.
Christmas really kicks off this weekend with the parade and the lights being switched on, but there’s a few more things to do around town as well…
Friday
1. Quiz time…
Coláiste Gleann Lí is preparing to host their annual table quiz tonight at the Ballymac Bar in Boherbee to raise funds for the school, but this year they intend to donate half of the monies raised to Comfort for Chemo Kerry.
Tables of four are €40 and the quiz starts at 8pm. It should be a fun night to help out the school and a great cause.
2. Brilliant bazaar returns…
The St. John’s Parish Annual Bazaar takes place from, Friday to Sunday in the KDYS Denny Street. There’ll be the usual array of hampers, vouchers, art work, crafts and loads more amazing prizes to be won and auctioned off during the weekend which raises tens of thousands of euro for the parish.
The bargains, the banter and social atmosphere have always attracted large crowds and the organisers have issued an invitation to all to join them for a great time. Doors open on Friday at 7.30pm, Saturday at 7.00pm and Sunday at 2.30pm. All are welcome.
Continued below…
.
Saturday
3. Santa on The Mall…
The annual CH Tralee Christmas parade takes place once again to really kick-off the festive season in Tralee.
Santa and Mrs Claus, along with many familiar characters, arrive on floats to The Mall. There’ll be balloons, music and much more from 2pm. This year’s theme is ‘Wish Upon A Star’.
The route will be along North Circular Road, down Ashe Street, and along The Mall. Some favourite children’s characters like Paw Patrol, Twilight Sparkle, The Grinch and Minnie Mouse will be there.
Buí Bolg from Wexford will have their giant polar bears and dancing Christmas trees with them. Of course Santa and Mrs Claus will arrive in their sleigh and afterwards they will be at CH Tralee where the man himself will be in residence at Santaland until Christmas Eve.
4. Tralee lights up…
The official switching on of the Christmas Lights will be performed by the Mayor of Tralee Jim Finucane and special guests on Saturday at 4.30pm in The Square.
The lights event, organised jointly by Kerry County Council and Tralee Chamber Alliance, will see several prizes for local businesses being given away, so get down early to win.
Continued below…
.
5. Go racing…sort of…
All roads lead to Na Gaeil Clubhouse for the annual Race Night. It is always a great night out and an occasion not to be missed.
All races will be shown on the big screen and there will be tote facilities at the event. Don’t forget to come in your finery as there will be a prize for the best dressed lady and gent. Get there from around 9pm.
Sunday
6. Christmas Market…
TRALEE Art Group are holding a Christmas Market at Baile Mhuire Day Centre, Balloonagh, from 12.30-4pm. Santa Claus will be there with his very own mailbox. Music will be provided by Paulie O’Brien with a Tea Dance at 2pm. Prizes galore with a Monster Raffle.
Admission €5 (includes a raffle ticket) and kids go free. There will be an opportunity to purchase some local artworks, crafts and delicious bakes all in time for Christmas.
.
7. Festive favourites…
An evening of seasonal music and song, ‘Carols For Chernobyl’, takes place from 7.30pm with all proceeds going to Chernobyl Children International Tralee.
Special guest will be Adi Roche from the charity, while music comes from the best of local talent. This includes the Oliver Hurley School of Musical Theatre, The National Folk Theatre Choir, Noelle Barrett and Lauralee Curtin.
Daryl Simpson of the Celtic Tenors and Sempres Strings will also perform. Tickets at €10 can be bought from Carmel Russell at That’s Perfect, The Mall and at the door on the night.
