WELL done to all involved in bringing a festive atmosphere to the town again over the past weekend.
There was a big crowd at a special concert at the Island Of Geese on Saturday evening. ‘The Sounds of Christmas’ was organised by Tralee Chamber in partnership with Kerry County Council.
The musicians and singers delivered a delightful blend of timeless Christmas classics and contemporary festive tunes t0 those present.
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Hosted by Elaine Kinsella, it featured Catriona O’Sullivan, the Music Generation Kerry Wind Ensemble, Róisín Hussey, Clodagh Harrington, Ciara Murphy, Saoirse Murphy on the flute, Sharon Lynch, Alan Teahan, Mike & David Lynch and more.
Sunday saw the rain arrive, so it didn’t make for ideal conditions for Santa’s parade! However, it went ahead and people showed up for the spectacle of Santa, elves, Disney characters and much more make their way through town.
Well done to Sean Murphy Electrical and local businesses for putting on the parade and bringing festive cheer in the rain.
TRALEE Chamber has launched the search for Santa’s Giant Elf with a €1,000 gift voucher reward.
One of Santa’s beloved elves, Ernie, has gone missing from the North Pole and Tralee Chamber has issued an urgent appeal to the community, seeking their assistance in locating the missing Elf, offering a reward of a €1,000 Gift Voucher from Corcoran’s Furniture and Carpets.
Ernie the elf is three meters tall and adorned in vibrant red clothing complete with a Santa hat. The elf was last seen near the University Hospital Kerry.
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While the elf doesn’t pose any danger and is known for spreading festive cheer, the community is urged to report any sightings immediately by sharing a photo on their social media platforms and tagging Tralee Chamber.
Tralee Chamber, in partnership with Corcoran’s Furniture & Carpets, is offering a €1000 gift voucher as a reward for helping find Ernie the Elf.
Colette O’Connor, CEO of Tralee Chamber, expressed her enthusiasm for the community’s involvement stating: “We’re reaching out to the wonderful people of Tralee to join us in this quest to bring Santa’s missing elf back home to the North Pole in time for Christmas. This unexpected turn of events has added an extra incentive to explore Tralee this Christmas, so we hope to see you all out and about.”
Tralee Chamber encourages everyone to keep their eyes peeled and share any information that might aid in Ernie’s safe return to the North Pole. They are optimistic that the collective efforts of the community will help resolve this cheerful mystery.
GET set for a super Saturday as the Christmas season officially kicks off in town this weekend.
Santa Claus is coming to town and he’s bringing his friends Frosty the Snowman, Fairy Twinkle, Ernie Elf and lots more along with him this Saturday with a show at 2.30pm and at 4.30pm in The Square.
Head to town to enjoy a spectacular interactive festive stage production with a show jam-packed with Christmas fun, stories, songs, and dances to engage children and adults of all ages guaranteed to get everyone into the festive spirit.
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The show which will feature many of our Christmas musical favourites and lots of surprises so be sure to bring the little ones.
Then, from 5pm, the crowds will gather for the traditional switching on of the Christmas light and there’s sure to be a fantastic atmosphere. Get to town to enjoy the fun!
TRALEE Chamber in partnership with Kerry County Council is thrilled to announce the return of ‘Christmas in Tralee’, which promises to be bigger and better than ever before.
With festive markets, musical performances, fantastic competitions and much more, it’s set to be a great season ahead in town.
Speaking at the launch of the programme on Saturday, Tralee Chamber CEO, Colette O’Connor, said: “Building on the resounding success of last year’s festivities, we are so excited to share some new additions to the line-up for this year’s celebrations, with some of last year’s favourites returning too.”
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“With something for all ages to enjoy, we invite all residents and visitors to come and immerse themselves in the festive season and celebrate Christmas in style in Tralee.”
“We are so grateful for the continued collaboration and sponsorship from each business for Christmas in Tralee, allowing us to create a magical Christmas experience for everyone in Tralee,” added Colette.
This year, festivities are set to be taken to a new level with the addition of an extra day to the delightful Christmas Market at The Island of Geese, allowing visitors more time to explore the unique and enchanting holiday gifts and treats on offer during the 8th, 9th and 10th of December.
The following weekend, The Island of Geese will again play host to the brand-new ‘Sounds of Christmas’, a heartwarming musical performance that will fill the town with the sweet sounds of the festive season.
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This captivating show will feature local talents, singing traditional Christmas carols and modern classics, sure to warm the hearts of all who attend.
The ‘Elf on the Loose’ and ‘Elf Trail’ will make their return this year, with exciting scavenger hunts, interactive games, and memorable experiences with Santa’s little helpers.
