Lights, Camera, Christmas: RTÉ rings in the Season
Sí an Nollaig í
Festive specials of Christmas in Kilmainham presented by Marty Whelan, High Road Low Road, Callan Kicks the Year and Keys to My Life
Ring in the New Year with Patrick Kielty on a special instalment of The Late Late Show with David Gray, Lyra and the cast of The Traitors Ireland
Tune into fascinating documentaries such as Meatloaf: From Hell and to Connacht and Duffy’s Pub, as well as Tommy Sands – Clann an Cheoil
Sit back, relax and welcome to RTÉ Christmas 2025 with a sleigh-load of unmissable entertainment and a sparkling line-up of specials across all platforms. The festivities officially kick off with The Late Late Toy Show this Friday.
This festive season will showcase a slate of original Irish programming including Callan Kicks the Year and Fair City’s Christmas special. Brendan Courtney takes legendary director Jim Sheridan on a trip down memory lane on Keys to My Life and there is special snow-filled instalment of High Road Low Road as chef Kevin Dundon and social media sensation Kayleigh Trappe jet to Austria. The yuletide magic continues with Christmas in Kilmainham presented by Marty Whelan and join Dáithí Ó’Sé and Maura Derrane on TODAY for an evening of folklore, food, magic and music.
Over Christmas, Dallas legend Patrick Duffy jets into Ireland for a whistle stop tour of the country’s cosiest pubs in Duffy’s Pub, Meatloaf: From Hell and to Connacht brings viewers back to Ireland in 1990, when the legendary US rock star performed in some of the island’s most unlikely venues. Tommy Sands – Clann an Cheoil celebrates one of Ireland’s most influential folk singer-songwriter and how he and his family acquired an international legacy as musicians, social activists and storytellers.
Daniel O’Connell – The Emancipator explores one of the most significant periods in Irish history while marking the 250th anniversary of his birth. Cloch le Carn looks back at lives of politician Mary O’Rourke and comedian Jon Kenny in two new episodes.
Irish boyband Westlife are on stage in London’s Royal Albert Hall as Nicky Byrne, Kian Egan and Shane Filan perform their hits in a TV special ahead of their homecoming residency in 2026 and there will be music documentaries showcasing the incredible careers of Elton John, Billy Joel, Andrea Bocelli and ABBA.
On RTÉ Radio 1 this December, celebrate the Christmas cheer with Oliver Callan and guests for a very special Callan’s Christmas Eve from 9-11am on RTÉ Radio 1. Live from Studio 1 in the RTÉ Radio Centre he will be joined by special guests, a live audience, Christmas favourites and festive performances.
John Creedon will bring his usual cheer with an added dash of festive on Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve. Westlife’s Mark Feehily takes listeners on a journey through the music that shaped his life and inspired his career. Ciarán Hinds remembers his friend and beloved RTÉ colleague Seán Rocks who passed away in July in a special, The Essential Seán Rocks. Ciarán will guide us through a selection of Seán’s best Arena interviews from the last few years Dave Fanning looks back at the stellar career of The Cranberries in The Fanning Files. Sunday Miscellany celebrates Christmas at the National Concert Hall with the RTÉ Concert Orchestra and special guests and Áine Lawlor presents Divine Sparks with beloved carols, seasonal stories, childhood wonder and memories shared.
Over on 2FM, two teams of presenters go head-to-head once again in Now That’s What I Call 2025 – The 2FM End of Year Quiz. Tracy Clifford is in charge, as Laura Fox, Roz Purcell, Aisling Bonner, Mikey O’Reilly, Demi Isaac and Beta Da Silva battle it out for 60 minutes. Diarmuid O’Brien is in the mix for a two-hour dance party on St. Stephen’s Day and he is also ringing in 2026 with a four-hour dance marathon on New Year’s Eve. To celebrate 2FM’s Studio 8 sessions, Dan Hegarty has put together a series of documentaries telling many of the stories of the sessions that have been recorded within the walls of famous studio. Dan Hegarty and Graham Smyth reprise their 2023 and 2024 festive special with The Alternative Grumpy Christmas.
RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta has a festive schedule packed full of music, arts, entertainment, live broadcasts and Christmas specials with Ceol na Nollag, Ceol Binn ó na Beanna, An Taobh Tuathail, Bóthar na Smaointe, An Nollaig i Ráth Chairn and Faoi na Fóide.
