on offer as well as a variety of craft exhibitors making it the ideal venue to source that special, local gift this Christmas. Hampers of local goods, ready or made to order, speciality foods and a huge array of Christmas baking available.
Lisnavagh Christmas Market
Lisnavagh Christmas Market held in the cosy wing of Lisnavagh House
Lisnavagh House Rathvilly, Co. Carlow – December 2nd @ 10.30 a.m. to December 3rd @ 4.30 p.m.
T: 059 916 1473 W: https://www.lisnavagh.com/ E: events@lisnavagh.com
A special event held in the cosy Garden Wing overlooking Lisnavagh Gardens and adjacent to Lisnavagh House. An array of stalls selling dynamic, inventive, and seasonal items laden with an assortment of well-designed and unique gifts. The Lisnavagh Café sells delicious homemade treats, hot food and drinks. Listen to a historical talk on the McClintock Bunbury family in the unique library within Lisnavagh House or take a walk through the majestic gardens and woodlands. A guaranteed enjoyable day out to connect with each other during this festive season.
Christmas at Huntington Castle
Christmas trees in the courtyard at Huntington Castle
Huntington Castle and Gardens Clonegal, Co. Carlow 11.00 a.m. – 4.00 p.m. Saturday December 2nd – Sunday December 3rd 2023, Saturday December 9th – Sunday December 10th 2023 & Saturday December 16th – Sunday December 17th 2023
T: 053 937 7160 W: http://www.huntingtoncastle.com E: info@huntingtoncastle.com
Come and enjoy the magical atmosphere at Christmas in a traditional castle in Ireland’s Ancient East. Open for house tours and garden and estate walks. After your visit pick up a Christmas Tree from the courtyard. Take a well-earned break in the beautiful tea rooms, selling a full range of goodies, thoughtful gifts and interesting book titles which make an ideal gift or stocking filler.
Admission: Adult house tours: €12.95, children less than 12 years €6, concessions: €11, family (2 adults and 2 children: €30). Includes admission to gardens. Gardens and estate grounds: Adults €6.95, children 4 – 12 years €3, under four: free. Family: €20.
Pat & Faye Shortt-Knuckle Down
Pat and Faye Shortt performing Knickle Down at VISUAL and the George Bernard Shaw Theatre on December 2nd
Visual@GB Shaw Theatre Old Dublin Road, Carlow, Co Carlow – December 2nd @ 8.00 p.m.
T: 059 917 2400 W: https://visualcarlow.ie E: boxoffice@visualcarlow.ie
“Knuckle Down” shows off the incredible talent of these two performers, as they glide seamlessly from stand up to hilarious characterisation of everyday Irish people. They have the genius of taking everyday ordinary situations and making us laugh at the mundane. Previously described as being indigenously Irish in their approach and observation of characters, the new show “Knuckle Down” doesn’t disappoint. Characters such as “Michael” (Pat Shortt) the hapless builder (followed weekly on Tik Tok, X, Insta and Facebook by hundreds of thousands) seems to have the answer to all things that are wrong in the world and shares the advice gifted to him by his late grandmother from Tipperary. Another outrageous character is the “mother of the child” (Faye Shortt) at the school railings waiting to pick up her child PJ, it’s not like her at all to talk bad about anyone but she just can’t help herself, sharing her views on the school principal and her tummy tucking friend back from Turkey. Admission: €31.
Carlow Regional Youth Services Jingle Bell Jog
Jingle Bell Jog – is ideal for established runners and is the perfect target for those starting their couch to 5km training.
Carlow Rowing Club Barrow Track, Carlow Town, Co. Carlow – December 3rd @ 11.30 a.m.
T: 059 913 0476 W: https://www.popupraces.ie/race/crys-jingle-bells-jog-2023/
This 5km fun run/jog/walk is open to adults and children. The course is ideal for established runners and is the perfect target for those starting their couch to 5km training. Prizes for fastest male and female, fastest U18 male and female and best Christmas outfits! All money raised goes towards providing youth work supports to the young people of Carlow.
Admission: Adults: €18, Under 18’s: €6
Cash Returns Show
Cash Returns Show at VISUAL and the George Bernard Shaw Theatre this Christmas
George Bernard Shaw Theatre @ VISUAL Old Dublin Rd, Carlow – December 3rd @ 8.00 p.m.
