‘Jinglefest’ gets the season to be jolly underway
Lillie and Molly Anderson get into the Christmas spirit at the launch of 'Jinglefest 2026' Photo: Finbarr O'Rourke
AS the cold creeps in and the days get shorter, it’s time to brighten them up with festive cheer – and in Carlow is just the ticket!
Hosted by Carlow Co Council, the festival has something for everyone to relax and enjoy during the Christmas period. Running from late November and through December, the Christmas spirit can be found in all three different strands of the festival.
is the festival’s beating heart, kicking off the month of festivities on 28 November at Carlow town hall car park. Attendees will bid farewell to the cold and dark nights as the town’s Christmas lights are officially turned on. Along with festive stalls, the night is sure to be electric with tribute acts Smash Hits and Turf Raves performing. Even the main man himself, Santa Claus, will be there to get the festivities underway.
The night will conclude with a spectacular fireworks show on the banks of the Barrow, marking the start of an incredible festive season.
The , a series of family-friendly festive experiences, will take place across the county. Highlights include the Santa Bus in Tullow and Bagenalstown, Santa visits and festive experiences at Carlow library.
Finally, the festive period is the perfect time for laughs with . The line-up features a slate of renowned Irish comedians, including Ardal O’Hanlon, Karl Spain, John Colleary, Sharon Mannion, Anna Clifford, Colm Regan and many more. Comedy shows will take place at venues across the county.
“Christmas is a special time of year when families, friends and communities come together, and has been designed to capture that spirit,” said cathaoirleach of the county council Tommy Kinsella, who welcomed the festive cheer.
“I am particularly delighted to see events taking place across the county, ensuring that people in our towns and villages can all be part of the festive experience,” said cllr Kinsella.
The full programme will be unveiled by the council on 20 November, so keep an eye out. Certain events will be ticketed via the council’s official Eventbrite portal.