Join RTÉ lyric fm and Aedín Gormley for her annual, seasonal soundtrack of songs and festive film favourites on Movies and Musicals while soprano Claudia Boyle sets the mood for a relaxing lead into Christmas on Weekend Classics. Marty Whelan is live from Vienna on 3 December and while we can’t guarantee a White Christmas, it’s always merry and bright with Marty. Liz Nolan’s Full Score – will broadcast a special concert in tribute to the genius of John Williams. Experience the magic of Christmas with internationally acclaimed soprano Celine Byrne – A Christmas Celebration. The Irish Baroque Orchestra’s annual production of Handel’s Messiah is an established highlight of the December calendar.
On the RTÉ Player viewers can tune into a favourite festive special, Father Ted’s A Christmassy Ted. Cosy up with comedy gold like The Office, Gavin & Stacey and The Young Offenders plus all your favourite Christmas specials from Motherland, The Royle Family and Downton Abbey to The 2 Johnnies, Republic of Telly and Bridget and Eamon. Then dive into iconic Irish dramas including Kin, and Normal People. There are also brand-new binge-worthy box sets, Scrubs, The Killing and American Crime Story.
For the little ones, Jason Byrne narrates Twelve Storybuds of Christmas on RTÉ Kids plus there is magical animation for all the family in Santa’s Holiday, one lucky student will turn on RTÉ’s Christmas lights on news2day and the This is Christmas podcast is your one-stop shop for all kinds of festive fun.
Best of the Year
Missed what everyone’s been talking about this year? RTÉ Player has some of this year’s top entertainment and drama picks. Discover a mix of gripping thrillers, iconic series, and fan favourites. Leading the way is Traitors Ireland, the standout hit that kept the nation on edge, alongside the drama of Playing Nice and the gripping Love/Hate.
Musical storytelling shines in Nashville, while The Traitors UK, The Traitors US and The Traitors Australia will keep you intrigued over the festive season. Classic like The West Wing, One Tree Hill and Pretty Little Liars are comfort watching favourites, as well as all the laughs from Parks & Recreation. Relive the drama of 2025 smash hit The Walsh Sisters and the local charm of The Young Offenders – all available to stream over Christmas on RTÉ Player.
RTÉ’s Christmas movie offering gets unwrapped tomorrow with more sports favourites later in the week.
-ENDS-
Photos are available to download, here: https://we.tl/t-5C4qEufej8
For more information:
Mikie O’Loughlin, RTÉ Communications Lead | mikie.oloughlin@rte.ie | 087 8706048
Maureen Catterson, RTÉ Communications Manager, TV, Radio and Online | maureen.catterson@rte.ie | 087 7800737
Notes to the editor:
Christmas in Kilmainham presented by Marty Whelan
Join Marty Whelan on this magical night for a special Christmas broadcast from the spectacular grounds of the Royal Hospital Kilmainham. Joined by special guests including Imelda May, The High Kings, Dublin Gay Men’s Chorus and Diva Voces directed by Duncan Brickenden, the concert also includes a very special appearance from Banat al-Quds, the Daughters of Jerusalem, plus Lisa McHugh and Garron Noone. Featuring the RTÉ Concert Orchestra under the baton of Karen Ní Bhroin, tune in to RTÉ One and RTÉ Player and RTÉ lyric fm a night of music, magic, and holiday cheer.
High Road Low Road
Cooking up a storm and getting into the festive spirits is chief Kevin Dundon and comedian Kayleigh Trappe. They head to Gastein in Austria where the hills are alive with the sound of Christmas for this special episode of High Road, Low Road!
Keys To My Life
Keys To My Life returns this Christmas for an extra special hour-long episode featuring legendary Irish Director Jim Sheridan, From his childhood home in a boarding house off Dublin’s Sheriff Street, to the multi million euro architectural wonder he built in Dalkey, Jim Sheridan tells the story of his life within the walls of the places where that life was so successfully lived.
Accompanied by Brendan Courtney, Jim’s journey takes in his first married home in Ballybough – to the tenement rooms in New York’s Hell’s Kitchen where Jim’s filmmaking dreams took form and became a reality.
