Killarney’s famed Christmas parades are coming back for Christmas 2023. These parades are the crown jewel of Christmas in Killarney and have become a favourite for families to attend. The parade consists on numerous floats that show off all our Christmas favourites such as gingerbread men, Christmas trees, reindeer, Mrs. Claus and of course the main event Santa Claus.  Watch in awe as the line of floats and characters weave their way through through the streets of Killarney to the delight of everyone. Don’t forget to put a letter into Santa’s post box on Main Street after the parade. 

The parades will take place at 6pm on the 25th of November and the 2nd, 9th & 16th of December along with a Welcome Home parade on the 22nd of December. You won’t want to miss this magical event.

It wouldn’t be Christmas in Killarney without sleigh rides through the National Park. Grab your family and hop onto your sleigh pulled by a “reindeer” and take off on a magical experience full of amazing sights. You’re sleigh ride will consist of getting to see the famous Tree of Light at St. Mary’s Cathedral, take in idyllic views of the Lakes of Killarney, see the bright lights of Killarney Town and enjoy a stop at Ross Castle to explore one of the most breath-taking parts of Killarney National Park. All this and more awaits you with a Killarney Sleigh Ride.

Give the gift of entertainment this Christmas with a trip to the INEC! There is a full line-up of great live entertainment in the INEC this Christmas season. There will be rocking concerts, hilarious comedians and thrilling plays all on show this winter. See the likes of My Therapist Ghosted Me, Jenny Greene and the RTÉ Concert Orchestra, Dec Pierce, The Coronas, Wolfe Tones and many many more.

If there is one thing that you must do when in Killarney for Christmas it’s to see the magnificent switching on of the lights for the Tree of Light at St. Mary’s Cathedral. The 100ft Californian Redwood is a sight to behold as it is illuminated by 3000 bulbs that can be seen from all around Killarney. The event is marked with a short mass in the Cathedral before the main event of the lights being switched on! The tree brings thousands of visitors each and every year and for good reason. Don’t miss your chance to see this marvellous moment in person for yourself. The ceremony will take place on Tuesday, November 28th at 6.45pm.

Visit the main man himself at Santa’s Grotto this Christmas Season. Santa can be found in his grotto located in Deenagh Lodge in the Demesne from the 25th November all the way until the 23rd December. Remember to be on your best behaviour before you meet him because he knows when you’ve been naughty or nice and who knows what presents he’ll have for nice kids. This is a truly special moment in Killarney this Christmas season so make sure to pre register to meet Santa.

Killarney’s newest family Christmas activity is Wanderful Christmas.

• This is a free, daytime family activity
• Follow the map to find the tags and unlock the hidden animated christmas characters
• 2.7 km easy buggy-friendly trail starts at Deenagh Lodge, through the National Park and Killarney Town
• The app saves your progress so you can do the trail all in one go or come back again and again to complete the route
• Unlock all the characters to receive your “Wanderful Certificate”
• Parental supervision required

Make sure to download the App on Google Play or the App Store.