Santa Claus will make a special appearance in Tralee on December 2nd, and he’s bringing back ‘Santa Claus The Show,’ in Tralee Town Square.
The festive spirit will be further elevated by the exciting Christmas programmes at Tralee Bay Wetlands and Siamsa Tíre.
Mayor of Tralee, Cllr Johnnie Wall, welcomed the exciting programme of events for the Christmas period. “Kerry County Council is delighted to support the Christmas festivities in Tralee. There is an excellent programme which is family-oriented and it is a great opportunity for families to enjoy what the town has to offer over the festive season.”
Throughout the month of December, all are invited to participate in ‘Visit Tralee – Shop Local Win Local,’ supported by local retailers and hospitality businesses.
This exciting daily online social media competition offers the opportunity to win fabulous prizes, supporting local businesses while enjoying the chance to win fantastic rewards!
The festivities will reach their grand finale with a New Year’s Eve Family Celebration and Street Party on Denny Street, featuring spectacular fireworks display to light up the Tralee sky. More details on the events will follow later this month.
THERE was a lovely atmosphere at the Island of Geese on Friday evening as the first of the Festive Markets, sponsored by Garveys Supervalu and Creative Ireland kicked off at 5pm.
While it rained a little at the start, it soon cleared so families could browse through the stands and enjoy the entertainment throughout the evening.
While it was bitterly cold, there was still a great turnout for visitors to enjoy the Christmas-themed stalls offering lots of seasonal goods, arts and crafts and delicious food and drink.
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Performers included choirs from Listellick NS, Scoil Eoin and Presentation, the Kerry Choral Union and the Oliver Hurley Stage School Choir and there were cartoon characters, mini-amusements and a kids disco for the little ones.
The fun continues on Saturday from 5pm to 9pm so it’s worth a visit and you might even find a special gift for someone this Christmas.
The Island of Geese festive market is part of the overall Christmas in Tralee Programme brought together this year by Tralee Chamber Alliance and Kerry County Council. Scroll down for photos…
TRALEE Chamber in partnership with Kerry County Council today revealed their Christmas calendar of events which includes a host of fantastic family entertainment.
Christmas in Tralee will officially begin on Saturday, November 26 when the Christmas lights are switched on by the Mayor of Tralee Cllr Mikey Sheehy and special guest Santa Claus.
The festive spirit is already building in Tralee following today’s announcement that the town is set to be transformed into ‘The Christmas Kingdom’, which will host a sleigh full of festive fun during the period.
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This will include a magical Elf Trail with live character interactions, daily competitions to search for the magic in Tralee, a spectacular festive stage production in the Square, a Festive Evening Market in the Island of Geese and even a naughty elf will be let loose, with all those lucky enough to spot him being entered into a competition to win a €1000.00 Gift Voucher.
Speaking at the announcement of ‘Tralee the Christmas Kingdom’, Tralee Chamber CEO, Colette O’Connor, commented: “There is always a wonderful atmosphere in Tralee during the Christmas season. This year, the aim was to transform Tralee into The Christmas Kingdom. I cannot wait for the amazing shows, trails, markets, and competitions that Oliver Hurley Productions and his team have planned – There’s going to be something for everyone young and old to fill the entire town with festive cheer.”
Oliver Hurley of Oliver Hurley Productions said; “I am really looking forward to creating a festive, interactive programme of events. We aim to bring a magical experience to the streets of Tralee in the weeks of leading up to Christmas.”
Tralee The Christmas Kingdom is set to be officially launched on Saturday 26th November, with a ‘Festive Flair in the Square’.
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This opening ceremony will see a full programme of festivities including live music, stage shows, and lots more surprises as well as the turning on of the lights with the Mayor of Tralee and Santa Claus.
Mayor of Tralee, Cllr Mikey Sheehy said; “Christmas is a special time for family and community and this year, there is a wonderful programme of events for people of all ages. I am looking forward to joining Santa Claus on November 26th to turn on the Christmas lights, it gives a great sense of joy to the town and adds the festive buzz and excitement”.
There will be two major competitions running during the course of ‘Tralee the Christmas Kingdom’.
From December 1st, Search for the Magic asks people to find the MAGIC letters in the shop front windows around Tralee.
There is a daily competition to win a local business gift voucher. Simply find all 5 letters to spell the word magic and share the images on their social media and tag Tralee Chamber and Visit Tralee.
The second competition is to win a massive €1,000 by finding the Elf on the Loose. One of Santa’s naughty Elves will be let loose in Tralee. To be in with a chance of winning, report his whereabouts by tagging Tralee Chamber and Visit Tralee in your social media posts.
