Yulefest Kilkenny will light up the city’s cobbled streets, historic buildings and scenic slipways in December with a mix of music, arts, food and family festive events.
Kilkenny’s famous Medieval Mile, linking the thirteenth-century St Canice’s Cathedral and the impressive Anglo-Norman castle, will be aglow with Christmas lights, seasonal installations, carousels, carnivals and street entertainment.
The festival will be launched in the courtyard of the castle with a stunning display of medieval flag waving in the Florentine tradition. There will also be a Medieval Mile fun run with the runners being spurred on by medieval cheerleaders.
Other Yulefest highlights include the Christmas Tree Festival in St Canice’s Cathedral where 120 trees, each a work of imagination and art, will create a festive forest.
Stately 200-year-old Butler House will host a Christmas Garden which transforms its walled garden into a winter wonderland at dusk when light installations come to life. Toy soldiers, reindeer, glittering trees, Santa’s sleigh and the frosty winter pond will make for a magical experience.
The city will also be filled with music of every genre.