Tralee takes the lead in Kerry with the focus on home this Christmas
Tralee Chamber Alliance in partnership with Kerry County Council will kick off Christmas in the heart of the Kingdom on Saturday November 27th with a fun filled day for all the family. “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 we are looking forward to welcoming everyone into the town over the coming weeks” said Kevin McCarthy, President Tralee Chamber Alliance.
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, 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 fantastic 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.
Coming into Tralee is a pleasure during the month of December with one of the most impressive festive lighting displays in Ireland. That coupled with the wonderfully decorated windows by local retailers make for a festive atmosphere like no other. Tralee is fortunate to have some of the very best independent businesses in the county standing shoulder to shoulder with high street brands offering a one stop shop for everyone. There are plenty of places to grab a coffee, lunch or dinner to make a day of it while not having to worry about parking costs as parking will be free in Council owned car parks (max. stay periods apply) from November 29th until January 2nd.
“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. 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 so special. Email us at info@tralee.ie or tag us on social media @traleechamberalliance” says Colette O’Connor, CEO Tralee Chamber Alliance.
Following the official switch on, a festive atmosphere will continue in Tralee with Tralee Farmers Market who will have up to twenty stalls festively decorated over the two weekend’s right before Christmas, Saturday 11th, Sunday 12th, Saturday 18th and Sunday 19th of December. 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. Watch this space!
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.”
As always we urge 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.
