County Carlow – Festive Family Experience

Welcoming the festive programme for 2023, Councillor Andrea Dalton , Cathaoirleach of Carlow County Council said “I love the build up to Christmas and I am delighted that Carlow organisations are running such a variety of events in 2023 for all the family. Events in the build up to Christmas not only light up our towns and villages but also our hearts, bringing people from all walks of life together. They remind us that the spirit of the season isn’t just about decorations and presents; it’s about the warmth of human connection, the joy of giving, and the hope for a brighter future for all.”

As part of the 2023 series of activities, Carlow County Council and partners will host a wide number of events including Lightfest events in Carlow, Tullow and Bagenalstown, Bounceland in the Exchange, the Student Fair at the Exchange, a ‘Christmas Food, Drink & Craft Fair’ and a variety of activities in Carlow County Library. This, coupled with events in VISUAL Carlow and the annual Jingle Bell Jog, means there is something in Carlow for all the family in 2023.

The Cathaoirleach concluded by saying “During the holiday season, as we come together to celebrate, it is in these moments of unity and joy that we find the true spirit of our communities reminding us of the importance of togetherness, shared traditions, and the power of giving, which strengthen the bonds that make our society resilient and compassionate. I hope the Carlow Community and people from all around Ireland come to enjoy these events.”

The event programmes is delivered by a variety of organisations in 2023 including Carlow Regional Youth Services, Carlow Tourism, Bagenalstown Area Chamber of Business & Tourism, County Carlow Chamber, Visual, Carlow Library, Rathvilly GAA Club, St Patrick’s GAA Tullow, Bagenalstown Improvement Group, , Scats Bouncing Castles, Carlow County Council – Economic Development Unit & Local Enterprise Office.

Kieran Comerford, Head of Economic Development & Enterprise in the Local Enterprise Office Carlow in Carlow County Council said “Christmas is a vital economic driver for our communities, creating jobs and boosting retail sales and this year we are encouraging people to #shoplocalshopcarlow”. Commenting on the event programme and its importance he said “events in the build up to Christmas with family is more than just tradition; it’s an opportunity to create lasting memories. These events allow us all to reconnect, share love, and strengthen the bonds that tie us together. From the twinkling lights to the variety of experiences they offer us a chance to build a treasure trove of moments that warm our hearts and provide a sense of togetherness, reminding us of what truly matters in life”.

The event programme kicks off with Lightfest in Carlow Town on 18th November 2023. Step into a world of enchantment, where the twinkle of Christmas lights mingles with the melodies of live music, the tantalising aroma of festive treats, and the breathtaking spectacle of fireworks. Welcome to Lightfest, the ultimate Christmas event that promises to ignite your holiday spirit like never before! Music will be provided by Monroe Carlow and Dave O’Neill. Join us for a magical evening filled with music, fireworks, and festive cheer!

Saturday 18th November 2023

Lightfest – Fireworks & Live Music – Carlow Town Hall Car Park hosted by Carlow County Council

Join us for an evening of family fun which includes live Music , turning on the Lights , Food Stalls , Facepainting and Live Music concluding with the skies coming to life with an amazing fireworks display

Sunday 19th November 2023

Dorothy DoLittle’s Magical Adventure Puppet Show

With the help of magic DoLot dust, Dorothy goes on a magical adventure to the land of the DoLots in this beautiful piece by Call Back.

3pm Visual Visual Box Office

Tuesday 21st November 2023

Creative Crafts for Adults 11am

Carlow Library Email library@carlowcoco.ie

Come along to Carlow Library and learn how to make your own fabric flower which can be used as a brooch or to accessorise your bag, hat, scarf or jumper

22nd November 2023 – 25th November 2023

Carlow Little Theatre Society presents The Steward of Christendom

7.30pm Visual Visual Box Office

Carlow Little Theatre Society are delighted to be returning to the stage of the George Bernard Shaw Theatre this coming November, with their production of Sebastian Barry’s ‘The Steward Of Christendom’, a profoundly moving story of family, love and loss.

Sunday 26th November 2023

ABBA FOREVER – 2023 TOUR

8.00pm Visual Visual Box Office

The smash hit show “ABBA FOREVER” is returning to VISUAL & The George Bernard Shaw Theatre Carlow this November for one night only!

Friday 1st December 2023

George Michael Tribute Live 2023

8pm Visual Visual Box Office

George.. The Essential Collection, Promises To Captivate The Audience And Leave Them Wanting More.

Saturday 2nd December 2023

Christmas Craft Fun for Kids 7+

10am Carlow Library Email library@carlowcoco.ie

Come along to Carlow Library for a Christmas Themed Craft Workshop and create your very own Christmas Snowman Tea Light

Saturday 2nd December 2023

Christmas Craft Fun for Kids 7+

11.15am Carlow Library Email library@carlowcoco.ie

Come along to Carlow Library for a Christmas Themed Craft Workshop and create your very own Christmas Decorations which will add sparkle to the Christmas Tree

Saturday 2nd December 2023

Wibbly Wobbly Wendy does Christmas

11am Bagenalstown Library Email ckinsella@carlowcoco.ie

Come along to Bagenalstown Library to meet Wibbly Wobbly Wendy who is all excited about Christmas for a Christmas Storytime, Optional to wear your Christmas Costume!