A magical Elf Trail will be set up for families to explore around Tralee with lots of joyful interactions and festive fun along the trail.
Visit the home of Lily the Elf at ‘The Naughty or Nice Test Centre’, visit Jingle the Elf at the ‘The North Pole Post Office’ to post your letter to Santa, make a wish at ‘The Wishing Well’ with Tinsel the Christmas Fairy and join Buddy the Elf and see Santa’s sleigh at ‘The Sleigh Shed’.
‘Santa Claus the Show’ is also coming to town each Saturday in the Square in the lead up to Christmas.
Santa is bringing his friends Frosty the Snowman, Fairy Twinkle, Ernie Elf and lots more with him. This spectacular interactive festive stage production promises to be a show jingle jam-packed full of Christmas fun, stories, songs, and dances to engage children and adults of all ages.
The Island of Geese is the venue for the festive Christmas Market on Friday 9th December and Saturday 10th December.
This 2-day evening market which will consist of Christmas themed stalls offering lots of seasonal goods, delicious food and drink, festive music, live performances, choirs, carollers, buskers, delightful Christmas character meet and greets, and lots more entertainment to spread the festive cheer.
THERE’S less than 90 days to Christmas and preparations are already in hand to make it another memorable season in Tralee.
Tralee Chamber Alliance and Kerry County Council are focusing on bringing family interactive events of a high standard to the town this Christmas.
With the support of Oliver Hurley Productions, the aim will be to bring the magic of Christmas to the streets of Tralee through new and creative initiatives.
The focus is to run major interactive events with the objective being to bring people from all over Kerry and further to Tralee town in the lead up to Christmas.
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Building on the wonderful decorations and lighting of previous years, the proposed events will also enhance the visuals in the town centre, creating a magical and festive kingdom.
The preparations for the Christmas season have been warmly welcomed by the Mayor of Tralee, Cllr Mikey Sheehy.
“Christmas is always a special time for family and community and this year there is a wonderful programme of events being arranged for people of all ages. I would encourage everyone to participate and to enjoy the holiday season,” he said.
Colette O’Connor, CEO Tralee Chamber Alliance, outlined some of the plans for the festive season.
“While the town is already established as having one of the top festive light displays in the country, we are really building on that and utilising the fantastic amenities including the Kerry County Museum and Island of Geese, while showcasing some of the local talent we have here in North Kerry. ”
“There will be a competition “Follow the Magic” running throughout the build-up to Christmas which will put the focus on our wonderful retailers, there will be a new guy town or should I say “new Elf”…watch this space and all will be revealed later!”
“And as you’d expect there will be Christmas markets with some fantastic shows for families every weekend through December, culminating in what is the traditional end to the celebrations in Tralee — a fireworks display on New Years Eve,” added Colette.
More details on the events for Christmas in Tralee will follow in the weeks ahead.
THERE was a wonderful family atmosphere in The Square on Saturday to begin the Christmas festivities in the town.
A merry-go-round kept the little ones entertained, while snow machines enhanced the yuletide feel, but judging by the cold on the day, it’s surprising we didn’t get the real thing!
Brian Hurley was the affable MC who gave out loads of spot prizes sponsored by local businesses and Little Rosebuds Pamper Parlour brought The Grinch and other characters to meet the kiddies.
The festivities ended with the switching on of the Christmas lights by Johnnie Wall and Bernadette O’Connor. Scroll down for photos…
DON’T forget that tomorrow (Saturday) will see a fantastic afternoon of family entertainment in The Square, culminating in the switching on of the Christmas lights.
Everyone is invited to come and enjoy the Christmas experience in Tralee. The Square will be transformed into a mini North Pole, with its giant Christmas tree and magical lights from 12pm throughout the afternoon right up until 6pm.
Hollywood style snow machines will be blowing snow across the street. MC Brian Hurley will be there chatting and giving away some fantastic prizes sponsored by local businesses.
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Entertainment will be provided by some of Tralee’s outstanding local buskers along with carolling from local choirs.
There will be festive drinks, nibbles and treats and a few surprise guests ahead of turning on the lights by the Mayor of Tralee, Cllr. Johnnie Wall at 5pm.
The public is reminded however, that Government COVID-19 guidelines should be abided by and the safety of residents, businesses and visitors is paramount.
Measures will be in place to ensure everyone can access and enjoy the afternoon in a safe manner, including sanitizing stations, while mark-wearing and social distancing is encouraged.
THE town square is set to be a winter wonderland this December as ‘Christmas In Tralee’ will create a fun-filled atmosphere for all the family.
