CHRISTMAS WHAT’S ON
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 6 A FAIRY GOOD CHRISTMAS National Opera House, 10 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1 p.m.
When the good fairy Golden Ember has her magic taken by the King of the Rats, King Ratzee, all seems lost. Experience a magical adventure through the opera house, meandering on a journey through Christmas Tree Woods to help find Golden Embers lost magic. This show promises an exciting adventure, lots of giggles and laughs with new friends and loads of Christmas magic. Suitable for children aged 3 to 8 years.
MINI MAESTROS Wexford Arts Centre, 10:30 - 11.15 a.m.
This workshop gives parents the chance to join their child in the discovery of music and singing with kids enjoying their first orchestral experience and learning to play a variety of instruments. The event is a progressive, fun and interactive curriculum, taught by trained professional musicians Aileen Donohoe and Peter McCamley.
CHRISTMAS CRAFT EXHIBITIO & FAIR Wexford Arts Centre, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
The annual event features work from members of the Co. Wexford Craft Trail. Exhibitors include: Ceadogan Rugs, Paul Maloney, Mairead Stafford, Patricia Howard, Annette Whelan, Terry the Weaver, Patsy Flood O’Connor, Mairead Cairbre, Gilly Thomas, Dainius, Lina Varnelis, and new Craft Trail members Rebecca Homfray and Bianca Divito.
WEXFORD PEOPLE WEXFORD ON ICE Wexford Quay, Various times
Winter wouldn’t be complete without enjoying a skate on a beautiful real Ice Rink – Wexford on Ice, set against the spectacular backdrop of Wexford Quay. Show off your skating skills while admiring the view over the water, then sip a coffee or a festive hot chocolate from our Coffee Dock. The Ice Rink features a state of the art sound and light display to entertain you as you glide across the ice!
SANTA’S NORTH POLE EXPERIENCE Wexford Quay, Various times
Santa’s North Pole Experience will transport your family from Wexford Quay to the wonder of the North Pole, with magic and fun around every snowy corner! From the very beginning, young and old will be captivated. Stroll through the enchanted forest, meet elves and leave food for the reindeer. Finally, meet Santa and take plenty of photographs!
CHRISTMAS EXPRESS Bull Ring, Various times
Enjoy a truly festive experience seeing the sights of Wexford on this magical train while listening to special Christmas tales with Mrs. Claus and her elves. The beautifully ornate Christmas train will take in the magical lights and sounds of Wexford Town at Christmas. The journey lasts about 15 minutes and will enthral kids of all ages.
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7 RED GUITAR TOUR
Macken’s, 8:30 p.m. Billy Roche’s return to live music continues with a concert in Macken’s upstairs function room. He plays alongside Mike Odlum and Pete McCamley. Tickets are available from the pub.
A FAIRY GOOD CHRISTMAS
National Opera House, 10 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1 p.m. See Wednesday, December 6.
IRISH BAROQUE ORCHESTRA – HANDEL’S MESSIAH National Opera House, 7:30 p.m.
‘Messiah’ is a work of intense drama and tells the universal story of triumph over trial, where life’s sorrows and despairs are met by overriding hope and unbridled joy. Performed in the O’Reilly Theatre, Irish Baroque Orchestra’s performance will be a memorable and glorious affair. Peter Whelan directs a first-class line-up of Irish soloists including: Sarah Power (Soprano), Sharon Carty (mezzo-soprano), Peter Harris (tenor), Brian McAlea (bass) and the wonderful Resurgam choir.
LOVERS Presentation Centre, Enniscorthy, 8 p.m.
Presented by new group, Blackstairs Mountain Theatre, Brian Friel’s ‘Lovers’ is a play in two parts. In the first, he introduces the audience to his winners, 17 year old Joe and Mag, and in the second part to his losers, Andy and Hannah, whose love bloomed much later in life.
CHRISTMAS CRAFT EXHIBITION & FAIR
Wexford Arts Centre, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. See Wednesday, December 6.
WEXFORD PEOPLE WEXFORD ON ICE
Wexford Quay, Various times See Wednesday, December 6.
SANTA’S NORTH POLE EXPERIENCE
Wexford Quay, Various times See Wednesday, December 6.