T: 059 917 2400 W: https://visualcarlow.ie E: boxoffice@visualcarlow.ie
Europe’s No.1 Johnny Cash and June Carter tribute band ‘Cash Returns’ are back. ‘Walk The Line’ with JP Mac as the man in black and Karen Martin as June Carter along with this spectacular eleven-piece show. This award-winning production encapsulates the true magic of one of music’s most iconic couples. Guaranteed to have everyone singin ‘n’ stompin in the aisles to ‘Folsom Prison Blues’, ‘Ring Of Fire’, ‘A Boy Named Sue’, ‘Jackson’, ‘Hurt’ – picking out the very best hits from careers spanning over 50 years!
The Exchange-Christmas Food, Drink and Craft Fair
The Exchange, Potato Market, Carlow Town – December 6th 2.00 p.m. – 8.00 p.m.
T: 059 917 0300 W: http://localenterprise.ie/Carlow
It’s time to jingle and mingle at this year’s Christmas Market in the Exchange. Food, drink and craft fair for all the family to enjoy featuring a host of local producers.
Free Admission
Christmas Craft Fair-Student Enterprise Programme
The Exchange, Potato Market, Carlow Town – December 7th 11.00 a.m. – 3.00 p.m.
T: 059 917 0300 W: http://localenterprise.ie/Carlow
Second level schools from across County Carlow provide a variety of festive crafts and local products and services.
Free Admission
Phil Coulter – Four Score & Then
Phil Coulter – Four Score and Then….. appearing at the VISUAL Centre and George Bernard Shaw Theatre on December 7th
Visual @ GB Shaw Theatre, Old Dublin Road, Carlow Town – December 7th @ 8.00 p.m.
T: 059 917 2400 https://visualcarlow.ie E: boxoffice@visualcarlow.ie
Having clocked up a major milestone last year, some commentators may have assumed that his ‘Phil Coulter at Eighty’ national tour was a sort of lap of honour, a last hurrah for his followers. Wrong! Coulter loves his audiences and has happily jumped straight back into planning another show and a new tour, with fresh collections of memories and melodies. Admission: €36.
EnCÓRe Live in Concert 2023
EnCORe Live in Concert at VISUAL and the George Bernard Shaw Theatre
Visual @ GB Shaw Theatre, Old Dublin Road, Carlow Town – December 8th @ 8.00 p.m.
T: 059 917 2400 https://visualcarlow.ie E: boxoffice@visualcarlow.ie
Join enCÓRe as they embark on their first solo concert premiering at the George Bernard Shaw Theatre at VISUAL Carlow. Featuring songs from the musicals, legends of pop, Irish artists and even some Christmas hits to get you in the festive mood. This is an evening not to be missed with some special guests joining on the night. Admission: €21.
Consider Lennon’s Restaurant for a beautiful pre-show meal and after the show make sure to factor in a visit to the VISUAL shop where a range of interesting book titles, local craft and childrens’ games make for the perfect stocking filler. Or why not consider a VISUAL voucher for your loved one this Christmas?
Lightfest Tullow 2023
Lighfest Tullow promises to light up the skies of north east Carlow
Brother Leo Park, Tullow, Co. Carlow – December 9th 4.00 – 7.30 p.m.
T: 059 917 0300
Booking essential: Tullow – https://www.eventbrite.com/e/lightfest-tullow-fireworks-and-family-event-tickets-745215899817?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=cp&aff=ebdsshcopyurl
Fireworks and family event hosted by Carlow County Council in association with St. Patricks GAA. An evening of family fun which includes music, food stalls, face painting and a visit from the Big Man himself, concluding with the skies coming to life with an amazing fireworks display.
Christmas in Carlow Library-Wibbly Wobbly Wendy Does Christmas
Carlow County Library Tullow Street, Carlow – December 9th @ 10.30 a.m. Free admission
T: 059 912 9705 W: https://www.carlowlibraries.ie/online-library
Come along to Carlow Library to meet Wibbly Wobbly Wendy who is all excited about Christmas and has a great Christmas story to tell all the boys and girls. Optional to wear your own Christmas costume.
