🎄 Welcome to the Marble City Music Festival — Christmas Season 2026 🎄

✨ Three Spectacular Concerts in the Heart of Kilkenny City!

This December, the Marble City Music Festival invites you to experience the magic of the festive season with three magnificent concerts in some of Kilkenny's most beautiful and historic venues.

From breathtaking virtuosity and romantic masterpieces to the magic of Christmas at the Movies and a glittering New Year's Eve Gala, our December season brings together an exceptional line-up of celebrated international artists, Ireland's finest musicians and rising stars for three unforgettable evenings of music.

Whether you're a classical music enthusiast, looking for a magical Christmas outing with family and friends, or hoping to welcome the New Year in style, there is something for everyone at the Marble City Music Festival!

🎟️ Tickets from just €18.00

🔥 NO BOOKING FEES ON ANY TICKETS! 🔥

🎻 Thursday 3rd December — Virtuosity & Romance ✨

PATRICK RAFTER & TIAN JIANG IN RECITAL

📍 St John's Priory, Kilkenny City (Opposite Langton's Hotel)

🕗 8:00 PM

✨ Two internationally acclaimed musicians. One extraordinary evening of virtuosity, passion and romance. ✨

Internationally acclaimed Irish violinist Patrick Rafter joins celebrated pianist Tian Jiang for a spectacular evening featuring some of the most thrilling and beautiful works ever written for violin and piano.

From the dazzling virtuosity of Paganini and the breathtaking intensity of Tartini's Devil's Trill to the exquisite beauty of Chopin's Nocturnes and the passionate brilliance of Ysaÿe, this programme promises an exhilarating musical journey.

With careers taking them to major concert halls across Europe, Asia and America, these two exceptional artists bring their artistry together for an intimate evening in the beautiful surroundings of St John's Priory.

🌟 A thrilling celebration of two extraordinary instruments in the hands of two remarkable musicians!

🎬 Friday 4th December — Christmas at the Movies 🎄

A MAGICAL EVENING OF FESTIVE FAVOURITES

MEGAN WALSH — SOPRANO

TARA STRING QUARTET

RONAN SCARLETT — PERCUSSION

PATRICK RAFTER — VIOLIN

📍 St Canice's RC Church, Kilkenny City

🕗 8:00 PM

🎅✨ The magic of Christmas, the music of the movies, and all your festive favourites in one unforgettable evening! ✨

Step into a winter wonderland as the Marble City Music Festival presents a heartwarming celebration of Christmas music, festive film favourites and seasonal classics for the whole family!

Featuring the beautiful voice of soprano Megan Walsh, the wonderful Tara String Quartet, and the extraordinary talents of multi-instrumentalist Rónán Scarlett, whose sparkling percussion, sleigh bells and xylophone will bring an extra touch of Christmas magic to the evening, this promises to be a truly enchanting festive experience.

Enjoy music from beloved Christmas films including Home Alone, The Polar Express, The Snowman and The Muppet Christmas Carol, alongside timeless favourites such as White Christmas, O Holy Night, Carol of the Bells, Sleigh Rideand Tchaikovsky's magical Nutcracker.

With everything from the excitement of Frozen to the warmth of Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, there will be something to bring a smile to every face!

🎁 Bring your family, gather your friends and celebrate the most wonderful time of the year with an evening of Christmas magic! ❄️🔔

🥂 Thursday 31st December — New Year's Eve Gala 2026 ✨

PATRICK RAFTER — VIOLIN

CONTEMPO STRING QUARTET

PADDY & MAURA DUGGAN RAFTER

LAURA AHEARNE — SOPRANO

📍 St Canice's RC Church, Kilkenny City

🕗 8:00 PM

🎆 A Glittering Musical Celebration to Welcome 2027! 🥂

Join us for a magnificent New Year's Eve Gala as the Marble City Music Festival brings its 2026 season to a spectacular close with an evening of musical elegance, celebration and unforgettable performances.

Featuring internationally acclaimed violinist Patrick Rafter, the celebrated ConTempo String Quartet, distinguished musicians Paddy and Maura Duggan Rafter, and the beautiful voice of soprano Laura Ahearne, this festive gala brings together an exceptional ensemble of musicians for a very special occasion.

Enjoy a sparkling programme of beloved classical masterpieces, glorious melodies and festive favourites, including Handel's jubilant Arrival of the Queen of Sheba, Johann Strauss's enchanting Voices of Spring, and Corelli's beautiful Christmas Concerto.

From the elegance of the Baroque to the joy and sparkle of Viennese music, this is the perfect way to celebrate the final evening of the year.

🥂 Dress up, gather your loved ones and join us for an unforgettable evening of music as we say farewell to 2026 and welcome the New Year in style! 🎇✨

❤️ Celebrate Christmas with the Marble City Music Festival!

Three wonderful concerts. Exceptional musicians. Beautiful historic venues. And a whole season of musical memories waiting to be made.

We are immensely grateful to our wonderful audiences, supporters, sponsors and Kilkenny County Council, whose continued encouragement helps us bring outstanding live music to the heart of our city.

🎄 We look forward to welcoming you to Kilkenny this December for a truly magical festive season!

🎟️ Book your tickets today — and remember, NO BOOKING FEES! 🔥