That time of year is rolling around again where the family all sit down for one show, and one show only, The Late Late Toy Show! The most magical night of the year is returning, and to make the night as festive as possible follow our guide for the perfect family night.
A new year, a new host, and new guests are all coming to our screens on the 24th of November at 9:35pm. Patrick Kielty will be hosting for the first time after his take over on The Late Late Show this year. Don’t worry if you are not in the country as RTÉ will be broadcasting the show all around the world for international viewers. Those in Vancouver can watch the show from 1:35pm on November 24th, from New York at 4:35pm on November 24th, Paris and Madrid on November 24th at 10:35pm, Hong Kong and Perth at 5:35pm on November 25th, Dubai 1:35am 25th November, Sydney at 8:35am 25th November, Tokyo at 6:35am 25th November, and from Auckland at 10:35am 25th November. There will be an Irish Sign Language option at 9:35pm on RTÉ News and the RTÉ Player. Wherever you are in the world the magic of the night will be sure to seep through your screens for the festive night.
If you’d like to watch it on an even bigger screen, the EYE Cinema are live broadcasting the Toy Show in their Wellpark cinema. Dig out your favourite Christmas jumper (or your pyjamas!) and join the EYE Cinema for the cosiest night of the year. Booking is advised and the tickets include a medium popcorn, a medium drink and a sweet pouch to make your night even sweeter. You can book your spot here!
Check out below the lucky children who were surprised with a ticket to the real live show, their excitement is completely contagious!
Toy Show Treats
The night wouldn’t be the same without the abundance of sweets that make The Toy Show worth the wait. This year The Old Barracks in Athenry have two types of Toy Show Treat Boxes that are sure to have everything you need to satisfy your sweet tooth. The family sized and medium sized treat boxes have everything from handmade treats from their bakery, retro sweets & mallows, and Taytos to Ula’s Cake Pops. Pre-order now for their website here and you can collect your wonderful box of treats on the 24th of November so everything will be fresh and perfect for the night.
O’Connors Bakery have their box of 12 scrumptious buns back again for another year. Two mini gingerbread, two chocolate squares, two cookies, four iced queen cakes with multi-coloured sweets and two chocolate rocky roads will all come together to make the perfect treat for the whole family. The box can be collected from their stores on Thursday the 23rd and Friday the 24th of November. Order your treats here!
The Old Barracks Toy Show Treat Box
If you’re looking for something extra special to nibble on during the big event, look no further than the Late Late Toy Show Treat Tins from Aunty Nellies Sweet Shop! These retro, festive lunch-boxes are packed with delicious seasonal goodies that are sure to delight the whole family from Nellie’s Jellies mix to Fizz Whiz popping candy, from Candy canes to Santa and snowmen hollow chocolates, from a milk chocolate golden coin net to Christmas-themed jelly lollipops, there's something for all ages - and they're only €9 so order here.
Crack out the Christmas Jumper
If you can’t wear that cozy, slightly tacky, but totally wonderful Christmas Jumper during The Late Late Toy Show, when can you wear it?! Have a dig through the wardrobe and give it a clean before Friday night. Speaking of cosy, why not pair that jumper with some seriously heart-warming slippers or wooly socks from The Sheep in the heart of Galway, check out their collection here. If you want to keep everything a bit more fun you could pick up a pair of these brilliant Bosco Socks from Irish Socksciety (tap HERE) to celebrate THE original Irish Christmas toy. Whatever outfit you decide on for the night, make sure to wear a smile!
Photo by EmJCamera
Deck The Halls
If you ask us, it’s never too early to get the festive lights up. It will do your heart the world of good to see all the wintery sparkles. However, if you are a firm believer that November is no time for a Christmas Tree, you can keep it small with a couple of yuletide decorations from some of Galway's finest retailers. Yes Flowers stock a great range of fancy bows, ornaments and snow globes that will turn your sitting room into a North Pole hideout just in time for The Toy Show. The Late Late Toy Show has always been the unofficial start of the Christmas period in our calendar, so it’s important to set the mood, ya know?
Festive Feasts
Treat yourself and your family and go all out for the night with a festive feast. Put on your pyjamas, relax on the couch and order from one of Galway’s many takeaways and restaurants that will deliver straight to your door! Feel like wings? Burgers? Pizza? Thai? Galway has it all, whatever you fancy. Get a delivery from Smashbird, Xian Street Food, Chef Laura Rosso, Ember Firehouse, Benny’s, or Handsome Burger to fuel up for the night ahead. Pro-tip: You can even order some boozy cocktails or shakes for the adults to enjoy from places like Harry’s.
Smashbird
Before all the fun kicks off, head into town and soak up the festive atmosphere of the Galway Christmas Market. Featuring the highly popular 32m observation wheel, Après Ski Bar, Santa’s Express Train, a traditional Carousel and over 50 wooden chalets which line Eyre Square. Feast on a wide selection of treats, everything from German Bratwurst, Traditional Crepes, Irish handmade fudge, Chocolate fountain, Chimney cakes and other indulgent confectionery and get yourself in a cheery Christmassy mood.
Now that everything’s sorted, it’s time to put the feet up and start watching a few classic Toy Show moments to get in the mood! Enjooooooooy
The Toy Show Appeal is back for its fourth year running, having won the heart of viewers at home and across the world. Last year, a staggering €6,839,045 million was raised, with viewers watching from 138 countries. Donations can be made via www.rte.ie/toyshowappeal and RTÉ are pleased this year to welcome proceeds through the Donations tab on the Revolut app which will go live on the night.
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