Join us at Jinglefest – Live 2026! Santa arrives, Christmas lights shine, fireworks soar, and festive fun awaits for all ages.

Jinglefest – Live 2026 with SMASH HITS & TURF RAVES

Get Ready to Light Up the Night!

Carlow Gears Up for Jinglefest – Live (The new name for Lightfest)

A Magical Christmas Celebration for the Whole Family

Date: Saturday, 28th November 2026

Venue: Carlow Town Hall Car Park

Gates Open: 3:30 p.m.

Admission: FREE (Advance booking required via Eventbrite)

Welcome to Carlow's Biggest Christmas Celebration

Carlow County Council is delighted to invite families, friends, and visitors from across the region to Jinglefest – Live 2026, a spectacular festive event that marks the official start of the Christmas season in Carlow.

As the evenings grow darker and Christmas approaches, Carlow Town will once again be transformed into a magical festive wonderland filled with sparkling lights, seasonal music, family entertainment, festive treats, and unforgettable Christmas memories.

Whether you're visiting with young children, catching up with friends, or simply looking to soak up the festive atmosphere, Jinglefest – Live offers something for everyone. Enjoy an exciting afternoon and evening packed with live entertainment, family attractions, festive shopping, delicious food, and the magical arrival of Santa Claus himself.

The highlight of the evening will be Carlow's official Christmas Lights Switch-On, followed by a spectacular fireworks display that will illuminate the town and officially welcome the festive season.

Santa's Magical Arrival & Christmas Lights Switch-On

The excitement builds throughout the afternoon before reaching its magical climax at 6:10 p.m.

Watch as Santa Claus arrives in style, bringing festive cheer to thousands of excited children and families gathered in the heart of Carlow Town.

Joining Santa for this special occasion will be the Mayor of Carlow, who will officially switch on Carlow's Christmas lights, bathing the town in festive colour and sparkle.

Immediately afterwards, a breathtaking fireworks spectacular will light up the night sky, creating a truly magical moment for everyone in attendance.

It's the perfect way to celebrate the beginning of Christmas and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Family Funfair & Christmas Market

There's plenty to see and do throughout the event, with a wide variety of attractions for visitors of all ages.

Enjoy:

A lively family funfair with rides and attractions

Face painting and family entertainment.

Delicious festive food and seasonal treats.

Hot beverages to keep you warm on a winter evening

A vibrant festive atmosphere filled with music, lights, and community spirit.

Take time to wander through the event site, soak up the atmosphere, and support local traders while enjoying everything the celebration has to offer.

Live Entertainment Programme

An exciting line-up of performers will keep the festive spirit alive throughout the afternoon.

3:30 p.m. – Gates Open, Funfair, Market Stalls & Face Painting

3:40 p.m. – DJ Matt's Festive Mix

4:00 p.m. – Turf Raves

4:40 p.m. – Smash Hits

6:00 p.m. – DJ Matt's Countdown to the Christmas Lights Switch-On

6:10 p.m. – Santa's Arrival, Christmas Lights Switch-On & Fireworks Spectacular

6:30 p.m. – Event Closes

Programme times may be subject to change.

Reserve Your Free Tickets

Admission to Jinglefest – Live is completely free, but all attendees must reserve tickets in advance through Eventbrite.

Due to the popularity of the event and venue capacity restrictions, early booking is strongly recommended.

Important Information

Tickets are free of charge.

Every attendee, including children, requires a valid ticket.

Spaces are limited.

Tickets must be booked in advance.

If you can no longer attend, please cancel your tickets so that others can enjoy the event.

Santa's Christmas County Tour

Before arriving in Carlow Town for Jinglefest – Live, Santa will be spreading festive cheer with special visits across County Carlow.

Santa's Pre-Event Stops

2.30 p.m. – Tullow

Santa's Christmas Bus arrives to meet local families and collect Christmas letters.

4.00 p.m. – Bagenalstown

Another opportunity for children to meet Santa and hand over their Christmas wish lists before he continues his journey to Carlow Town.

Don't forget your letters!

Parking, Access & Road Closures

To facilitate the safe operation of the event, several temporary road closures will be in place throughout the day.

Roads Closed from 9:00 a.m.

Barrow Track

Cox's Lane

Centaur Street

Haymarket

Church Street

Visitor Information

Carlow Town Park will close at 2:00 p.m.

Parking is available outside the event area.

Please follow all event signage and steward instructions.

Event entrance is via the Barrow Track beside Carlow Rowing Club.

Visitors are encouraged to plan their journey in advance and allow extra travel time.

Photography & Filming Notice

Official photographers and videographers will be present throughout the event.

By attending Jinglefest

Description supplied by the event organiser.