Saturday 2nd December 2023

Rathvilly GAA Annual Christmas Fair & Fireworks

6pm Rathvilly GAA Rathvilly GAA Club Facebook

Crafts, Music & Fireworks a event not to be missed

Saturday 2nd December 2023

Pat & Faye Shortt – Knuckle Down Pat Shortt

8pm Visual Visual Box Office

This father and daughter comedy duo have come together once again and are selling out venues across the country with their new show “Knuckle Down”.

Sunday 3rd December 2023

CRYS Jingle Bell Jog 11.30am

Carlow Regional Youth Services

Pop Up Races

Carlow Regional Youth Service are hosting our popoular Jing Bell Jog. It is on Sunday 3rd December 2023, starting at the Barrow Track @ 11:30

Sunday 3rd December 2023

Cash Returns Show

8pm Visual Visual Box Office

Europe’s no.1 Johnny Cash & June Carter tribute are back

Monday 4th December 2023

Creative Christmas Crafts for Adults

11am Carlow Library Email library@carlowcoco.ie

Come along to Carlow Library and unleash your creativity by creating your very own Christmas Star which will add sparkle to your home or tree

Wednesday 6th December 2023

The Exchange – Christmas Food, Drink & Craft Fair

2pm-8pm

The Exchange, Potato Market , Carlow

No Booking

Food, Drink & Craft Fair to all the Family

Thursday 7th December 2023 – Friday 8th December 2023

The Student Exchange – Christmas Craft Fair – Local Enterprise Office – Student Enterprise Programme

11am-3pm The Exchange, Potato Market , Carlow

No Booking

2nd Level Schools from Across County Carlow provide a variety of festive crafts and local products and services

Thursday 7th December 2023

Phil Coulter – Four Score & Then…

8pm Visual Visual Box Office

Having clocked up a major milestone last year, some commentators may have assumed that his ‘Phil Coulter at Eighty’ national tour was a sort of lap of honour, a last hurrah for his followers. Wrong!

Friday 8th December 2023

enCÓRe Live In Concert 2023

8pm Visual Visual Box Office

Join enCÓRe as they embark on their first solo concert premiering at the George Bernard Shaw Theatre at VISUAL Carlow

Saturday 9th December 2023

Wibbly Wobbly Wendy does Christmas

10.30am Carlow Library Email library@carlowcoco.ie

Come along to Carlow Library to meet Santa and his Elf, Wibbly Wobbly Wendy for a fun festive morning, Optional to wear your Christmas Costume!

Saturday 9th December 2023

Lightfest Tullow – Fireworks & Family Event hosted by Carlow County Council in association with St. Patricks GAA

TBC

Carlow County Council / St. Patricks GAA Tullow

Eventbrite

Join us for an evening of family fun which includes Music , Food Stalls , Facepainting concluding with the skies coming to life with an amazing fireworks display

Sunday 10th December 2023 – Thursday 14th December 2023

Bounceland with Santa at the Exchange

Various Carlow County Council Eventbrite

Visit Santa for Free and enjoy 45 minutes of Bouceland at the Exchange

Sunday 10th December 2023

Lightfest Bagenalstown – Fireworks & Family Event hosted by BIG & Bagenalstown Area Chamber of Commerce

TBC Bagenalstown GAA Grounds Eventbrite

Join us for an evening of family fun which includes Music , Food Stalls , Facepainting concluding with the skies coming to life with an amazing fireworks display

Wednesday 13th December 2023

Christmas Carol Service 6pm

Tullow Library No Booking

Come along to Tullow Library for a Miscellany of Christmas Carols with the reknowned Regina Hanley & Friends and raise the roof with Christmas song and enjoy a mince pie!

Wedensday 13th December 2023 – Sunday 17th December 2023

Jack and the Beanstalk Various Visual Visual Box Office

The team at Striking Productions, Carlow returns this year to the Kingdom of Barrowvale with this years panto, Jack and the Beanstalk

Friday 15th December 2023

Christmas Lunchtime Musical with Carlow College of Music

1pm Carlow Library Email library@carlowcoco.ie

Come along to Carlow Library and join students of Carlow College of Music for a Christmas Themed Concert which will get that Christmas cheer going!

Thursday 21st December 2023 – Friday 22nd December 2023

A Christmas Carol 7pm Visual Visual Box Office

A Christmas Carol is Aaron Monaghan and Bryan Burroughs’ playful, physical storytelling, stage adaptation of Charles Dickens much loved novella.

Photo Caption:

Cllr. Andrea Dalton, Cathaoirleach of Carlow County Council & Coilín O’Reilly , Chief Executive of Carlow County Co