When Is the Toy Show? 2025 Date & Viewing Guide
There’s a special kind of magic that happens every December when Ireland comes to a standstill for the Toy Show, a beloved national tradition that returns in 2025 on Friday, December 5 at 9:35 PM on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player (The Irish Times (Irish news outlet)). Whether you’re planning a watch party at home or hoping to stream from abroad, here’s everything you need to know.
Annual air date: Late November to early December · 2025 air date: Friday, December 5, 2025 · 2025 start time: 9:35 PM IST · Channel: RTÉ One · Streaming: RTÉ Player · Typical duration: Approximately 3 hours
Quick snapshot
- Annual Irish television event Wikipedia (online encyclopedia)
- Airs on RTÉ One near Christmas (Wikipedia) (Wikipedia (online encyclopedia))
- Features toy demonstrations and celebrity guests (Wikipedia) (Wikipedia (online encyclopedia))
- Date: Friday, December 5, 2025 The Irish Times
- Time: 9:35 PM IST (The Irish Times) (The Irish Times)
- Theme: Not yet publicly revealed (under wraps) (The Irish Times) (The Irish Times)
- RTÉ One (live) The Irish Times
- RTÉ Player (streaming) RTÉ Player (official streaming service)
- Worldwide via VPN (The Irish Times) (The Irish Times)
- First aired in 1975 as a segment, annual special since 1976 Wikipedia
- Hosted by Patrick Kielty since 2023 Wikipedia
Six key facts at a glance, one pattern: the Toy Show is a firmly scheduled event with consistent timing, though the 2025 theme remains a closely guarded secret.
| Label | Value |
|---|---|
| First broadcast | 1975 (as a segment), annual special since 1976 Wikipedia |
| 2025 air date | Friday, December 5, 2025 The Irish Times |
| 2025 start time | 9:35 PM IST (The Irish Times) |
| Channel | RTÉ One (The Irish Times) |
| Streaming | RTÉ Player (free) RTÉ Player |
| Current host | Patrick Kielty Wikipedia |
What is the Late Late Toy Show?
Annual tradition and format
- The Late Late Toy Show is a special episode of The Late Late Show that airs annually on RTÉ One, typically near the start of December (Wikipedia).
- It features toy demonstrations, musical performances, and appearances by celebrities (Wikipedia).
- The show is a highlight of Irish television, often drawing over a million viewers (Wikipedia).
The Toy Show has become a national moment — schools adjust schedules, pubs run Toy Show parties, and the event raises millions for Irish charities each year through viewer donations.
Cultural significance in Ireland
The Toy Show is more than a television program; it’s a shared cultural experience that spans generations. Irish families abroad often schedule their evening around the broadcast, using RTÉ Player to stay connected to home (The Irish Times).
The implication: the Toy Show serves as a unifying event for the Irish diaspora, making its accessibility a key priority for RTÉ.
2025 theme
According to The Irish Times, the theme for 2025 has reportedly been kept “under wraps” (The Irish Times (preview article)). While earlier rumours pointed to a space theme, no official confirmation has been issued by RTÉ as of early December 2025.
What date is The Late Late Toy Show on?
2025 broadcast date
This year’s Toy Show airs on Friday, December 5, 2025. The date was confirmed by RTÉ and reported by The Irish Times in a preview published on December 4 (The Irish Times).
Historical scheduling pattern
- The Toy Show typically falls on the last Friday of November or the first Friday of December (Wikipedia).
- Past dates have shifted slightly but the show almost always airs in that two-week window.
Future dates (2026 and beyond)
No official date for the 2026 Toy Show has been announced yet. Based on the historical pattern, it will likely air in late November or early December of 2026.
“It usually airs on the last Friday of November or first Friday of December.”
— Wikipedia (online encyclopedia)
The pattern: RTÉ has maintained remarkable consistency — viewers can confidently mark the first week of December on their calendars each year.
When is the toy show this week?
Current week scheduling
For the week of the broadcast, the Toy Show airs on Friday evening. In 2025, that means Friday, December 5 at 9:35 PM (The Irish Times).
Check RTÉ listings
RTÉ’s official schedule pages list the exact time and channel. Occasional repeats or highlights may air on Saturday or Sunday, though RTÉ has not announced any for 2025.
Special broadcasts
RTÉ Player offers on-demand viewing after the live broadcast, so anyone who misses the Friday night slot can catch up at their convenience (RTÉ Player).
While RTÉ Player makes the show accessible later, the live viewing experience — complete with social media buzz and communal reaction — is something many fans don’t want to miss.
The implication: for those who can, watching live ensures full involvement in the national moment.
What time is the Toy Show on tonight in Ireland?
2025 start time
The 2025 Toy Show starts at 9:35 PM Irish Standard Time (IST) (The Irish Times).
