From start to finish, it’s your official guide to the Leopardstown Races this Christmas

Brought to you by Horse Racing Ireland

Leopardstown Christmas Festival is an annual tradition for so many of us and as per, there's plenty to look forward to.

After you've scoffed down the Brussels sprouts and have played enough charades for another 365 days, the real entertainment begins. Four whole days filled with glamour, entertainments, music and National Hunt Racing — the Leopardstown Christmas Festival takes place from December 26 to December 29 and will feature 7 Grade 1 races over four days along with terrific attractions, live music and all-round great craic, enticing an audience from all over to join in. After all, #everyracingmoment is for everyone. So many moments that fill the day and make horse racing what it is on and off the track. Horse Racing Ireland invites you to fall in love with horse racing for the first time, or over and over again. So, here are just a few highlights and happenings worth noting so there's zero possibility of missing out (gates open at approx. 10am. First race starts at 12pm while the last race will begin at approx. 3.30pm): With an atmosphere that's second to none, with horses thundering past and fingers crossed all round, the Festival Marquee is your go-to for the day. Warm food and a hot whiskey are the essentials before enjoying a race.

Entertainment

It's not only the National Hunt or the Grade 1 races you'll have your eyes peeled on. Irish Dance sensation Riff Shop takes centre stage on the very first day of the festival, plus, you'll see live music from the superb Conor McKeown band on December 27 and 28, and Mack Fleetwood — Europe's famous tribute group to FLEETWOOD MAC, all inside of the beautifully decorated Christmas Festival Marquee.

Riff Shop

Enjoy the festive banter about the bespoke bars too — it's worth every minute. Find out more here.

Style

Now, we couldn't forget about our fellow fashionistas ladies and gents. While there's no strict dress-code it's fun to dress to impress. On Ladies Day, Saturday, December 28, head to the Savills Style Awards (inside of the Christmas Festival Marquee) where all eyes will be on both the ladies and gentlemen sporting a killer style, yet, who ooze elegance and have chosen a hint of practicality for the day that's in it. The experienced judges taking part include PJ Gibbons of Social and Personal Magazine, Aisling Kilduff of the Design Centre and esteemed fashion designer Helen Steele. It takes just minutes to register and there are some terrific prizes in store including a €2,000 Dundrum Town Centre voucher for the female winner, €1000 for the winning male, a Philip Treacy Hat worth €1,350 from the Irish Design Centre and lunch for two at The Shelbourne Hotel. (Lavish!) Registration opens at 10am and you'll find all the information needed right here. Ticket information is as follows: Premium level access: €60 Child Premium Level Access: €30 Advanced Adult Flexi Admission (valid any day of the festival): €33 OAP/Student (ID required): €20 Family (2 adults and unlimited children, online purchase only): €60 Be sure to add that extra excitement and sparkle to your festive season at the Leopardstown Races this December. Its unique and thrilling experience is made for all to enjoy. See you there! Brought to you by Horse Racing Ireland Follow Horse Racing Ireland on Twitter to enjoy #everyracingmoment Every racing moment is made up of countless activities, feelings, stories and experiences — the thrill of racing, at the races, inside the yard and best in the world.