Callan Kicks the Year 2025
The annual tradition returns with a satirical look back on Irish and international events of the year with a two-part festive mini-series. From a Presidential election to a new Pope, sports triumphs and royal family fails, Callan Kicks the Year dips through all the maddest moments in Ireland and abroad on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player this Christmas.
Join Oliver Callan and guests for a very special Callan’s Christmas Eve from 9-11am on RTÉ Radio 1. Live from Studio 1 in the RTÉ Radio Centre he will be joined by special guests, a live audience, Christmas favourites and festive performances.
The Late Late Show New Year’s Eve Special
Patrick Kielty will ring in 2026 leading a glittering New Year’s Eve party packed with music, laughter and special guests. Viewers will enjoy performances from artists including David Gray, Lyra, Gavin James and Cliffords, along with surprise collaborations including Sharon Shannon with The Late Late Show house band and a host of Irish musicians.
Special appearances from Irish heptathlete Kate O’Connor, comic-musician Garron Noone and cast members of The Traitors will add to the celebration as the show reflects on the highlights of 2025 and looks ahead to the new year. The festivities will culminate with a live countdown from Dublin Castle, where Inhaler will welcome 2026 alongside a live audience.
Fair City
Fair City’s festive episodes are brimming with emotion, drama, and surprises! The Christmas festivities begin on a poignant note for the Collins’, as Sharon and Hayley prepare to scatter Anto’s ashes. Meanwhile, Steo scrambles to prove to JJ that he’s turned over a new leaf by sidelining Paul – but Paul has his own schemes brewing. Over at the Cassidy’s’, holiday cheer collides with chaos as Darren and Kim play matchmaker for Nikki and Sean. Hayley and James continue to butt heads over co-parenting but, really, how fine is the line between love and hate? With heartfelt goodbyes, budding romances and plenty of festive fireworks, Carrigstown promises a Christmas to remember!
TODAY Show Christmas!
Join the TODAY show with Maura & Dáithí as they get ready for Christmas! In this one-hour special, the studio gang will be making their last-minute preparations for the big day. Folklorist Shane Lehane will set the mood with his unique nostalgic look back at Christmas past. Chef Kevin Dundon will be in studio with a veritable feast of food and music is provided by the scrubs choir – a choir comprising of the medical staff from CUH. Both Nuala Carey and Marty Morrissey are out and about ahead of the show, in Dingle and Limerick and Colm Flynn will be in Rome’s St Peters Square to relay how the Vatican prepares for the biggest, most important time of the year.
Duffy’s Pub
Patrick Duffy is famous worldwide as Bobby Ewing from Dallas. A third generation Irishman, he grew up in his parents’ bar in Montana and currently owns his own bar in Hollywood. Always fascinated by the communities which develop around their local bar, Patrick has decided to return to Ireland, along with his partner, actress Linda Purl, to see for himself how Irish bars have evolved and changed as he journeys through his beloved country on his way home.Duffy has decided to explore our pub culture and track the changes the pub has undergone in Ireland. He visits as many pubs called Duffy’s as he can – and along the way he spends time in other bars meeting locals, hearing stories, absorbing history and figuring out how things have changed. All the while he is journeying home to Kilmovee to visit the place where his grandfather was born and reconnect with his roots.
Daniel O’Connell – The Emancipator
This one-hour documentary explores the life and legacy of Daniel O’Connell and will mark the 250th anniversary of his birth. The documentary explores one of the most significant periods in Irish history and reveals how O’Connell’s achievement continues to shape and impact our world today.
Meat Loaf: From Hell and to Connaught
Meat Loaf: From Hell and to Connaught brings viewers back to Ireland in 1990, when the legendary US rock star performed in some of the country’s most unlikely venues. Meat Loaf – whose album, ‘Bat Out of Hell’, released in 1977, is one of the biggest-sellers of all time – was at a career crossroads when an Irish promoter, Tommy Swarbrigg, took a punt on him. What resulted was a chaotic two-week journey through Ireland’s heartland that reignited Meat Loaf’s love for people and music and ultimately helped get his career back on track.
Cloch le Carn
Cloch le Carn :Mary O’Rourke: The Mammy is a rich, warm, and definitive portrait of a woman who shaped Irish politics for generations, who championed her community with passion, and who remained grounded in family, friendship, and the people she served.