CHRISTMAS EXPRESS
Bull Ring, Various times See Wednesday, December 6.
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 8 A FAIRY GOOD CHRISTMAS
National Opera House, 10 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1 p.m., 5 p.m. See Wednesday, December 6.
JOHN SPILLANE
Macken’s Bar, 8 p.m. The acclaimed Irish singer and songwriter John Spillane, celebrates 35 years of an ever-consistent vastly illuminating and exciting career within the world of music. Having sold over 100,000 albums in Ireland, John has also been awarded with two Meteor Irish Music Awards for ‘Best Act Folk’ and ‘Traditional’ act. Tickets from www.lantern.ie.
LOVERS
Presentation Centre, Enniscorthy, 8 p.m. See Thursday, December 7.
JMA PERFORMING THE CLASSIC SONGS OF BOB DYLAN AND NEIL YOUNG
Wexford Arts Centre, 8:30 p.m. JMA pay homage to Bob Dylan and Neil Young’s greatest music featuring performances of classics such as: ‘Like A Rolling Stone’, ‘Baby Please Stop Crying’, ‘Senor’, ‘Cortez the Killer’, ‘Hey Hey My My’, ‘Cinnamon Girl’ and so many more including some slightly lesser known album tracks. JMA take the songs of the masters and add their own unique edge to the mix.
CHRISTMAS CRAFT EXHIBITION & FAIR
Wexford Arts Centre, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. See Wednesday, December 6.
CHRISTMAS CAROLS St. Iberius Church, 8 p.m.
The Wexford Male Voice Choir, with special guests the Wexford Ladies Choir perform a medley of Christmas favourites. Tickets are €10 and are available from St. Iberius or any choir member.
WEXFORD PEOPLE WEXFORD ON ICE
Wexford Quay, Various times See Wednesday, December 6.
SANTA’S NORTH POLE EXPERIENCE
Wexford Quay, Various times See Wednesday, December 6.
CHRISTMAS EXPRESS
Bull Ring, Various times See Wednesday, December 6.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 9 SANTA WORLD
Clonard Community Centre, 2:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. Santa will make a stop-off at Clonard for two days. There will be sleigh rides, stalls, refreshments, wheel o’fortune and more.
A FAIRY GOOD CHRISTMAS
National Opera House, 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m., 5 p.m. See Wednesday, December 6.
LOVERS
Presentation Centre, Enniscorthy, 8 p.m. See Thursday, December 7.
RUSSELL WATSON – SONGS FROM THE HEART
National Opera House, 7:30 p.m. The UK’s best-selling classical crossover artist of all time returns to the stage with a collection of best-loved songs along with tracks from his new studio album ‘True Stories’. Russell Watson has sold more than seven million albums and performed for Her Majesty the Queen, The Pope and two US Presidents. Captivating to watch and enchanting to listen to, he continues to wow audiences with his enigmatic and entertaining live performances.
THE LOCKSMITH’S SONG
Wexford Arts Centre, 3 p.m. Suitable for aged 7+
Set in the dusty world of an old locksmith’s shop this tale soon bursts into action and adventure. The audience is brought on a challenging and rewarding journey in which the hero, Tom Losluv, struggles to deal with his mother’s illness. A boy tricks death and locks it in a box. He battles with a ferocious monster who has fought great armies of the world and lived to tell the tale. He risks everything he has to save his mother from the sickness that grips her.
CHRISTMAS CRAFT EXHIBITION & FAIR
Wexford Arts Centre, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. See Wednesday, December 6.
WEXFORD PEOPLE WEXFORD ON ICE
Wexford Quay, Various times See Wednesday, December 6.
SANTA’S NORTH POLE EXPERIENCE
Wexford Quay, Various times See Wednesday, December 6.
CHRISTMAS EXPRESS
Bull Ring, Various times See Wednesday, December 6.
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 10 SANTA WORLD
Clonard Community Centre, 2:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. See Saturday, December 9.
A FAIRY GOOD CHRISTMAS
National Opera House, 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m., 5 p.m. See Wednesday, December 6.
