Experience the magic of Christmas this Saturday and Sunday as Frostival Winter Festival gets underway to mark the start of the festive season in Dundalk Town Centre. The countdown to Christmas starts here, join us in coming together to celebrate this magical time of year.
The Christmas Markets and Mini Fun Fair open at 11am on Saturday at Market Square, and the highlight of the day is the Toy Box Wonders show taking place from 5 to 7pm – an animated live children’s show celebrating some of our favourite childhood characters.
“As the dark nights roll in and Christmas approaches, we can all feel a little magic in the air, and as the clock strikes five on Saturday these tremendous toys will come to life with a burst of colour, light and sound. Each year we try to introduce new elements that will create memorable experiences for families.” shared Martin McElligott, Town Centre Commercial Manager.
Large crowds are expected in Dundalk over the festival weekend, especially for the Carnival of Light parade at 5.30pm on Sunday 17th of November. Visitors travelling to town by car are encouraged to be in and parked up by 4.30pm, at the latest, to avoid traffic congestion or delays as a result of the necessary road closures that will be in place.
The Christmas Markets and Family Fun Fair re-open at 11am on Sunday, and there are rumours circulating that The Grinch may also be in Dundalk later in the day looking to disrupt proceedings. If you see anything suspicious, please do upload a photograph and tag @frostivalparade and @frostivaldundalk so that organisers can thwart his efforts!
Oonagh O’Carroll from the iRadio duo “Cooper & Oonagh” will be taking to the stage—and the decks—to kick off the festivities before Santa’s arrival and the official Christmas Light Switch-On countdown. Throughout the week, she’s been giving away €1,000 in “shop local” vouchers sponsored by Dundalk Chamber of Commerce, so be sure to stay tuned to iRadio for your chance to win! This event promises to be one of the biggest family street parties the town has ever seen, so put on your Christmas jumpers and join the fun!
Martin continued “Come and celebrate the start of the festive season with family and friends, from far and wide, by inviting them to join us for County Louth’s biggest Christmas celebration! We would also like to express our sincere thanks and appreciation to our sponsors, it would not be possible to deliver a festival of this magnitude without the generosity and commitment of our commercial sponsor Dundalk Credit Union, and our civic sponsor Louth County Council.”
David Donnelly, Head of Marketing and Communications at Dundalk Credit Union, commented on the excitement around the Frostival Winter Festival “We’re thrilled to be a part of Frostival, helping to bring the community together for such a magical event to kick off the Christmas season. Dundalk Credit Union is committed to supporting initiatives that make our town and the wider North East a vibrant and joyful place to live and visit. This festival is a wonderful way for families, friends, and neighbours to come together, create lasting memories, and experience the true spirit of Christmas. We look forward to seeing everyone at Market Square and can’t wait to share in the joy and excitement of the season.”
Thomas McEvoy, Director of Services, Louth County Council said “Following the very successful Lú festival in Drogheda last week, Louth County Council is delighted to be the civic sponsor for Frostival in Dundalk again this year. The excitement on the faces of all those attending is truly wonderful, bringing light, colour and fun to Dundalk. I applaud the work of all involved, especially the BIDS team, in creating this magical and charming event and encourage everyone to attend and see Frostival for themselves.”
Martin concluded “Frostival truly is a team effort. From the public who come out to support it, to our valued partners in the local business and voluntary sector, Dundalk Chamber, Dundalk Tidy Towns, Dundalk Civil Defence, Dundalk FC Security, St. Patrick’s Scout Group, Buíon Setanta Scouts, Funky Feet and An Garda Síochána.
Parade route | starts from The Green Church, weaving its way through passes through Clanbrassil Street, Crowe Street, Francis Street and Park Street, turning at Oscar’s corner and finishing up at the Longwalk SC.
