County Limerick towns and villages are alive with the spirit of Christmas offering a whole host of festive fun events and activities between now and the ‘big’ day. Enjoy a magical journey through a County Limerick wonderland with festive markets, Santa visits, choral concerts and top sporting action; all guaranteed to make this a Christmas in Limerick to remember.
Feel the festive buzz in our county towns and take this perfect opportunity to rally behind local traders. Explore Limerick's hidden gems in independent stores, gift local vouchers or savour experiences at charming boutiques and delightful restaurants. Remember that money spent in Limerick is money invested in Limerick.
Santa Claus is coming to town
Throughout the month of December, children who have stayed off the ‘naughty list’ can visit Santa Claus as he makes some scheduled stops around the county.
Visit Santa’s Wonderland in Bruff, see Santa, Rudolph and the other reindeer at Stonehall Wildlife Park or meet the big man as he prepares for the beard pulling test at Liskennett’s Santa Experience. You can meet Mr. and Mrs. Claus at the Lough Gur Santa Experience or catch Santa as he takes a little break in the Longcourt House Hotel in Newcastle West and the Castle Oaks House Hotel, Castleconnell before he packs up his sleigh on Christmas Eve.
Festive Fairs and Seasonal Shopping
County Limerick is renowned for its array of independent boutiques and high quality shopping opportunities. This year, make sure to visit the many craft fairs taking place the length and breadth of the county. Grab a hot chocolate, wander around the stalls and choose from local handcrafted gifts, artisan produce and home baking.
Christmas Markets are taking place in:
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Newcastle West Holiday Fair, Desmond Complex, Newcastle West – Sat 16 Dec
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Knockainey Twilight Christmas Fayre, Knockainey – Sat 16 Dec
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Barnagh Twilight Christmas Market, Barnagh – Fri 22 Dec
Christmas Racing Festival
A day at the races is a firm festive fixture in many households and for good reason! The Limerick Christmas Racing Festival 2023 takes place at Limerick Racecourse, Patrickswell from the 26 – 29 December and is the perfect place to continue the Christmas celebrations in style. Attracting racegoers from all over Ireland, the festival promises excellent racing action and plenty of off-track entertainment too.
Musical Moments
Some people have a particular event that signals the start of the Christmas season each year. For many, the festive season only begins with some musical magic! Treat your ears to the Carols for the Winter Solstice in St. John’s Church in Knockainey or Cliona Hagan with the Sheering Family at Friars Gate Theatre in Kilmallock.
To keep up to date on all things Christmas in Limerick, please visit Limerick.ie/Christmas or follow Christmas in Limerick on social media.
Facebook: ChristmasInLimerick
Instagram: @ChristmasInLimerick
Twitter: @XmasLimerick
TikTok @xmaslimerick
#ChristmasInLimerick
Getting there and getting around
Christmas shoppers and visitors to Limerick city can avail of more than 9,000 designated on and off street car parking spaces, 46 km of dedicated cycle lanes and over 30 bus routes serving the city, county and region.
Limerick City
Weekend Park and Stride
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FREE parking in Limerick City and County Council Car Park behind Merchant’s Quay
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Access is via Nicholas Street
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9am to 10pm - Saturdays & Sundays from 26 Nov – 23 Dec
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9am – 4pm Christmas Eve
City Centre On-Street Parking
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Over 4,000 on-street parking spaces in Limerick City
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Parking is from 50c per half hour (Monday to Saturday)
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On-Street Parking is always FREE after 5.30pm daily and all day Sunday
Abbeyfeale, Kilmallock and Newcastle West
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First hour FREE between 9.30am – 5.30pm as usual
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Additional 2 hours FREE on-street parking from 2.30pm daily from 03 Dec – 31 Dec
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FREE on Sundays as always