Cloch le Carn: Jon Kenny delves into Kenny’s multifaceted career, offering insights into his creative process and the profound impact his work had on Irish comedy and culture. Through interviews, archival footage, and personal anecdotes, the programme honours his enduring influence and celebrates the joy he brought to audiences throughout his career.
Tommy Sands – Clann an Cheoil
Tommy Sands – Clann an Cheoil is a new celebratory and insightful documentary which looks at one of Ireland’s most successful and influential folk singer songwriters Tommy Sands, and how he and his family have acquired an international legacy as musicians, social activists and storytellers.
Mrs Brown’s Boys
Mrs Brown returns for more Christmas capers and festive frolics! Join everyone’s favourite Mammy and the rest of the clan for fun and games in a Christmas and a New Year special.
On Christmas Day, Mrs Brown rediscovers the meaning of family as she gathers those closest to her together for a festive photo. Buster unveils another of his signature Christmas trees with maximum impact and Cathy frets about what presents to buy everyone. On New Year’s Eve, tensions are high as Agnes and the gang prepare for an incoming storm. Buster’s flying high as he nervously awaits his birthday parachute jump. Winnie receives a shock to the system and a lost Nun looks for help.
Music Specials
Let the music take over this season with Billy Joel: The 100th Live at Madison Square Garden and An Evening with Elton John and Brandi Carlile or take a chance on ABBA: Against All odds. Sit back and relax with Andrea Bocelli 30: The Celebration and Irish music fans can brew up a storm with The Stunning – We Come Alive.
Westlife Live at the Royal Albert Hall
Westlife perform at the Royal Albert Hall for a spectacular celebration of 25 incredible years. The iconic pop group will take fans on a nostalgic journey through their greatest hits, timeless ballads, and unforgettable moments that have defined their remarkable career. An evening filled with emotion, music, and memories as Westlife mark their legacy and the fans who have supported them every step of the way.
Brand new box sets on RTÉ Player
American Crime Story is the award-winning anthology that turns real-life scandals into must-watch drama. From the explosive O.J. Simpson trial to the shocking murder of Gianni Versace and the political firestorm of the Clinton impeachment, each season peels back the headlines to reveal the human stories behind the crimes. Bold, gripping, and unforgettable, this is true crime like you’ve never seen it.
Scrubs is the beloved medical comedy that mixes heart, humour, and daydreams in the halls of Sacred Heart Hospital. From J.D. and Turk’s legendary bromance to the unforgettable antics of Elliot, Carla, and Dr. Cox, the series redefined the sitcom is a cult favourite.
The Killing (US) is dark, gripping, and impossible to predict. The Killing is the crime drama that keeps you guessing. Set in Seattle, detectives Linden and Holder unravel murder cases that expose secrets, lies, and the human cost of justice. Critically acclaimed and binge-worthy, this is television noir at its finest.
RTÉ Radio 1
Creedon’s Christmas
Creedon’s Christmas has been a centre-piece on the Christmas Day table for years.
As well as the Christmas favourites that we all know and love, this year’s selection box includes wonderful songs and carols from Hawaii, Norway, Mexico and more.
Tradition also dictates that John Creedon rings in the New Year on RTE radio 1. It’s full-tilt party classics all the way from 10pm, through the midnight bells and into 2026!
Mark Feehily’s Musical Icons
One of the iconic voices behind global pop group Westlife, a celebrated solo artist and songwriter and now he is stepping up to the mic in a different way. Join Mark Feehily on RTÉ Radio 1 as he takes us on a journey through the music that shaped his life and inspired his career.
The Essential Seán Rocks
Join Oscar nominated actor Ciarán Hinds at 4pm on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day on RTE Radio 1 for The Essential Seán Rocks, as Ciarán remembers his friend – and ours – Seán Rocks who passed away in July. Ciarán will guide us through a selection of Seán’s best Arena interviews from the last few year
Céilí House
Áine Ní Bhreisleáin is joined in Studio 8 by Donegal band Altan to celebrate their 40th year on the road.
A Celebration of Derek Mahon
When celebrated poet Derek Mahon died in 2020 there could be no gathering to salute him. In 2025, a special event did just that in the RIAM in Dublin when contributors reading his work included John Banville, Paul Muldoon, Eiléan Ní Chuilleanáin and Stephen Rea.
