Christmas in Kildare: Your Guide to Festive Family Fun, Magical Events & Winter Wanderings
✨ Why Visit Kildare Town This Christmas?
County Kildare truly comes alive at Christmas. From sparkling lights and festive markets to enchanting Santa experiences and cosy winter strolls, the county offers an unforgettable seasonal escape for families, couples, and anyone looking to soak up a little Christmas magic. Whether you're planning a day trip, a weekend break, or simply looking for festive inspiration, there’s something happening right across Kildare this Christmas. For a full list of events, markets and seasonal attractions, be sure to explore what’s on across the county through Into Kildare and our Christmas in County Kildare page local events listing page here.
While you’re discovering all that the county has to offer, don’t forget that Kildare Town itself is one of the most atmospheric and welcoming places to visit at this time of year. With its rich heritage sites, festive streets, independent cafés, and the warm heart of the Heritage Centre in Market Square, the town is the perfect base — or stop-off — during your Christmas adventures.
If you’re looking to support local makers, artists, cafés, and small businesses this festive season, Kildare Town is an ideal place to do just that. Browse unique independent shops, enjoy seasonal treats, and keep an eye out for the Art Collective shop run by local artists, offering thoughtful and creative gift ideas you won’t find anywhere else.
A Warm Welcome at the Heritage Centre
Located right in Market Square, the Kildare Heritage Centre is the perfect place to begin your visit. Here you can:
Pick up unique artisan gifts, books, crafts, and postable presents
Explore the Legends of Kildare VR experience
Get tips for walking trails, heritage sites, and local cafés
It’s a brilliant spot for thoughtful Christmas shopping and for discovering everything happening in town.
Atmospheric Heritage Sites Open All Year
Winter is a wonderful time for short strolls and peaceful sightseeing. Don’t miss:
St Brigid’s Well – always serene, especially in winter light
Black Abbey – with centuries of storytelling in its stones
Grey Abbey and White Abbey – two remarkable medieval sites
The Art Trail and Acorn Children’s Trail – family-friendly and free
Wrap up warm, grab a hot chocolate from a local café, like ‘AGape’ or Firecastle and enjoy a calm winter wander.
🎁 Shop Local This Christmas
If you're looking to support local makers, craftspeople, cafés, and small businesses, Kildare Town is the ideal stop. There are lots of interesting shops, including a Christmas art collective shop called ‘Gather’ .
🌟 Make Kildare Part of Your Christmas Season
Whether you’re planning a magical Santa visit, a cosy winter stroll, a night out full of music and laughter, or some local Christmas shopping, Kildare is full of festive experiences waiting to be enjoyed. Why not hop on the bus or train and enjoy a Christmas tipple too? The bus stops in the centre of the town, and the train is only a 7-minute walk. Good excuse to meet up with friends, do a bit of site seeing, shopping and grab a delicious bite to eat!
Stop by the Heritage Centre to begin your adventure, pick up gifts, learn about the Legends of Kildare VR experience—and discover the charm of Kildare Town at Christmas. You never know, you might just fall in love with the place and stay for more than a day..it has happened many a time before. Will you become one of Kildare’s legends this Christmas?
