The Leopardstown Christmas Festival

For a lot of Dublin families, going racing at Leopardstown is as much a part of Christmas as the turkey. The Christmas Festival starts on St Stephen's Day and runs for four days of National Hunt racing, with seven Grade 1 races across the week, live music in the festival marquee each day and a crowd that is often more about catching up with friends than studying form.

The racecourse itself calls it a hot-spot for post-Christmas get-togethers, and it is a good meeting for newcomers because the course is so easy to reach from the city.

When is it?

The festival runs from 26 to 29 December every year, starting on St Stephen's Day. In 2026 that is Saturday 26 to Tuesday 29 December, as listed on Leopardstown's published fixture list.

About Leopardstown

Leopardstown was completed in 1888, built by Captain George Quin and modelled on Sandown Park in England. It sits in Foxrock, about six miles south of Dublin city centre, and races both Flat and jumps through the year. As well as Christmas it hosts the Dublin Racing Festival in early February and the first day of the Irish Champions Festival in September. More on the course in our Leopardstown racecourse guide.

The big races

With seven Grade 1 races over four days, every day has something worth seeing. Among the best known:

• The Savills Chase: a Grade 1 steeplechase over about three miles for horses aged five and older, with seventeen fences. It was first run in 1986 and has been run over its current distance since 1992. Over the years it has carried several sponsors' names, including the Ericsson Chase and the Lexus Chase, so older racegoers may still call it by one of those.
• The Christmas Hurdle: a Grade 1 hurdle over about three miles.
• The December Hurdle: a Grade 1 hurdle over about two miles, usually on the final day.

The rest of the Grade 1 programme is spread across the four days. The exact running order changes from year to year, so check the day-by-day programme on the Leopardstown website before choosing your day.

This is jumps racing only. If you are curious how it differs from summer Flat racing, see our National Hunt vs Flat guide.

Getting there

Leopardstown is one of the easiest racecourses in Ireland to reach without a car.

Luas. The Luas Green line runs from Dublin city centre to Sandyford in about 20 minutes. The racecourse is a short walk from the stop, and a free shuttle bus runs from Sandyford Luas on race days.

Extra shuttles. For major festivals the racecourse also runs shuttle buses from Blackrock DART station and from Heuston station, which helps if you are arriving by train from outside Dublin.

Dublin Bus. Several routes serve the area. The 114 to and from Blackrock DART stops at the main gate, and the racecourse is about a 15 minute walk from the N11, where the E1 and E2 routes run.

From Dublin Airport. Aircoach route 700 runs from both terminals to Leopardstown. Get off at the last stop, at the Clayton Hotel. Allow about an hour, more at busy times.

Driving. Parking is free. The racecourse advises using exit 15 off the M50 and Car Park G to avoid congestion on the Leopardstown Road, and free shuttles run from all its car parks. Christmas crowds mean traffic builds up, so allow plenty of time.

Where to stay

If you are travelling from outside Dublin, south Dublin is the handiest base, with the Luas Green line or a short taxi to the course. Dún Laoghaire and the coastal towns are another option, as is the city centre if you want to combine racing with a few days in town. Leopardstown's own advice is to book early, as local hotels regularly sell out around big meetings.

Tickets and tips

• Buy online. Leopardstown recommends buying online for the best value tickets.
• Pick your day. The Grade 1 races are spread across the week, so check the day-by-day programme for the races you most want to see.
• Wrap up. There is no dress code at Leopardstown, and the racecourse recommends smart casual and dressing for the weather. At the end of December that means a warm coat, gloves and good shoes. You will spend time outside watching the horses in the parade ring.
• Food and music. There is a range of places to eat and drink across the course, and live music in the festival marquee every day.
• Betting. The Tote and on-course bookmakers operate at Leopardstown. You do not need to bet to enjoy the day, and many people do not. If you choose to, decide a limit in advance. Free, confidential help is available from Gambling Care on 1800 936 725 (gamblingcare.ie).

If this is your first race meeting, have a look at our first day at the races guide. And if the Christmas festival gets you hooked, the Irish racing calendar shows where to go next, starting with the Dublin Racing Festival a few weeks later.