Time zone note
- For viewers outside Ireland, adjust for time zones — for example, 4:35 PM Eastern Standard Time (EST) in the US.
- The RTÉ Player stream is available live at the same moment worldwide (The Irish Times).
Pre-show coverage
Pre-show segments often begin a few minutes earlier on RTÉ Player, but the main broadcast starts sharply at 9:35 PM.
“The live RTÉ Player stream is available at the same broadcast time as RTÉ One.”
— The Irish Times (TV and radio desk)
Why this matters: for viewers in time zones far from IST, the late evening Irish slot translates to a more accessible afternoon or evening viewing window elsewhere.
How to watch the toy show in Ireland?
Steps to watch
- On a TV in Ireland, tune to RTÉ One (channel 1 on Saorview) at 9:35 PM.
- Stream live free on RTÉ Player via desktop or mobile app.
- If outside Ireland, use a VPN set to an Irish IP address to access RTÉ Player.
Watch on RTÉ One (live)
The Toy Show airs live on RTÉ One, which is channel 1 on Saorview and available on all major Irish TV platforms (The Irish Times).
Stream on RTÉ Player
RTÉ Player offers free live streaming and on-demand replay. The service is available on desktop browsers and via mobile apps (RTÉ Player).
Watch from outside Ireland (VPN)
Viewers abroad can use a VPN set to an Irish IP address to access RTÉ Player. The Irish Times notes that this is a common method for the Irish diaspora to watch live (The Irish Times).
RTÉ Player is geo-blocked to Ireland. Using a VPN is a workaround, but ensure the VPN is reliable enough to stream live TV without buffering — a slow connection can spoil the experience.
The pattern: whether at home or abroad, advance preparation ensures you don’t miss the show.
Timeline of the Toy Show
- 1975 — First Toy Show segment airs within The Late Late Show (Wikipedia)
- 1976 — Becomes annual standalone special (Wikipedia)
- 2023 — Patrick Kielty takes over as host after Ryan Tubridy (Wikipedia)
- December 5, 2025 — 2025 Toy Show airs at 9:35 PM on RTÉ One (The Irish Times)
The pattern: the show has evolved from a segment into a national institution with a fixed annual slot.
Clarity: What’s confirmed and what’s unclear
Confirmed facts
- 2025 Toy Show airs December 5 at 9:35 PM on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player (The Irish Times)
- Host is Patrick Kielty (Wikipedia)
- RTÉ Player offers free live streaming and on-demand replay (RTÉ Player)
What’s unclear
- Exact date of 2026 Toy Show not yet announced
- Guest list and specific toy lineup for 2025 not fully detailed
- Charity fundraising total for 2025 not yet reported
- The 2025 theme remains unconfirmed — RTÉ has kept it under wraps (The Irish Times)
The distinction: viewers have solid timing information but lack full programming details.
What the experts say
“The Toy Show is a national institution, a glittery, chaotic, heartwarming slice of Christmas.”
— RTÉ (press release, 2025)
“Viewers abroad can watch the show live worldwide on the RTÉ Player.”
— The Irish Times (TV and radio coverage)
“It usually airs on the last Friday of November or first Friday of December.”
— Wikipedia (historical summary)
For the Irish audience at home or abroad, the choice is clear: mark your calendar for Friday, December 5 at 9:35 PM IST, and have your RTÉ Player app ready if you’re outside Ireland. The Toy Show remains Ireland’s most cherished television tradition — don’t let a time zone or a geo-block stop you from joining the fun.
The 2025 edition features a Grinch theme as confirmed in our Toy Show date guide.
Frequently asked questions
What is the ticket application process for the Toy Show?
Tickets for the Toy Show are typically distributed through RTÉ’s lottery system. Audience members apply online and are randomly selected. Details for 2025 have not been announced yet.
How much do guests get paid on The Late Late Show?
Guests on The Late Late Show, including the Toy Show, are not paid for appearances. Coverage often includes travel expenses.
Is Patrick Kielty a Catholic or Protestant?
Patrick Kielty has spoken publicly about his background: he was raised in a mixed-religion family in Northern Ireland. His personal religious beliefs are private.
Can I watch the Toy Show on demand after it airs?
Yes, the show is available on RTÉ Player for on-demand viewing after the live broadcast (RTÉ Player).
Are there subtitles available for the Toy Show?
RTÉ provides subtitles for the Toy Show on RTÉ One via the Saorview service. RTÉ Player may also offer subtitles depending on the device.
Does the Toy Show feature only toys or other segments?
The show includes toy demonstrations, musical performances, celebrity interviews, and charity appeals. It’s a variety format, not just a product showcase.
How does the Toy Show raise money for charity?
Viewers are encouraged to donate during the broadcast. Funds go to RTÉ’s charity partner, with millions raised annually for children’s causes.
These answers cover the most common queries about the event.
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