December 2025

December is the start of the Christmas season in Ireland. Holly and ivy are used to decorate homes, doorways and graves. This tradition dates back to Pagan times. On Christmas Eve, many Irish households place a candle or light in the front window as a symbolic sign of welcome to Mary and Joseph, as well as other travellers who may be passing. A recent tradition is gathering to watch The Late Late Toy Show, a staple of Irish childhood.

If you are interested in volunteering, you can browse the full list of volunteer opportunities through our website www.volunteercarlow.ie . You can contact us on 059 9173033.

Regards,

Helen, Natasha and Sinéad

Carlow Volunteer Centre

Christmas Opening Hours

Our office will close for Christmas on December 23rd and reopen with usual hours on January 5th 2026.

Spotlight on Volunteer Opportunities

Information for Organisations

Browse trainings offered by Volunteer Ireland on their website www.volunteer.ie/training.

If your organisation needs help involving volunteers, please contact us. We offer full guidance on the process of involving and managing volunteers for the benefit of your community or voluntary group.

Changes from the National Vetting Bureau came into effect in July, and Carlow Volunteer Centre are be running a series of trainings for all our affiliates to address these changes. If you haven't already booked to attend a workshop, the final training of the year will take place on;

Tuesday December 9th

For further information, contact Natasha at natasha@volunteercarlow.ie or ring the office on 059 9173033.

December Events

Féile Lonrach Festival of Glow continues in Carlow during December with a number of events happening.

Christmas Clay Workshop with Liga Valge in Carlow Town Library on Tuesday, December 2nd at 3pm to 5pm, and in Tullow Libary on Wednesday, December 3rd at 3pm to 5pm. Suitable for children aged 9 to 12 years. Booking through Eventbrite.
Christmas Crafts with Jean Roberston, Tuesday, December 9th at 3:30pm to 5pm in Carlow Town Library. Booking through Eventbrite.
Christmas Storytime with Katie on Saturday, December 13th at 11am in Carlow Town Library. Booking through Eventbrite.
Carlow Comedy Festival with Fred Cooke and Support, Saturday, December 13th at 7pm in Scraggs Alley. Booking through Eventbrite.
Carlow Comedy Festival The Last Laugh with Aideen McQueen and Support, Sunday, December 14th at 9pm in Tully's Bar Carlow. Booking through Eventbrite.

CRYS Jingle Bells Jog 2025 is happening on Sunday, December 7th at 11:30am starting from Carlow Rowing Club. The 5km run/jog/walk is open to adults, children and families. Register on Pop Up Races. Contact Carlow Regional Youth Services on 059 9130476 for further information.

Managing Scams, Common Types of Fraud Awareness Webinar takes place on Tuesday, December 9th at 1pm with Crime Prevention Officer with An Garda Siochána. Register HERE.

Mental Health Ireland have a free December Webinar - Coping with Christmas. It takes place Wednesday, December 10th at 7pm, and Thursday, December 18th at 1pm. Booking through Eventbrite.

Men's Walk & Talk - A Free, Friendly and Inclusive Walking Group for Men is an Active Carlow initiative. It is free to join and gives men a chance to connect and get active outdoors in a welcoming atmosphere. This will take place on Mondays at 1pm.

December 15th - Kilbrannish South.

Follow the link HERE for more information on departure locations.

Carlow Volunteer Centre

C/O Carlow Local Authorities

Athy Road,

Carlow.

R93 E7R7

Tel: 059 9173033

Page updated

Google Sites

Report abuse