Get ready for a festive cultural extravaganza with a celebration of International Christmas and Winter customs! With a melting pot of around 100 nationalities calling Limerick home, this series of events promises to be a vibrant showcase of diverse traditions.
International Christmas and Winter in Limerick – A Celebration is set to captivate audiences across the city and county with dance, storytelling, food, music and a holiday fair. From Christmas traditions to winter customs from around the world, the event is a fusion of entertainment fun and learning.
Our international residents will share performances and stories, offering a unique glimpse into the rich cultural diversity that thrives in Limerick.
Arts officer at Limerick City and County Council, Dr Pippa Little said,
“International Christmas and Winter in Limerick celebrates the many cultural traditions our citizens come from. 2022 was the first time this event took place, with a focus on just one day. This year the programme has grown and is taking place over four weeks. Don't miss this opportunity to embrace the warmth of traditions from around the world right here in Limerick!”
Funded by Creative Ireland and Limerick City and County Council this celebration is made possible through the collaboration of Limerick's international communities and creative organisations.
Here is a taste of some of the International treats in store:
International Christmas at Dance Limerick
Saturday 02 December, Dance Limerick, John’s Square, 2pm – 4pm
Put on your dancing shoes (any shoes will do) and try some steps with our afternoon of international dance, featuring Mexican, Chinese, Palestinian, Irish and Indian dance. Presented in partnership with Dance Limerick. Booking is advised.
International Christmas at Dance Limerick | Limerick.ie
Polish Christmas Carol Concert
Sunday 03 December, St. Michael’s Church, Denmark St., 2pm
Get in the festive spirit with a captivating musical experience showcasing the rich cultural and musical heritage of Poland. No booking necessary.
Polish Christmas Carol Concert | Limerick.ie
Festive Folktales from Far Away
Saturday 09 December - Dooradoyle Library, 10.30am and 12pm
Saturday 16 December – Watch House Cross Library, 10.30am (Sensory Session) and 12.15pm
Limerick Libraries host a series of seasonal storytimes. Huddle in for a festive storytelling session while listening to heart-warming tales about winter traditions from around Europe!
Festive Folktales from Far Away | Limerick.ie
Tasting Culture - Swapping Our Recipes and Stories
Saturday 09 December, The Hunt Museum, 12pm – 4pm
Share the recipes and stories of neighbours and friends from around the world at Limerick’s Hunt Museum. No booking necessary.
Tasting Culture - Swapping Our Recipes and Stories | Limerick.ie
Winter Celebration at Limerick City Art Gallery
Saturday 16 December, Limerick City Gallery of Art, 11am – 3pm
Join us for a family fun day to celebrate winter traditions. Drop into our Learning Hub to make art inspired by your traditional winter celebrations. We will share stories of winter celebrations from around the world, make art inspired by these stories and share some festive treats.
International Christmas at Limerick City Gallery of Art | Limerick.ie
Sing out With Strings - Christmas Stories & Music
Wednesday 13 December, Narrative 4, 58 O’Connell St., 3.30pm,
Come listen to The Sing Out with Strings musicians and an entertaining Christmas tale for children. A family friendly afternoon of Christmas Stories & Music with Sing Out With Strings & Narrative 4. No booking necessary.
Christmas Stories & Music | Limerick.ie
Newcastle West Holiday Fair
Saturday 16 December, Desmond Complex, Newcastle West, 10am – 1pm
The Newcastle West Holiday Fair is a celebration of Christmas and holiday traditions from around the world. Suitable for all ages, this event will have craft stalls, international food & music, face painting, children’s corner, and a surprise festive guest. This free celebration is hosted by West Limerick Resources together with the West Limerick Migrant Network to bring some festive cheer to Newcastle West this December. No prior booking required.
Newcastle West Holiday Fair | Limerick.ie
Limerick Youth Theatre
Saturday 16 December, Creative Hub, Tait Business Centre, Dominick Street 11am, 12pm & 1pm
Immerse the whole family in a Christmas fantasy as Limerick Youth Theatre read aloud a series of iconic short Christmas stories from around the world. Let your imaginations run wild and see the characters come alive before your eyes. No booking necessary.
Let’s Go Shopping! A history of retail in Limerick
Visit from 07 December to 25 January 2024 at Limerick Museum
For many in Limerick and its surrounding environs, this time of year conjures memories of shopping trips to Limerick City. Limerick Museum’s Let’s Go Shopping! exhibition is a trip down memory lane – a celebration of ‘getting the messages’, ‘only having a look’, ‘spending a few bob’ and ‘meeting at Todds’.
Exhibition: Let’s go Shopping! A history of retail in Limerick | Limerick.ie
International Christmas and Winter in Limerick – A Celebration is part of a programme of events in Limerick city and county this holiday season.
Limerick.ie/Christmas is the ultimate destination for all you need to know to make the most of the busy festive season.
Christmas in Limerick is brought to you by Limerick City and County Council in association with our media partners: Live 95, Spin Southwest, Limerick Post and Limerick Leader.
Stay up to date with Christmas in Limerick online:
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Getting there and getting around
Christmas shoppers and visitors to Limerick city can avail of more than 9,000 designated on and off street car parking spaces, 46 km of dedicated cycle lanes and over 30 bus routes serving the city, county and region.
Limerick City
Weekend Park and Stride
- FREE parking in Limerick City and County Council Car Park behind Merchant’s Quay
Access is via Nicholas Street
9am to 10pm - Saturdays & Sundays from 26 Nov – 23 Dec
9am – 4pm Christmas Eve
City Centre On-Street Parking
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Over 4,000 on-street parking spaces in Limerick City
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Parking is from 50c per half hour (Monday to Saturday)
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On-Street Parking is always FREE after 5.30pm daily and all day Sunday
Abbeyfeale, Killmallock and Newcastle West
- First hour FREE between 9.30 am – 5.30 pm as usual
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Additional 2 hours FREE on-street parking from 2.30pm daily from 03 Dec – 31 Dec
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FREE on Sundays as always
