The Late Late Toy Show is the night Irish Christmas really starts for a lot of families. This year it's on Friday 4 December 2026, presented by Patrick Kielty. Here's what to know about the night, how to make a bit of an occasion of it at home, and what's on for kids around Ireland the weekend after.
When is the Late Late Toy Show 2026?
- Date: Friday 4 December 2026
- Channel: RTÉ One, and live on the RTÉ Player
- Time: the show usually starts at about 9.35pm, after the news. RTÉ confirms the exact time closer to the night.
- Host: Patrick Kielty
It runs well past most kids' bedtimes, so plenty of families watch the first hour live and catch the rest on the RTÉ Player over the weekend.
Making a night of it at home
You don't need much to turn Toy Show night into an event:
- Pyjamas on early. Lots of families get the kids washed and into new Christmas pyjamas before it starts.
- A Toy Show jumper. In recent years there's been an official Toy Show jumper, with proceeds going to the appeal. Any Christmas jumper works too.
- Treats in front of the fire. A selection box, popcorn or hot chocolate is the classic Toy Show spread.
- A Santa list on standby. Kids spot things they want while the toys are being tested, so keep a pen and paper handy.
- Nap first for younger kids. A rest in the afternoon makes it easier for them to stay up for the first part.
The Toy Show Appeal
Since 2020 the show has run the RTÉ Toy Show Appeal, which raises money for children's charities across Ireland. You can donate during and after the show. RTÉ publishes the details on the night.
Toy Show weekend: Santa experiences open 5–6 December
The weekend after the Toy Show is one of the busiest of the year for Santa visits, with excited kids and Christmas lists fresh from the night before. These Santa experiences are open on Saturday 5 or Sunday 6 December. Popular times sell out, so check availability with the organiser early.
