One of the nicest things about Christmas are all the lovely twinkly Christmas lights. There are some fantastic Christmas light displays, illuminations and switching on events around Ireland – and many are free to see! Here’s our pick of the best places to see Christmas lights events in Ireland:
Don’t miss our best content straight to your inbox! Sign up now and get our FREE newsletters packed with fun ideas and things to do with the kids, family-friendly recipes, expert advice, parenting tips and great competitions.
Twinkling, sparkling and glowing lights are a huge part of seasonal and festive decor. There is something magical about sitting in the glow of fairy lights at home, but going out to see big displays can be really amazing!
You May Also Enjoy Carols By Candlelight And Other Carol Concerts To Enjoy Around Ireland
Christmas Lights Events to Discover in Ireland
Tree Top Lights at Beyond The Trees Avondale, Wicklow
Experience the forest after dark in a completely novel way with the dazzling Treetop Night Lights spectacle. Travel the beautifully lit treetop walkway, tunnel and viewing tower and meet an array of lit up forest creatures that make Avondale Forest Park their home.
This is an experience that all ages and all abilities will enjoy together getting up close and personal with nature after dark. Less than one hour’s drive from Dublin city in the heart of the Wicklow countryside, Treetop Night Lights provides a family-friendly, age-friendly and truly accessible spectacle.
Running from Saturday 11th November 2023 to Sunday 21st January 2024 this is more than a Christmas experience, it’s a celebration of winter and an exploration of a night time forest fantasy. The perfect ‘together adventure’ for all ages and abilities this winter season.
Where: Beyond The Trees Avondale, Co Wicklow
When: November 11th 2023 to January 21st 2024
What time: From 4pm to 7pm daily
How to Book: For more information and to book tickets, click here.
Galway City Christmas Lights
Photo by Andrew Downes
The traditional Christmas Market and lighting ceremony that takes place in Eyre Square and this year will begin on November 10th.
If you happen to be in Salthill be sure to check out the Santa Sleigh and Reindeer light installation on the Prom. It really is amazing.
Where: Galway City Centre/ Salthill
When: 10th November 2023
What time: 6pm
You May Also Enjoy The Best Christmas Markets in Ireland
Dublin Christmas Lights
A tradition for many families is heading out to see the Dublin Lights come on at the Christmas Lights Switch On Show. This year the lights will be switched on in mid-November in a number of places across the city as part of The Dublin Winter Lights Festival. Families and visitors can view the lights on an evening that best suits them.
Where: Dublin City Centre
When: From November 16th 2023
What time: Evenings
You May Also Enjoy 50 Magical Places to Visit Santa in Ireland
Waterford Christmas Lights
For festive fun for all the family head to Waterford for Winterval which includes Waterford Illuminates. Winterval, one of Waterford’s biggest festivals, with many free events will take place this December 2023.
Where: Waterford City Centre
When: From November 17th to December 23rd 2023
What time: Evenings
These Elf Jokes Are Hilarious!
Don’t miss these FREE elf jokes and notes – pop one in your child’s lunchbox, hide it under their pillow, or use for Elf on the Shelf antics!
Gorey Christmas Lights Wexford
The Big Switch On in Gorey usually sees Santa arriving in his sleigh on the top of Main Street followed by entertainment for all. The town will be decked out in festive lights and everyone is encouraged to come and visit and shop local.
Where: Main Street Gorey
When: December 2023
What time: Evenings
You May Also Enjoy Things to do with kids around Ireland at Christmas
Christmas Lights in Killarney
Killarney will have a Christmas Parade to celebrate the turning on of the lights. The town will be open for business and will have many light displays and some spectacular floats around the city for everyone to enjoy. Be sure to visit the Christmas Tree of Light in the grounds of St Mary’s Cathedral and post your letter to Santa in his post box on main street. There is also an opportunity for a selfie next to Santa’s Sleigh!
Where: Killarney Town Centre
When: December 2023
What time: Evenings
Frostival Winter Festival, Louth
Frostival takes place this year in Dundalk and the town centre will be illuminated for shoppers and visitors to enjoy a festive stroll through the town centre.
Where: Dundalk Town Centre
When: November 17th & 18th 2023
What time: Evening
Coca-Cola Truck Tour
The iconic Coca Cola Truck Tour will be in:
- Dublin from November 30th to December 3rd 2023 at the RDS
- Belfast from December 8th to 10th 2023 at the Titanic Quarter
Enchanted Winter Garden, Antrim
Antrim Castle Gardens will be transformed into a winter wonderland with an array of attractions including a 35m Ferris Wheel, Christmas Train, Wonderland Walk, Festive Fayre and spectacular light installations.
Where: Antrim Castle Gardens
When: November 25th to December 19th 2023
Don’t Be Stuck For Ideas!