BALLET IRELAND PRESENTS ‘ROMEO & JULIET’
National Opera House, 7 p.m. Based on Shakespeare’s tale of the star-crossed lovers, Romeo & Juliet is one of the greatest love stories of all time. Against a backdrop of ancient feuds and gang warfare, the ill-fated young couple falls hopelessly in love, but their families are bitter enemies. In order to be together the two lovers must be prepared to risk everything.
LIONS CLUB CAROL CONCERT
Rowe Street Church, 3:30 p.m. Wexford Lions Club with Wexford Community Singers will present a Carol Concert in association with the Lions Club, in aid of the MRI Now Appeal. A collection will take place.
WEXFORD PEOPLE WEXFORD ON ICE
Wexford Quay, Various times See Wednesday, December 6.
SANTA’S NORTH POLE EXPERIENCE
Wexford Quay, Various times See Wednesday, December 6.
CHRISTMAS EXPRESS
Bull Ring, Various times See Wednesday, December 6.
MONDAY, DECEMBER 11 BIG CHRISTMAS SING
Wexford Arts Centre, 7:30 p.m. Following on from the success of the first Big Christmas Sing, the community is invited to take part in this free event. All welcome to learn some Christmas carols and favourites as well as some new ones with help from singing coach/ choir mistress extraordinaire Elizabeth Drawl. No prior singing experience necessary.
CHRISTMAS CRAFT EXHIBITION & FAIR
Wexford Arts Centre, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. See Wednesday, December 6.
CHRISTMAS CONCERT
Greenacres, 7 p.m. Students of Marketa Malcova, mezzo-soprano, will perform an hour-and-a-half programme of Christmas Carols, Jadish Songs and Classical Music, an event which promises to provide an excellent start to the Christmas festivities. All are welcome. Mulled wine will be on offer during the interval.
WEXFORD PEOPLE WEXFORD ON ICE
Wexford Quay, Various times See Wednesday, December 6.
SANTA’S NORTH POLE EXPERIENCE
Wexford Quay, Various times See Wednesday, December 6.
CHRISTMAS EXPRESS
Bull Ring, Various times See Wednesday, December 6.
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 12 A CHRISTMAS NUGGET
Wexford Arts Centre, 10 a.m., 11:30 a.m. RedMoonCreativeArtsTheatre’snewshow tellsoftwofriends,BillieandJess,whoare excited about Santa’s visit but, in a moment of silliness and bad judgement, make a decisionthatleadstoupsetintheirvillage. Too scared own up, they worry that Santa won’t come to them. In the meantime, Edie the Elf arrives to help fix the problem.
38 YEARS OF THE LIONS CLUB
Wexford Library, 7 p.m. Wexford Lions Club talk about the 38 years of work assisting groups such as Southend Family Resource Centre, The Women’s Refuge, Ozanam House, Our Lady of Fatima School and St Brigid’s Community Day Care Centre. An exhibition of photographs and memories from these groups runs until the end of the month.
CHRISTMAS CRAFT EXHIBITION & FAIR
Wexford Arts Centre, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. See Wednesday, December 6.
WEXFORD PEOPLE WEXFORD ON ICE
Wexford Quay, Various times See Wednesday, December 6.
SANTA’S NORTH POLE EXPERIENCE
Wexford Quay, Various times See Wednesday, December 6.
CHRISTMAS EXPRESS
Bull Ring, Various times See Wednesday, December 6.
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 13 A FAIRY GOOD CHRISTMAS
National Opera House, 10 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1 p.m. See Wednesday, December 6.
CHRISTMAS CRAFT EXHIBITION & FAIR
Wexford Arts Centre, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. See Wednesday, December 6.
RTE NATIONAL SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA CHRISTMAS GALA
National Opera House, 7:30 p.m. Join the RTÉ NSO for a sparkling programme of opera and seasonal favourites featuring Veronica Dunne 2016 prizewinners Fatma Said and William Davenport. The programme will include opera highlights from Massenet’s ‘Manon’ and Léhar’s ‘Giuditta’, musical highlights from Bernstein’s ‘On the Town’ and ‘West Side Story’, and a selection of seasonal orchestral and vocal music including the beautiful ‘O Holy Night’.
