Look up. Light up.
The tree, the streets, the shared countdown. Join the Christmas lights switch-on on Saturday 14 November at 5:30pm, then enjoy the Northern Lights at Market Square.
Dundalk’s winter festival · 2026
Frostival. Let the
wonder
begin.
A town full of light.
A season full of possibility.
Moments from the Carnival of LightPast festival photography
Two weekends.
One wonderful town.
One wonderful town.
Bring your people. Find your festive feeling.
Some places put up lights.
Dundalk comes alive.
Cold noses. Warm welcomes. A familiar street transformed into something extraordinary. Frostival brings Dundalk together for the start of the festive season — and you’re invited.
See a little of the magic
The official film
Watch Frostival.
Clear a little space in your calendar
Two weekends.
So much to look forward to.
Your favourite festival is back for 2026.
Explore the festival days below.
The streets become the stage.
5:30pm · Carnival of Light parade
Wrap up and gather your favourite people. Enjoy the Frostival Flavours Fayre and Family Fun Zone, then join the Carnival of Light as it brings Dundalk’s streets to life.
Save the parade datePlan a little extra time. Come early for a bite to eat, browse the town’s independent shops and settle in for the lights. Check the festival’s official updates for travel notices, ride prices and any booking arrangements.
The moment everyone gathers for
Carnival
of Light.
When the light fades, the wonder begins. Glowing characters, larger-than-life creations and a town coming together: this is the heart of Frostival.
Sunday 15 November5:30pm · Dundalk town centre · 2026
Save the time to your calendar. The parade sets off from the Green Church. Check festival updates for route and viewing arrangements before travelling.
A taste of the festival
Small moments.
Big, sparkling memories.
Your Frostival favourites, back for 2026.
Make a day of it. Make a memory.
Giggles included.
Colourful rides, happy faces and one-more-go moments. The Family Fun Zone brings the festival feeling to life, with a Ferris wheel beside St Patrick’s Cathedral.
Stay for the festive feeling.
Follow your appetite to the Frostival Flavours Fayre: seasonal food, gifts and local makers. Add Dundalk’s own cafés, restaurants and shops, and there’s every reason to linger.
All aboard!
The Frostival Express makes its Saturday return. A little train, a big adventure for the youngest festival-goers.
Opening Saturday · 14 NovemberA different point of view.
Rise above the lights on the Frostival Ferris wheel beside St Patrick’s Cathedral.
St Patrick’s CathedralFind a little something.
Seasonal treats, local crafts and gifts worth stopping for at the Frostival Flavours Fayre.
Food, crafts & festive discoveriesPress play on a little wonder
Feel the Frostival.
The lights. The faces. That feeling.
Seven little windows into the magic.
Watch film: 
0:19A taste of the magicA little extraordinary.With soundWatch film: 
0:36Under Dundalk’s lightsA night to remember.With soundWatch film: 
0:05A family momentLittle faces. Big wonder.Silent momentWatch film: 
0:05Flavours & festive treatsA taste of Frostival.Silent momentWatch film: 
0:05Parade performersThe streets become a stage.Silent momentWatch film: 
0:06Smiles at the fairOne more festive memory.Silent momentWatch film: 
0:05The Carnival of LightA whole town together.Silent moment
0:19A taste of the magicA little extraordinary.With soundWatch film: 0:36Under Dundalk’s lightsA night to remember.With soundWatch film: 0:05A family momentLittle faces. Big wonder.Silent momentWatch film: 0:05Flavours & festive treatsA taste of Frostival.Silent momentWatch film: 0:05Parade performersThe streets become a stage.Silent momentWatch film: 0:06Smiles at the fairOne more festive memory.Silent momentWatch film: 0:05The Carnival of LightA whole town together.Silent momentA taste of Frostival, from the festival’s promotional films. You choose when to play.
Explore the photographsReal streets. Real smiles. Real Dundalk.
You had to be there.
A look back through the lens.
Tap a photograph to take it all in.
A few favourite moments from previous Frostival celebrations. Genuine festival photography supplied by the team.
Make a little more of it
Come for the wonder.
Stay for Dundalk.
Good food, independent shops and a warm
local welcome. All around the festival.
A festival for everyone
A little local help goes a long way.
Visiting with children, planning around access needs or looking for a quieter way to enjoy the festival? Ask the team before you travel. The team can help with viewing arrangements, getting around and the latest travel notices.
A few useful things to know
When is Frostival 2026?
The announced festival days are Saturday 14, Sunday 15, Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 November 2026. The Carnival of Light parade is announced for Sunday 15 November at 5:30pm.
What can we look forward to?
The Carnival of Light parade, Christmas lights switch-on, Northern Lights, Frostival Flavours Fayre, Family Fun Zone, Ferris wheel and the Saturday Frostival Express. Expect the much-loved mix of festive food, family fun and spectacular light.
Where does it happen?
In Dundalk town centre, around Market Square and the surrounding streets. The Ferris wheel is beside St Patrick’s Cathedral, with the Carnival of Light setting off from the Green Church. Check the festival’s travel notices before choosing your viewing point.
Explore the town mapDo I need tickets?
Rides, food stalls and individual activities may have separate charges. Follow the festival’s official updates for current prices and any booking arrangements, or contact the BID team before travelling.
The story so far
A little magic.
Year after year.
Read how previous festivals
brought Dundalk together.
Dundalk Chamber · 2025 archive
Follow Frostival’s official updates A town reaching for the stars
A towering Christmas tree, Northern Lights shows, the Frostival Fayre and a family fun zone set the scene for the 2025 celebration.
Read the original story Dundalk Democrat · 2024 archiveChristmas arrives in Dundalk
The newspaper’s 2024 photo report captured the Christmas markets, family fair, Toy Box Wonders show and crowds gathering for the illuminated parade.
Read the original story Discover Ireland · 2025 archiveA festival for the whole family
Fáilte Ireland’s festival guide featured the Frostival Express, the Ferris wheel at St Patrick’s and the town’s festive illuminations.
Read the original story