'The Gift' by Luxmuralis debuts magical, immersive Christmas light show

For families, friends and couples looking for something special to do this Christmas, Kilkenny is preparing something special for the season of giving.

‘The Gift’ by Luxmuralis is a brand-new immersive Christmas light show taking place for nine nights only, from 11th to 19th December at the historic St Canice’s Cathedral during the city’s Yulefest celebrations.

Following the incredible success of last year's ‘Starlight’ ‘son et lumiere’ (sound and light show), renowned art collective Luxmuralis is returning with another magical immersive Christmas experience just a short drive away.

Stepping inside the cathedral's 800-year-old interior, visitors will experience a spectacular 45-minute show of light, sound, and visual storytelling.

December is the perfect time to visit Kilkenny, with festive food, shopping, the Yulefest market and plenty of Christmas entertainment, all brought together with a trip to The Gift by Luxmuralis in St Canice’s Cathedral.

Tickets are available now from St Canice’s Cathedral. Organisers encourage people to book early to get their place at this unique Christmas experience.

Experience the magic of Christmas

From 11th to 19th December, the ancient interior of St Canice’s Cathedral will be transformed into a breathtaking 45-minute Christmas experience of light, sound, and fine-art projections, created by world-renowned art collective Luxmuralis.

The festive family night out explores themes of generosity, hope, family, and togetherness through a magical sound-and-light show.

Through large-scale projections, immersive sound, and illumination, visitors will step into enchanting winter scenes filled with sparkling snowflakes, festive celebrations, Christmas trees, and seasonal moments that capture the excitement and magic of Christmas.

As the story unfolds, Christmas-inspired imagery will turn the 800-year-old interior of St Canice’s Cathedral into a stunning canvas of stars, angels, and travellers bearing gifts.

The ancient architecture will be coloured with Christmas flowers, festive scenes, and special surprises designed by the artist, created especially for Irish audiences.

Described as “the stained-glass windows of our time,” Luxmuralis create immersive experiences that transform historic spaces with cutting-edge visual storytelling. Last year, over 13,500 people came to Kilkenny to experience the Christmas light show.

Now, The Gift by Luxmuralis makes its Irish debut, uncovering the season's true meaning at St Canice’s Cathedral this December.

An utterly immersive Christmas experience

“The cathedral has always been a place where art has had the opportunity to shine, and where people have come to look beyond themselves, to find meaning and beauty beyond the ordinary,” said the Very Reverend Stephen Farrell, Dean of Ossory.

“The cathedral is a beautiful setting for the captivating light installation, coming for its Irish premiere. The glorious story of The Gift teases out timely themes of giving, generosity, kindness, and appreciation.

“Luxmuralis is utterly immersive, utterly beautiful, and engaging with all the senses. You will be drawn further and further into the artwork and the story.

“But my hope in all of it is that people from across the country will find in this ancient temple some moment of peace, a moment of connection, something that really grounds them here.”

The Gift by Luxmuralis runs nightly from 11th to 19th December 2026. The Christmas experience is suitable for visitors of all ages, backgrounds, and beliefs.

Tickets and booking details are available on www.stcanicescathedral.com. Organisers encourage people to book early to avoid disappointment.

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