Tralee Chamber Alliance in partnership with Kerry County Council will kick off Christmas in the town on Saturday, November 27 with the switching on of the Christmas lights.
The Square will be transformed into a mini North Pole, with its giant Christmas tree, magical lights and from 12pm throughout the afternoon right up until 6pm.
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Hollywood style snow machines will be blowing snow across the street. MC Brian Hurley will be there chatting and giving away some fantastic prizes sponsored by local businesses.
Entertainment will be provided by some of Tralee’s outstanding local buskers along with carolling from local choirs.
There will be festive drinks, nibbles and treats and a few surprise guests ahead of turning on the lights by the Mayor of Tralee, Cllr. Johnnie Wall at 5pm.
Following the official switch on, a festive atmosphere will continue in Tralee with Tralee Farmers Market (opposite the Brandon Hotel) who will have up to 20 stalls festively decorated over the two weekends right before Christmas, (Saturday 11th, Sunday 12th, Saturday 18th and Sunday 19th of December).
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Stalls will be decorated in festive cheer with lots of seasonal treats along with live music.
The town centre will have carol singing on Thursdays and Fridays and there will be a surprise or two which will be announced ahead of December 1st.
“The emphasis is on fun and safety with the event operating under strict Covid guidelines to ensure everyone’s enjoyment in a safe environment. The local businesses have worked hard to create a memorable experience for shoppers this year and are looking forward to welcoming everyone into the town over the coming weeks,” said Kevin McCarthy, President Tralee Chamber Alliance.
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“Tralee is at the centre of Christmas shopping traditions for many families across the county, there are people making the journey in throughout December coming from all areas of the county from Ballinskelligs to Tarbert and even further afield across the borders over into West Limerick and North Cork,” said Colette O’Connor, CEO Tralee Chamber Alliance.
“We are looking forward to continuing that tradition this year and welcoming everyone into Tralee as they look forward to welcoming their loved ones home. Christmas 2021 is about reconnecting and rediscovering what Christmas at home means to us, we are inviting people from across Kerry who are both living here and abroad to get in touch with the Chamber and tell us what makes Christmas in Tralee special to them. Email us at info@tralee.ie or tag us on social media @traleechamberalliance”
Mayor of Tralee, Cllr. Johnnie Wall said: “It has been another challenging year for local businesses and retailers and I am encouraging everyone in Kerry to support local when doing their shopping.
“Businesses here in Tralee have done a huge amount of work to make their shops safe and to adhere to the restrictions so they deserve every support. Every year, the Council provides a limited number of parking concessions which is a small but significant initiative to encourage people to come into our towns to shop, dine and enjoy the festive season.
“I hope that people will avail of the concessions over the coming weeks and enjoy what Tralee has to offer, while staying safe,” said Johnnie.
Tralee Chamber Alliance echo that and are encouraging everyone to support local where possible, give the Kerry gift card this Christmas which can be purchased at post offices across the county and remember that every euro spent locally is not only great for jobs and the economy but also for the environment.
AFTER the incredible crowds that turned out for the switching on of the lights, Tralee will again be basking in the warmth of the Christmas spirit when it holds a ‘Snow Day’ next week.
Snow Day, organised by Tralee Chamber Alliance with support from Kerry County Council, promises to be a festive treat for families.
Paul Ruane of Tralee Chamber Alliance said; “The event is brand new for 2019 and if we get the response we are hoping for, it promises to be a brilliant day to come into the town to soak up the Christmas atmosphere”.
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The event on Saturday, December 14 next is expected to attract families from all over Kerry and wider afield to Tralee to enjoy the snow day, and atmosphere in the local shops, and the organisers are encouraging people to come at anytime throughout the day as the event will be on from 12noon to 6pm.
“We have Christmas characters, choirs and carol singers, Siamsa Tire performers, live music, beautiful food and treats and of course giant snow machines from Franc’s team in Snow Ireland, all to create a winter wonderland in the town square right throughout the day,” said Paul.
“Based on the reaction so far, we expect a big turnout, so we’d encourage people to come at any time throughout the day to enjoy the event. We have a very small events team in the Chamber, who have been working flat out over the past few weeks getting everything lined up for what promises to be a wonderful day in the square for kids and families”.
“As soon as this event is done, we are straight onto the finishing touches for the New Year’s Eve Fireworks event, which is another brilliant event for families in Kerry, and thanks to support from Cara Credit Union, Yummy Café, Borg Warner and Manor West Retail Park, this year for the Fireworks event we will be having a party…but more on that later in the month.”
