Jinglefest – Live 2026 with SMASH HITS & TURF RAVES
Join us at Jinglefest – Live 2026! Santa arrives, Christmas lights shine, fireworks soar, and festive fun awaits for all ages.
Get Ready to Light Up the Night!. A Magical Christmas Celebration for the Whole Family
Date: Saturday, 28th November 2026
Venue: Carlow Town Hall Car Park
Gates Open: 3:30 p.m.
Admission: FREE (Advance booking required via Eventbrite)
Welcome to Carlow’s Biggest Christmas Celebration
Carlow County Council is delighted to invite families, friends, and visitors from across the region to Jinglefest – Live 2026, a spectacular festive event that marks the official start of the Christmas season in Carlow.
As the evenings grow darker and Christmas approaches, Carlow Town will once again be transformed into a magical festive wonderland filled with sparkling lights, seasonal music, family entertainment, festive treats, and unforgettable Christmas memories.
Whether you’re visiting with young children, catching up with friends, or simply looking to soak up the festive atmosphere, Jinglefest – Live offers something for everyone. Enjoy an exciting afternoon and evening packed with live entertainment, family attractions, festive shopping, delicious food, and the magical arrival of Santa Claus himself.
The highlight of the evening will be Carlow’s official Christmas Lights Switch-On, followed by a spectacular fireworks display that will illuminate the town and officially welcome the festive season.
Santa’s Magical Arrival & Christmas Lights Switch-On
The excitement builds throughout the afternoon before reaching its magical climax at 6:10 p.m. Watch as Santa Claus arrives in style, bringing festive cheer to thousands of excited children and families gathered in the heart of Carlow Town. Joining Santa for this special occasion will be the Mayor of Carlow, who will officially switch on Carlow’s Christmas lights, bathing the town in festive colour and sparkle.
Immediately afterwards, a breathtaking fireworks spectacular will light up the night sky, creating a truly magical moment for everyone in attendance.
It’s the perfect way to celebrate the beginning of Christmas and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Family Funfair & Christmas Market
There’s plenty to see and do throughout the event, with a wide variety of attractions for visitors of all ages.
Enjoy:
- A lively family funfair with rides and attractions
- Face painting and family entertainment.
- Delicious festive food and seasonal treats.
- Hot beverages to keep you warm on a winter evening
- A vibrant festive atmosphere filled with music, lights, and community spirit.
Take time to wander through the event site, soak up the atmosphere, and support local traders while enjoying everything the celebration has to offer.
Live Entertainment Programme
An exciting line-up of performers will keep the festive spirit alive throughout the afternoon.
3:30 p.m. – Gates Open, Funfair, Market Stalls & Face Painting
3:40 p.m. – DJ Matt’s Festive Mix
4:00 p.m. – Turf Raves
4:40 p.m. – Smash Hits
6:00 p.m. – DJ Matt’s Countdown to the Christmas Lights Switch-On
6:10 p.m. – Santa’s Arrival, Christmas Lights Switch-On & Fireworks Spectacular
6:30 p.m. – Event Closes
Programme times may be subject to change.
Reserve Your Free Tickets
Admission to Jinglefest – Live is completely free, but all attendees must reserve tickets in advance through Eventbrite.
Due to the popularity of the event and venue capacity restrictions, early booking is strongly recommended.
Important Information
- Tickets are free of charge.
- Every attendee, including children, requires a valid ticket.
- Spaces are limited.
- Tickets must be booked in advance.
- If you can no longer attend, please cancel your tickets so that others can enjoy the event.
Santa’s Christmas County Tour
Before arriving in Carlow Town for Jinglefest – Live, Santa will be spreading festive cheer with special visits across County Carlow.
Santa’s Pre-Event Stops
2.30 p.m. – Tullow
Santa’s Christmas Bus arrives to meet local families and collect Christmas letters.
4.00 p.m. – Bagenalstown
Another opportunity for children to meet Santa and hand over their Christmas wish lists before he continues his journey to Carlow Town.
Don’t forget your letters!
Parking, Access & Road Closures
To facilitate the safe operation of the event, several temporary road closures will be in place throughout the day.
Roads Closed from 9:00 a.m.
- Barrow Track
- Cox’s Lane
- Centaur Street
- Haymarket
- Church Street
Visitor Information
- Carlow Town Park will close at 2:00 p.m.
- Parking is available outside the event area.
- Please follow all event signage and steward instructions.
- Event entrance is via the Barrow Track beside Carlow Rowing Club.
Visitors are encouraged to plan their journey in advance and allow extra travel time.
Photography & Filming Notice
Official photographers and videographers will be present throughout the event.
By attending Jinglefest – Live, you consent to photography, filming, and recording which may be used by Carlow County Council for promotional, marketing, and publicity purposes.
Please Note: Photographers wishing to capture images from within the event arena or stage area must request permission in advance by contacting:
enterprise@carlowcoco.ie
⚠ Important Event Information
Fireworks & Sensory Advisory
Please note that this event will include:
- Fireworks
- Loud music and announcements
- Flashing lights
- Large crowds
Parents, guardians, and carers should take particular care when attending with:
- Babies and young children
- Individuals with sensory sensitivities
- Anyone affected by loud noises or bright flashing lights
Weather Advisory
Jinglefest – Live is an outdoor event.
Organisers will closely monitor weather conditions leading up to the event. Should any significant changes be required, updates will be communicated to registered ticket holders using the email address provided during booking.
Free Ticket Terms & Conditions
- A valid Eventbrite ticket is required for entry.
- Every attendee, including children, must have a ticket.
- Tickets are non-transferable and may not be resold.
- Unused tickets should be cancelled if they are no longer required.
- Admission is subject to venue capacity and event safety requirements.
- Organisers reserve the right to amend, postpone, or cancel the event if necessary.
- All attendees must comply with instructions issued by event staff, security personnel, and stewards.
- Children must remain under adult supervision at all times.
- Carlow County Council accepts no responsibility for loss, damage, or theft of personal belongings.
- Entry to the event constitutes acceptance of these terms and conditions.
Let’s Light Up Carlow Together!
Join us on Saturday, 28th November 2026, as Carlow Town comes alive with festive fun, community spirit, sparkling Christmas lights, live entertainment, and a spectacular fireworks finale.
Whether you’re visiting for the funfair, the festive market, the live music, or simply to see Santa Claus arrive and switch on the Christmas lights, Jinglefest –Live 2026 promises an unforgettable evening full of magic, wonder, and Christmas cheer.
Wrap up warm, bring your festive spirit, and join us as we celebrate the official start of Christmas in Carlow. We can’t wait to welcome you to Jinglefest – Live 2026!