The magic dust has been ordered by the sleigh-load and extra sparkle has been added to the festive trimmings as the truly spectacular Christmas in Killarney celebrations will return with a vengeance in the coming weeks.

With Santa cocooning for long spells last year, the festival had to be put on hold but that merely gave the amazing Team Christmas in Killarney ample opportunity to plan a bigger, better and more incredible party for 2021.

The first of four fabulous and colourful street parades will wind through the streets on Saturday, November 27, at 6pm, and the magic will continue with further fun-filled parades on December 4, December 11 and December 18.

As well as all the traditional favourites, an elaborate and spectacular new float has been added this year and it will certainly have a real wow factor as it takes to the streets.

A new route has been planned for this year’s parade of floats and Christmas characters which will wind its way from Fitzgerald Stadium along Lewis Road, on to College Street, Plunkett Street, Main Street and High Street with Santa looking forward to seeing all the boys and girls lining the streets.

Strict COVID-19 protocols will apply and, to ensure everyone’s safety, those planning to attend are asked to wear facemasks and observe social distancing guidelines.

SANTA's GROTTO

Plans are also being made for a Santa’s Grotto experience in the lead up to the festive season with details to be revealed very soon and the final programme for the hugely popular Dine in Killarney Christmas experience is also being finalised.

Mayor of Killarney Cllr Marie Moloney, who is a member of the Christmas in Killarney Committee, said it will be wonderful to see a bit of normality returning to the town for the festive season.

“Last Christmas was very hard on everybody who couldn’t meet up with their loved ones and many people spent it on their own. This year, thankfully, there will be a bit more freedom for people to meet up and celebrate together,” she said.

Mayor Moloney said the Christmas in Killarney festival will provide a superb backdrop for the seasonal celebrations but she urged everybody to be cautious, to wear their masks and to observe social distance requests when they are watching the parades so that everybody remains safe.

The voluntary chairman of the Christmas in Killarney celebration, Niall Kelleher, said everyone behind the scenes is just as excited as the children of Killarney and beyond and he said it is a wonderful feeling to be able to sprinkle an extra handful of magic dust and sparkle on the town this year.

“Last year was difficult for all of us but we plan to make up for it in the coming weeks with the type of spectacular celebration that has made Christmas in Killarney famous all over the world,” he said.

Santa Claus, meanwhile, has confirmed that he has pencilled the Killarney parades into his packed diary and he is really looking forward to seeing everybody when he arrives.

“My little helpers have been doing their research and they told me just how hard everybody on the Christmas in Killarney Committee is working to make this year extra special. It is going to be a magical time in one of my favourite towns in the whole world,” he said.