No more last-minute panic – just download our FREE Elf on the Shelf Cheat Sheet for plenty of fun ideas!
Letterkenny Christmas Lights
Letterkenny will have Christmas lights to bring some festive cheer to the town for this Christmas 2023.
Where: Main Street, Letterkenny
When: December 2023
What time: Evenings
Limerick Christmas Lights 
The magic of Christmas will descend on Limerick’s this November when the Christmas lights are officially switched on.
The city centre will be twinkling during November and December.
Where: Limerick City Centre
When: November & December 2023
What time: Evenings
Bunratty Castle Christmas Lights Trail, Clare
This Christmas enjoy an enchanted stroll through the winter woodland and twinkling lights in Bunratty Folk Park. Santa will also be in his grotto this year to meet all the boys and girls, do keep a look out for him on the drawbridge of the castle!
Where: Bunratty Castle and Folk Park
When: December 1st to 23rd 2023
What time: During opening hours (closes at 9pm)
Glow Cork Christmas Lights
Glow Cork is back for 2023 with over 7 kms of lights to enjoy alongside stalls, amusements, music and other entertainment for all ages to enjoy.
Where: St. Patrick’s Street and Cork City Centre
When: From 3rd week of November 2023
What time: Evenings
Wild Lights at Dublin Zoo
Wild Lights at Dublin Zoo will be back for 2023/2024
Where: Dublin Zoo
When: Mid November 2023
Butler House Christmas Garden, Kilkenny
Every evening from dusk, the garden at Butler House will illuminate with toy soldiers, reindeer, winter pond, snowman and glittering trees. There will be a host of festive fun for families and Santa will be there too if children wish to visit him.
Where: Butler House Garden, Kilkenny
When: December 2023
Carlow Christmas Lights Switch On
Carlow town will be lit up for the festive season this December 2023.
Where: Carlow Town Centre
When: December 2023
What time: Evenings
How About Some Festive Fun?
Get into the festive spirit and download our FREE Christmas word search – perfect for rainy days or on-the-go fun! Can you find them all?
Tullamore Christmas Lights Switch On
The Tullamore big Christmas Lights switch on takes place on November 19th.
Where: Tullamore Town Centre
When: November 2023
Kildare Village Enchanted Christmas Lights
The Enchanted lights will be switched on daily from 4pm for the entire festive season. It promises to be a bright, brilliant enchanting experience.
Where: Kildare Village, Kildare
When: November & December 2023
What time: From 4pm daily
Other Venues Around Ireland For Christmas Lights Including Private Homes
Decorating your home or business with festive Christmas lights is becoming more popular annually with many raising money for charities nationwide. Below is a list of some of those private homes & businesses who are making an effort this Christmas.
- Illuminated Forest Walk at Marlay Park, Dublin is open from 4pm to 8pm Monday to Friday and is fully accessible. It is 1km in length.
- Christmas Lights Display at the home of Mr William Tilly, 19 Bath Avenue Gardens, Dublin 4. All proceeds from this long time fundraiser will be given to Our Lady’s Hospice and Care Services.
- House of Lights – Weston Crescent, Lucan, Dublin in aid of Temple Street.
- Josie’s Xmas Lights – Rathdrum Road, Crumlin, Dublin in aid of Jigsaw.
- Carrick Family Light Show in aid of Galway Autism Partnership (GAP) daily from 7pm to 7.30pm until Jan 4th 2021 at 167 Lurgan Park, Galway.
- Byrnes – Rathdrum Road in aid of Hope for Cian.
- Pearse Villa’s, Sallynoggin, Dublin.
- Winston Lights – Rossfield Grove, Tallaght, Dublin.
- Stoughairs Christmas Lights- Tamarisk Way, Kilnamangh, Dublin.
- Ardburgh Road, Dalkey, Dublin.
- Anthony Doyle – Arklow, Wexford in aid of the RNLI and Arklow First Responders.
- Doyles – Bagnelstown, Carlow.
- McSweeneys – Drimoleague, West Cork.
- Tony Noonan – Templeglantine in West Limerick.
- Sheahan – Askeaton, Limerick in aid of Enable Ireland.
- Coolnagrane, Foxford, Mayo in aid of Bumbleance.
- Gibseys – Galway Road, Tuam.
- Tony Fitzpatrick – Green Road, Drinagh, Wexford.
- Carrolls – Bruree, Limerick.
- Hayes Christmas Lights – Shanagolden, Limerick.
- Árd Mhuire, Rathangan, Co. Kildare
- Bernie Carroll’s – Coolruss, Bruree in Limerick In aid of St Joseph’s Foundation, Pieta house and Carebright Dementia Centre Bruff.
Have your Say! Have you been to any of these Christmas lights events? Do you have a favourite place to visit each year? Leave a comment below and let us know – we’d love to hear from you!
About the Author: Kellie Kearney
