This December, experience the magic of Christmas through light, colour and sound as Luxmuralis brings The Gift to St Canice’s Cathedral from 11–19 December 2026.

Following the wonderful response to Starlight at St Canice’s Cathedral last Christmas, a new immersive experience is coming to Kilkenny this festive season. The Gift, created by internationally renowned artistic collective Luxmuralis, will transform the cathedral’s historic interior into a celebration of Christmas, combining spectacular visual displays, sound and storytelling.

Whether you’re planning a festive family outing, meeting friends or exploring Kilkenny in the run-up to Christmas, The Gift offers a different way to experience one of the city’s most historic landmarks.

What Is Luxmuralis’ The Gift?

The Gift is an immersive light and sound experience exploring the themes of giving and receiving at Christmas. Through a combination of projected imagery, colour, music and storytelling, the installation invites visitors on a journey through the excitement, traditions and deeper meaning of the festive season.

Throughout the cathedral, visitors will encounter enchanting winter scenes, sparkling snowflakes, glowing Christmas trees and vibrant festive colours. Imagery inspired by the Christmas story, including stars, angels and travellers bearing gifts, brings familiar seasonal traditions to life.

The experience blends the wonder of contemporary light art with the historic surroundings of St Canice’s Cathedral, creating an atmosphere that is both celebratory and reflective.

Experience Christmas in a Historic Setting

St Canice’s Cathedral has been part of Kilkenny’s story for centuries, and its architecture provides a unique setting for an immersive experience of this kind.

During The Gift, light and colour will illuminate the cathedral’s interior, highlighting the space in unexpected ways. The combination of contemporary projections and historic architecture offers visitors a fresh perspective on the building while creating a festive atmosphere throughout the experience.

From the excitement of the winter scenes to quieter moments inspired by the Christmas story, The Gift explores the many ways we celebrate this time of year.

Its themes of generosity, hope, kindness and joy are at the heart of the installation, offering something to reflect on alongside the visual spectacle.

A Festive Experience for All Ages

The Gift welcomes families, friends, couples and visitors of all ages to enjoy a different kind of Christmas outing in Kilkenny.

Whether you’re visiting the city for its festive atmosphere, planning a day out with family or looking for something different to enjoy with friends, the experience offers an opportunity to explore the cathedral in a new light.

Following the response to last year’s Starlight, this year’s installation brings another opportunity to experience immersive art within the cathedral’s historic surroundings.

Visiting St Canice’s Cathedral This December

The Gift will be showing at St Canice’s Cathedral from 11–19 December 2026.

The experience also takes place during Kilkenny’s Yulefest period, making it a possible addition to a festive visit to the city. While The Gift is a separate event, visitors can enjoy it alongside the wider seasonal atmosphere and other Christmas activities taking place around Kilkenny.

Event details:

• Experience: Luxmuralis – The Gift
• Dates: 11–19 December 2026
• Location: St Canice’s Cathedral, Kilkenny
• Tickets: Available to book online

Advance booking is recommended. For ticket availability and booking details, visit the official ticket booking page.

Discover The Gift at St Canice’s Cathedral

This Christmas, The Gift brings together heritage, imagination and festive storytelling in one of Kilkenny’s most recognisable historic settings.

With its combination of immersive light, colour and sound, the experience offers a chance to pause, take in the beauty of the cathedral and reflect on the traditions and values that make Christmas special.

Plan your festive visit to St Canice’s Cathedral and experience Luxmuralis’ The Gift from 11–19 December 2026.

Book your tickets for The Gift here.