Ken Tobin of Tralee Chamber Alliance said; “We want to thank everyone who has helped us with these events, while they do cost us a significant amount to host which is paid for by our Business Members with fantastic support from Kerry County Council and local sponsors, it also takes considerable time and resources mainly from volunteers and we really appreciate all their support”
“We organise these events to attract people into Tralee, and all we ask is that you come and enjoy them, and when you’re here you support the business in Tralee, you would be amazed the difference it makes to the town and to the businesses when people decide just to spend a little less online and a little bit more in the local shops, bars and cafes.”
THE much-anticipated line up of events for Christmas in Tralee were released this morning through the events team in Tralee Chamber Alliance and there’s loads to look forward to including a winter wonderland of snow in The Square next month.
There’s also entertainment in the Tralee Chamber Marquee on the Mall, fireworks and shoppers can look forward to free parking in town from 1pm daily between Monday, December 2 and January 4.
It all kicks off this weekend in Tralee with the official switching on of the Christmas Lights by the Mayor Jim Finucane and special guests on thisSaturday at 4.30pm in The Square, following the CH Parade which starts at 2pm.
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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.
Seasonal events don’t stop there, as each Friday and Saturday throughout December the ‘Tralee Marquee’ will host acts, choirs and musicians each day in the square, so no matter what the weather, the show will go on.
Local groups, schools and choirs interested in using the marquee in the square are encouraged to contact david@tralee.ie, but places are filling fast.
And speaking of weather…Tralee will have a White Christmas…well at least for one day anyway.
Tralee Chamber Alliance to celebrate one year of the Tralee Shop Local Voucher, with support from Kerry County Council’s Community Support Fund, are bringing a ‘Snow Day’ to the square on Saturday 14th of December, with some festive foods, treats, Christmas characters, Carol Singers, Siamsa Tire performers and of course giant snow machines.
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Peter Kelly’s (aka Franc) team from ‘Snow Ireland’ are being brought in for one-day only to create a winter wonderland in the town square.
To add to the festivities of New Year’s eve, and the over 10,000 people last year that came out to watch the fireworks on Denny Street, this year Cara Credit Union as lead sponsor along with support from Borg Warner, Yummy Cafe and Manor West Retail Park are bringing the party to Denny Street.
UV5, one of Ireland’s premier high-energy party bands, will be kicking off on the Denny Street Stage from 5pm on New Year’s Eve for a two hour ‘throwback tunes’ show with the best of 80’s and 90’s party music to entertain the crowd, with the annual fireworks show blasting off at 6pm sharp.
The message this year from Tralee Chamber Alliance and the Tralee MD of Kerry County Council is to get into Tralee, shop til you drop and enjoy all that the town’s shops, bars and restaurants have to offer.
CAROL Singers and musicians will quite literally be covered during the Festive Season in Tralee with the introduction of an all-weather marquee on the Mall on the weeks leading up to Christmas.
Tralee Chamber Alliance, with the assistance of the Kerry County Council Community Support Fund, will present a varied programme of live music to suit all tastes from local entertainers, theatre groups, Gardaí, post office staff and schools.
Lisa Curran, who recently coordinated the successful Busking Festival over the October Bank Holiday Weekend, has once again put together an exciting variety of entertainment for everyone to enjoy in Tralee before Christmas.
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Performers including Seamus Harty, Chapter 2, Lauryn Griffin, Owen Rua, Castlemaine Choir, buskers, Scotia Ensemble String Quartet, a samba group and a local magician as well as trad groups from Ardfert and Ballyheigue will entertain shoppers every weekend in December until Christmas Eve.
Tralee Chamber Alliance’s Managing Consultant, Ken Tobin, said: “The atmosphere carol singers bring to the town centre is incredible each Christmas, and, where relevant, we know how valuable the fundraising element is to them. We’ve all seen it, each year school children and their teachers cowering under umbrellas in the driving rain while belting out their Carols. Well, this year schools, clubs or groups are welcome to make use of the Marquee in the Mall free of charge.”
Tralee Chamber Alliance particularly welcomes the recent decision by councillors in Tralee Municipal District to offer free on-street parking and in council carparks from 1pm daily from Monday, December 3 to Saturday, January 5.
“The free parking is an added incentive for more people to come to town to enjoy the live music on under the Marquee on The Mall,” said Ken Tobin.
Any individuals, groups or school who wish to perform on The Mall in December are invited to contact Tralee Chamber Alliance by emailing info@tralee.ie, letting them know what date and time they need the marquee and subject to availability and they’ll slot them in.
Follow the Tralee What’s On page on Facebook to see what acts are in the Marquee in the Mall and visit www.Tralee.ie for more details about what’s on in Kerry’s Capital this Festive Season.