It’s finally here! For thousands of Irish families all over the country (and watching from around the world), Christmas officially starts on the night of the Toy Show. Make sure you’re prepared with our ultimate Late Late Toy Show essentials list to see you through the show!
YOU MAY ALSO ENJOY: Download Our FREE Late Late Toy Show Bingo and Play Along at Home
Are You Ready for This Year’s Late Late Toy Show?
Showcasing the top toys, must-have gadgets and children’s books for Christmas, the Late Late Toy Show is a uniquely Irish bundle of fun, hosted by Patrick Kielty.
The most anticipated night of the year for many kids is getting to stay up way past their bedtime to watch the Toy Show, and it’s a memory many of us still cherish. Getting to share it with our own kids is special, and lots of new (and old) traditions play out — from Christmas pjs and sweet treats, to seeing who falls asleep first!
Toy Show Essentials
It’s time to make sure you’re fully stocked up and ready with all the Toy Show essentials:
- Christmas pjs or other cosy nightwear
- A blanket or something to snuggle up under
- Hot chocolates with marshmallows (try these polar bear marshmallows for a wintery treat!)
- Sweets and treats for sharing
- Pen and paper to jot down any toys, gadgets or books you think would be good
- Tissues for all the weepy bits!
- Fun Christmas games to play in the ad breaks
- Santa hats, reindeer antlers or other fun Christmas accessories
- A pillow, in case anyone falls asleep
- Our Late Late Toy Show Bingo game to play while you’re watching
Don’t forget to see if any of our Hot Toys for Christmas predictions make it onto the show too!
YOU MAY ALSO ENJOY: 12 Kid Friendly Christmas Recipes That Are Super Easy to Make
Late Late Toy Show History
The first Toy Show aired on RTÉ in the early 1970s as a 30-minute slot at the end of the regular Late Late Show. Gay Byrne hosted a segment for parents on the current toys for Christmas while the children were tucked up tight!
It proved so popular that it eventually became a full-show special with Christmas musical entertainment. Lucky children were invited on to test and review the toys, and it gradually evolved into the Christmas extravaganza we love today.
The Toy Show continues to be one of the most watched programmes of the year in Ireland, with families tuning in live on RTÉ One and many more streaming along on the RTÉ Player from around the world.
Every year, applications to be part of the coveted Toy Show audience attract huge numbers of entries for a very limited number of tickets. Not only is it a chance for adults to indulge in some festive fun and dress up in their best (and worst!) Christmas outfits, there’s also the very famous catchphrase to look forward to: “There’s one for everybody in the audience!”
YOU MAY ALSO ENJOY: Our Pick of Irish Websites You Can Buy Toys and Gifts From
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Late Late Toy Show?
The Late Late Toy Show is RTÉ’s annual Christmas special, spun off from the regular Late Late Show. It showcases the year’s top toys, gadgets and children’s books, with children invited on to test and review them alongside musical performances and family entertainment.
Why do families wear pyjamas to watch the Toy Show?
It’s become a much-loved family tradition. Since the show airs well past bedtime for most kids, cosy Christmas pyjamas, blankets and treats have become part of the ritual of settling in together for the night.
Can I watch the Late Late Toy Show outside Ireland?
Yes, many families abroad tune in via the RTÉ Player alongside the live broadcast in Ireland, making it a shared tradition for Irish families no matter where they’ve settled.
How do you get tickets to be in the Toy Show audience?
Tickets are allocated through an application process run by RTÉ each year, and demand is always very high for a limited number of seats. Keep an eye on RTÉ’s own channels for details on how and when to apply.
Related Articles
- Download Our FREE Late Late Toy Show Bingo and Play Along at Home
- Hot Toys for Christmas
- 12 Kid Friendly Christmas Recipes That Are Super Easy to Make
- Our Pick of Irish Websites You Can Buy Toys and Gifts From
Save This for Toy Show Night
Bookmark this page or share it with the family so everyone knows what to have ready before the show starts — no last-minute scrambling for blankets or hot chocolate!
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