Sunday Miscellany
Sunday Miscellany celebrates Christmas at the National Concert Hall with the RTÉ Concert Orchestra and special guests. This year’s show features stories of Santa Claus in Sligo, Midnight Mass in Mumbai, the gift of a heart at Christmas, the composer Palestrina’s 500th anniversary — and an invitation to spend New Year’s Eve with Rihanna…
The Fanning Files: The Cranberries
At the beginning, Limerick band The Cranberries, were just another new band hoping to make a record and play gigs. Then they teamed up with singer/songwriter Dolores O’Riordan.
Within a few years, they’d sold over 23 million albums. Their success all over the world – particularly in America – was staggering. As they talk to Dave Fanning, brothers Noel and Mike Hogan, drummer Fergal Lawlor and Dolores tell their own remarkable story, from before the release of the first album, through the successes and pressures of the nineties, up to the final album ‘In the End’ released in 2019, the year after the tragic passing of Dolores.
The Intangibles
The Intangibles is a journey through three inherited traditions still in practice in Ireland today. The Mummers of Fingal, Letterpress Printing and the use of landmarks at sea (marcanna na talamh) represent performing arts, craft and oral knowledge respectively. They are examples of our ‘Intangible cultural heritage’, referring to the practices, expressions, knowledge and skills that communities and groups recognise as part of their culture. This programme aims to celebrate the work of the people who have kept these traditions alive by shining a light on these important aspects of Irish culture.
Poetry People
Christmas Day at 1.15pm on RTÉ Radio 1, Rachael Hegarty unwraps the Poetry People festive special – packed with poems, chat and cheer from Vona Groarke, Theo Dorgan, Frank McGuinness, Jane Clarke, Áine Ní Ghlinn and a host of guests. Plus a brand-new seasonal poem from Colm Tóibín. A little gift for listeners.
Divine Sparks
Join Áine Lawlor for a festive feast of Divine Sparks with beloved carols, seasonal stories, childhood wonder, and memories shared. Plus, award-winning writer Seamus O’Rourke takes us on a journey back to rural Christmases long gone.
RTÉ lyric fm
Marty In the Morning
Join Marty live from Vienna, City of Music, to bring you a magical morning of music, culture and festive charm! Tune in as Marty waltzes through the heart of Austria’s capital celebrating the 200th birthday of Johann Strauss II, with an exclusive visit to the Vienna State Opera and Musikverein, plus a visit to the famous Christmas markets.
While Santa’s enjoying a well-earned day off, Marty’s in studio for a Christmas morning celebration. Tune in as he unwraps a glittering gift bag of festive carols and Christmas favourites that even the Grinch would enjoy. We’ll jingle all the way with the Muppets and Andrea Bocelli, hear a Christmas tale read by Simon Callow and the RTÉ Concert Orchestra and enjoy perennial favourites from Frank Sinatra, Cliff Richard and Eimear Quinn. We can’t guarantee a White Christmas, but with Marty it’s always merry and bright.
Lorcan Murray’s Classic Drive
Lorcan Murray presents Classic Drive’s Christmas Special, live with the RTÉ Concert Orchestra, New Dublin Voices led by Bernie Sherlock, soprano Amy Ní Fhearraigh, and tenor Dean Power as they join forces to bring you the best of Christmas music and carols, including classical, popular, and traditional Irish melodies. Lorcan brings you on a musical journey through Anderson’s Sleigh Ride and Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker, to classic songs White Christmas and The Christmas Song. And it wouldn’t be Christmas without choral song; New Dublin Voices perform the haunting Irish carol Don Oiche Úd i mBeithil amongst other favourites. Join Lorcan and the RTÉ Concert Orchestra as they celebrate through music, in those magical weeks before Christmas.
Movies and Musicals with Aedín Gormley
Join Aedín for her annual, not to be missed, seasonal soundtrack of songs and festive film favourites. From Willy Wonka to It’s a Wonderful Life, The Wizard of Oz to White Christmas, Elf to ET and Home Alone to How the Grinch Stole Christmas. Hit songs from Frozen, Mary Poppins and The Polar Express. Your favourite things guaranteed!