Lightfest Bagenalstown
Bagenalstown GAA Grounds, Bagenalstown – December 10th Time 3 – 6.30 p.m. Free admission.
T: 059 917 0300 Booking essential: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/lightfest-fireworks-family-event-tickets-745301676377?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=cp&aff=ebdsshcopyurl
Bagenalstown Fireworks and family event hosted by BIG & Bagenalstown Area Chamber of Commerce in conjunction with Carlow County Council. Taking place in Bagenalstown GAA Grounds
Christmas Lunchtime Musical with Carlow College of Music
Carlow County Library Tullow Street, Carlow – December 13th @ 1.00 p.m.
T: 059 912 9705 W: http://carlowlibraries.ie/
Come along to Carlow Library and join students of Carlow College of Music for a Christmas themed concert which will get that Christmas cheer going!
Visual Carlow-Jack and the Beanstalk
Jack and the Beanstalk being performed this Christmas at VISUAL and the George Bernard Shaw Theatre
George Bernard Shaw Theatre @ VISUAL Old Dublin Rd, Carlow – December 13th to December 17th @ 7.30 p.m.
T: 059 917 2400 https://visualcarlow.ie E: boxoffice@visualcarlow.ie
Christmas without a good old panto and a singalong at the end is just not Christmas at all. Fee Fi Fo Fum, we smell a panto that’s packed with fun! The team at Striking Productions returns this year to the Kingdom of Barrowvale to meet young Jack, a hapless, harmless, hopeless hero. Jack lives with his mother, Mudder Udder, his nine siblings, and their menagerie of pets. The town is also living in fear of a GIANT, and rumour has it that he eats children!
In a time where the cost of living is soaring higher than beanstalks, the greedy local landlords, the Baron and Baroness Blackstuff have raised rents so much that Jack and his mother are forced to sell their two prize Charolais heifers. The naïve Jack sells the bovine beauties for a handful of beans. However, their luck is about to change when from the magic beans grows a beanstalk, climbing up to the giant’s house. There he finds a singing harp, a goose that lays golden eggs and some local missing children. Through the traditional story, served with a Carlow twist, audiences will laugh, snigger and sometimes squirm uncomfortably at the local jokes. The show promises to be full of colour, costumes and the usual big production dance numbers.
Consider Lennon’s Restaurant for a beautiful pre-show meal and after the show make sure to factor in a visit to the VISUAL shop where a range of interesting book titles, local craft and childrens’ games make for the perfect stocking filler. Or why not consider a VISUAL voucher for your loved one this Christmas?
Visual Carlow – A Christmas Carol
A Christmas Carol takes place at VISUAL and the George Bernard Shaw Theatre on December 21st and 22nd.
George Bernard Shaw Theatre @ VISUAL Old Dublin Rd, Carlow – December 21st to December 22nd @ 7.00 p.m.
T: 059 917 2400 https://visualcarlow.ie E: boxoffice@visualcarlow.ie
Devised straight from Dickens classic text, the two award-winning actors, Aaron Monaghan and Bryan Burrough, dressed in snazzy suits- play all the characters at break-neck speed using an array of colourful hats, scarves and an Ikea coat-rack!
Carlow Garden Festival 2024 – Gift Voucher
Buy a voucher for the Carlow Garden Festival 2024
Not quite a thing to do but still a lovely idea given the wonderful gardens in County Carlow!!. For the garden lover in your life this Christmas – choose a gift voucher to redeem for any event during the Carlow Garden Festival 2024 which starts on July 27th and runs until August 4th.
Names already confirmed include Matthew Pottage, youngest ever Curator at RHS Garden Wisley, and Tom Stuart-Smith, UK garden designer, named by Gardens Illustrated as one of the Top 30 living garden designers. Both appear in a double bill at Altamont Plant Sales on Friday, August 2nd 2024. Niall McCauley from Niall’s Gardens and winner of the Alan Titchmarsh New Talent of the Year 2022 presents in An Gairdín Beo on July 28th and then Kitty Scully and Colm O’Driscoll, presenters of Home Grown appear at Delta Sensory Gardens on July 29th. New names are being added daily!
Voucher values can be purchased for €25, €50 or €100. Visit https://carlowgardentrail.digitickets.co.uk/gift-vouchers/501048