Yulefest Christmas Market

Kilkenny’s Yulefest Christmas Market takes over The Parade in front of Kilkenny Castle from Saturday 28 November 2026, launching with Santa’s arrival and running every weekend through to Sunday 20 December, before continuing into Christmas week itself. It is the anchor market of the wider Yulefest Kilkenny festival, and its medieval-city setting, wooden market huts strung with lights against the castle backdrop, is what gives it a different feel from the county’s summer markets and car boot sales.

What to expect

The market is built around rows of wooden stalls selling festive treats, hot food and drink, and handcrafted local gifts, with a live music stage running through the weekend sessions and family entertainment programmed alongside it. Weekend opening runs Saturdays from 11am to 8pm and Sundays from 11am to 6pm. The market then continues into Christmas week itself, opening from 11am to 7pm and running to 23 December, giving last-minute shoppers a final run before the holiday. Entry to the main market is free throughout, though some of the wider Yulefest festival’s separate events, such as evening entertainment, are ticketed.

Getting there

The Parade runs along the front of Kilkenny Castle in the heart of Kilkenny city, within easy walking distance of the city’s main shopping streets, restaurants and pubs. It is a short walk from the Bus Éireann stop on Patrick Street and from Kilkenny’s MacDonagh railway station, and there is pay parking nearby on Parliament Street and in the castle car park, though spaces fill quickly on the busier weekend dates.

While you’re in Kilkenny City

The market sits right at the entrance to Kilkenny City, so a visit combines easily with a walk around the castle grounds or the Medieval Mile while the city is dressed for the season. There is more to see across Co. Kilkenny.

Good to know

• Dates: every weekend from Saturday 28 November 2026, plus Christmas week, running to 23 December
• Times: Saturdays 11am-8pm, Sundays 11am-6pm, Christmas week 11am-7pm
• Venue: The Parade, in front of Kilkenny Castle, Kilkenny city centre
• Free entry to the main market
• Live music stage and family entertainment on weekend dates
• Part of the wider Yulefest Kilkenny festival programme