MINI MAESTROS
Wexford Arts Centre, 10:30 - 11.15 a.m. See Wednesday, December 6.
WEXFORD PEOPLE WEXFORD ON ICE
Wexford Quay, Various times See Wednesday, December 6.
SANTA’S NORTH POLE EXPERIENCE
Wexford Quay, Various times See Wednesday, December 6.
CHRISTMAS EXPRESS
Bull Ring, Various times See Wednesday, December 6.
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 14 A FAIRY GOOD CHRISTMAS
National Opera House, 10 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1 p.m. See Wednesday, December 6.
THE HUMAN LIBRARY
Wexford Library, 5:30 p.m. This event runs in association with Doras Luimní and the Refugee Resettlement Project. The ‘books’ in this particular library are men and women from Syria and Iraq who will share their remarkable of migration stories over a cup of tea or coffee.
CHRISTMAS CRAFT EXHIBITION & FAIR
Wexford Arts Centre, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. See Wednesday, December 6.
CURSED MURPHY LABORATORY
Wexford Arts Centre, 8:30 p.m. Cursed Murphy’s Laboratory is an evening of public performances from established and emerging Wexford artists, plus guests, operating in all disciplines: music, visual arts, literature, film, theatre, spoken word performance, dance, and more. Curated by Cursed Murphy (aka writer and spoken word performer Peter Murphy) this will be an art happening, a social event, a club night, and an opportunity for experimentation and interdisciplinary adventure.
CHRISTMAS GALA CONCERT
Rowe Street Church, 8 p.m. Join the Rowe Street and Bride Street Church Choirs for their annual concert, with special guests Sinead Campbell, The Loch Garman Band, Credo, Enniscorthy Choral Society, the Reverend Tenors and more. This is a parish night, in aid of the parish. Tickets are available from the Collins-Grant Gallery, the Parish Office, and the Sacristies in both churches.
WEXFORD PEOPLE WEXFORD ON ICE
Wexford Quay, Various times See Wednesday, December 6.
SANTA’S NORTH POLE EXPERIENCE
Wexford Quay, Various times See Wednesday, December 6.
CHRISTMAS EXPRESS
Bull Ring, Various times See Wednesday, December 6.
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 15 A FAIRY GOOD CHRISTMAS
National Opera House, 10 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1 p.m. See Wednesday, December 6.
WEXFORD TRADITIONAL SINGERS SESSIONS
Mary’s Bar, 9 p.m. Enjoy a mixture of traditional Irish music with some talented local singers and musicians. All are welcome.
CHRISTMAS CRAFT EXHIBITION & FAIR
Wexford Arts Centre, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. See Wednesday, December 6..
THE MARIE KRUTTLI TRIO
Wexford Arts Centre, 8:30 p.m. The Marie Kruttli Trio inspires, vivid, fresh, brilliant and audacious. Jazz needs trios like this says a Jazz critic about their debut album in 2014. The young pianist creates with a sophisticated and personal language, a deep rhythmical and harmonical research. Thanks to the interpretation of the trio, full of lightness and groove, this music speaks to the body and the heart. With a mature sound, a special aesthetic and a bewitching virtuosity, the three musicians deliver a highly pertinent music. No hipster minimalism, no irony but clear and powerful ideas.
WEXFORD PEOPLE WEXFORD ON ICE
Wexford Quay, Various times See Wednesday, December 6.
SANTA’S NORTH POLE EXPERIENCE
Wexford Quay, Various times See Wednesday, December 6.
CHRISTMAS EXPRESS
Bull Ring, Various times See Wednesday, December 6.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 16 A FAIRY GOOD CHRISTMAS
National Opera House, 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m., 5 p.m. See Wednesday, December 6.
CHRISTMAS CRAFTS AND STORIES
Wexford Library, 11 a.m. Make and decorate your very own Christmas penguin together in a fun workshop combining arts and crafts with festive stories music and movement. Suitable for 5 to 8 year olds.
CHRISTMAS CRAFT EXHIBITION & FAIR
Wexford Arts Centre, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. See Wednesday, December 6.
BIG CHRISTMAS SING CONCERT
Wexford Arts Centre, 3 p.m. The first Big Christmas Sing Group will celebrate the end of a second series of workshops with a concert featuring a range of old, new and wacky seasonal favourites with singing teacher Elizabeth Drwal.