Opera Night With Paul Herriott
The Irish Baroque Orchestra’s annual production of Handel’s Messiah is an established highlight of the December calendar. It is performed on period instruments and with chorus, capturing Handel’s much-loved work in all its original colour and splendour.
Ambient Orbit
Against the backdrop of a dramatic neolithic landscape Ambient Orbit brings you a special winter solstice broadcast live from Carrowmore Megalithic Cemetery in Co. Sligo, home to Ireland’s oldest megalithic tombs on 21 December, the longest night of the year.
2FM
Now That’s What I Call 2025 – The 2FM End of Year Quiz
Two teams of 2FM presenters go head-to-head once again, for the ultimate end of year quiz. Who will win the coveted title and “bragging rights” for this year? Tracy Clifford is in charge, as Laura, Roz, Aisling, Mikey, Demi and Beta battle it out for 60 minutes.
Diarmuid O’Brien
2FM’s St. Stephen’s Night Rave Up with Diarmuid O Brien is in the mix for a two-hour dance party on one of the biggest nights of the year! He is also ringing in 2026 with a four-hour dance marathon to soundtrack your night out or gaff party at home, with tunes from the noughties right up until today and some special DJ guests in the mix.
The Story of 2FM’s Studio 8 Sessions
From classic Fanning Sessions in the 1980s & 1990s, right up to the present day; 2FM’s Studio 8 Sessions – Part 1 features sessions and interviews with NewDad, A House, Gemma Dunleavy, Soak, and Irish hip hop pioneers Scary Eire. It also features RTE music producer Damian Chennells talking about when Noel Gallagher visited Studio 8. In part two of the series The Story of 2fm’s Studio 8 Sessions, we hear from Dave Fanning and producer Ian Wilson, along with session material and interviews with Saibh Skelly, The Blades, Soule, and Whipping Boy.
The Alternative Grumpy Christmas with Dan Hegarty and Graham Smyth
Dan and Graham reprise their 2023 and 2024 Christmas special with this Christmas 2025 extravaganza! From 8pm on 2FM, hear alternative Christmas anthems alongside some of their highlights from the year 2025 by acts like Gorillaz, Just Mustard, Little Simz, and Turnstile.
RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta
Ceol na Nollag
An hour of Christmas classics with Tristan Rosenstock, ranging from beloved carols to new Christmas songs.
Bóthar na Smaointe
A major new work by renowned musician and composer Aoife Ní Bhriain recorded at Stiúideo Cuan in Conamara, in memory of the late Charlie Lennon. These new compositions are inspired by her journey to date as a musician, and how she has navigated a unique path between the worlds of Classical and Traditional music, as a master of both.
Faoi na Fóide
In this new production, Séamus Ó Grianna’s short fictional story Faoi na Fóide is Mé Sínte, first published in 1926, has been adapted as a radio drama for the first time
Teach Dhún Luiche
Áine Ní Bhreisleáin visits the historic Dunlewey House, an estate in west Donegal built almost 200 years ago and speaks to current and past members of staff about the history of the estate. 11am on December 26.
RTÉ Kids
Storybud
Jason Byrne’s Twelve Storybudsof Christmas delivers 12 episodes of festive mayhem. The comedian tells the story of Larry the librarian and Betty the birdwatcher who decide to fake an illness so they can avoid the big family Christmas celebrations in favour of ‘having a quiet one’.
Santa’s Holiday
Dutiful little elf Maeve and her trusty dog Rocket are faced with an impossible task: to get the hard-working elf Arthur to put down his tools and enjoy the Christmas holidays at Santa’s Village!
This Christmas Eve on RTÉ One get cosy and enjoy Santa’s Holiday. It’s a magical animation for all the family, all the way from the North Pole. Santa’s elves are taking a well-earned break, but Arthur won’t stop working. It’s up to Maeve and her trusty dog Rocket to get him to put down his tools and enjoy the Christmas holidays at Santa’s Village!
news2day
On Friday, 5 December the lucky winner of the news2day Christmas Art Competition will turn the lights at RTÉ HQ live on TV – tune in to RTÉ2 at 4.05pm.
This is Christmas
Listen up! This is Christmas is your one-stop shop for all kinds of festive fun and stories from the RTÉ KIDS Podcast team.