Our weekly round-up of festivals and cultural events taking place this weekend. The Christmas season is firmly underway with festivals and markets around the country.
Dun Laoghaire Christmas Festival
Dun Laoghaire kicks of its month-long Christmas festival this weekend with Santa's arrival at the ferry terminal tomorrow followed by a fireworks display at 5.45pm. Santa's Arctic Kingdom opens on the top floor of the south Dublin town's shopping centre at midday inviting children to follow in the footsteps of polar explorer Ernest Shackleton. Dunlaoghaire.ie
Waterford Winterval
Waterford will be lit up this weekend as its Christmas festival, "Winterval", includes a 3D light and sound show in Cathedral square hourly from 5pm to 10pm. The city's festival running until December 23rd includes an exhibition of old toys from around the world at City Hall, an ice rink at the city's quays, a traditional Christmas market and a Christmas Trail with storytelling and craft making. Winterval.ie
Kilkenny Christmas Market
There's an alternative for Christmas shoppers in Kilkenny as the city is hosting a festive market in traditional log cabins which begins tomorrow. Stallholders at The Parade in the city centre will be selling local seasonal food, cupcakes, woodturned gift, knitwear, and toys. Helping enhance the Christmas atmosphere will be the Kilkenny Gospel Choir, the Kilkenny Brass Band and children's story telling with Mrs Claus. kilkennychristmasmarket.com
Kenmare Choral Festival
Some seasonal songs will be sung in Kenmare, Co Kerry this weekend as choirs from across the country gather for the choral festival. Choir competitions in four categories (large choirs, light entertainment, chamber choir and church music) will be held in the town tomorrow between 11am and 5pm with tickets €5 at the door. On Sunday a closing concert will see the amassed choirs perform Christmas and seasonal music in the Holy Cross Church at 2.30pm with tickets €5 at the door. kenmarechoralfestival.com
Multicultural Winter Arts Show and Fair, Dublin 2
For a seasonal event with a twist, the Centre for Creative Practices is holding a multicultural winter arts show and fair which begins this weekend. It brings together local and international artists to present their works and music. The visual arts show and fair aims to display "great and affordable art works" for alternative Christmas gifts. The festival begins with a free concert tomorrow from singer Shaz Oye. Events take place at 15 Pembroke Street Lower, Dublin 2. cfcp.ie