NATHAN CARTER
National Opera House, 8 p.m. Country music’s brightest star, Nathan Carter and his band will light up the stage with all the classic hits and songs that have made him a firm favourite with Irish audiences. Influenced by a generation of country singers including Garth Brooks, Vince Gill, Shania Twain and Brad, Nathan’s fifth and current album Where I Wanna Be reached the coveted Number 1 position in the Irish Charts.
WEXFORD PEOPLE WEXFORD ON ICE
Wexford Quay, Various times See Wednesday, December 6.
SANTA’S NORTH POLE EXPERIENCE
Wexford Quay, Various times See Wednesday, December 6.
CHRISTMAS EXPRESS
Bull Ring, Various times See Wednesday, December 6.
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 17 A FAIRY GOOD CHRISTMAS
National Opera House, 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m., 5 p.m. See Wednesday, December 6.
CHRISTMAS CRAFT EXHIBITION & FAIR
Wexford Arts Centre, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. See Wednesday, December 6.
NATHAN CARTER
National Opera House, 8 p.m. See Saturday, December 16.
CHRISTMAS HARP CONCERT
St. Iberius Church, 2 p.m. This concert will be presented by Ceoltóirí Munna and will be a Christmas treat for music lovers. Admission on the door.
WEXFORD PEOPLE WEXFORD ON ICE
Wexford Quay, Various times See Wednesday, December 6.
SANTA’S NORTH POLE EXPERIENCE
Wexford Quay, Various times See Wednesday, December 6.
CHRISTMAS EXPRESS
Bull Ring, Various times See Wednesday, December 6.
MONDAY, DECEMBER 18 CHRISTMAS CRAFT EXHIBITION & FAIR
Wexford Arts Centre, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. See Wednesday, December 6
WEXFORD PEOPLE WEXFORD ON ICE
Wexford Quay, Various times See Wednesday, December 6.
SANTA’S NORTH POLE EXPERIENCE
Wexford Quay, Various times See Wednesday, December 6.
CHRISTMAS EXPRESS
Bull Ring, Various times See Wednesday, December 6.
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 19 CHRISTMAS CRAFT EXHIBITION & FAIR
Wexford Arts Centre, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. See Wednesday, December 6
TRADITIONS AND SONGS OF CHRISTMAS
Wexford Library, 7 p.m. Liam Gaul explores the origins our Christmas traditions, including the crib, the star, the Magi and of course the bringer of gifts St. Nicholas aka Santa Claus. Carols including the Enniscorthy Carol and popular Christmas songs will also feature, and audience participation will be encouraged.
CHRISTMAS PIANO CONCERT
Greenacres Gallery, 6 p.m. Rebecca Warren School of Music will present a Christmas Piano Concert. All are welcome and refreshments – hot and cold – will be available.
WEXFORD PEOPLE WEXFORD ON ICE
Wexford Quay, Various times See Wednesday, December 6.
SANTA’S NORTH POLE EXPERIENCE
Wexford Quay, Various times See Wednesday, December 6.
CHRISTMAS EXPRESS
Bull Ring, Various times See Wednesday, December 6.
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 20 MINI MAESTROS
Wexford Arts Centre, 10:30 a.m. See Wednesday, December 6.
CHRISTMAS CRAFT EXHIBITION & FAIR
Wexford Arts Centre, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. See Wednesday, December 6
WEXFORD PEOPLE WEXFORD ON ICE
Wexford Quay, Various times See Wednesday, December 6.
SANTA’S NORTH POLE EXPERIENCE
Wexford Quay, Various times See Wednesday, December 6.
CHRISTMAS EXPRESS
Bull Ring, Various times See Wednesday, December 6.
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21 MEMORY TREE BLESSING
Tesco Wexford, 5 p.m. The Memory Tree at Tesco Wexford helps people to remember those who are no longer with us at this time of the year. Cards for the tree can be purchased in store, before this date, for €2. Money raised will go to AWARE and Wexford Hospice Homecare. Fr. James Cullen will bless the tree along with a local choir at 5 p.m.