The Late Late Toy Show is an annual show that happens before Christmas in Ireland. It is a night of guaranteed festivities, laughs, and an all-around good time for all.
This yearly show has become a tradition in most households in Ireland over the years. Families with young children watch the show to get them excited for Santa, families with older children watch it for nostalgia, and college students watch it with a different version of family, and friends. It has a long, deep history in Ireland which will be affecting generations for years down the line.
The Show
The Late Late Toy Show has been infecting the population of Ireland with its charm and Christmas cheer since 1974. It has been presented by some very well-known Irish faces including Gay Byrne from 1974-1998 and Pat Kenny from 1999 to 2008. Nowadays, Ryan Tubridy hosts the show which he has done since 2009. Usually, the show happens about a month or three weeks before Christmas. It is a special edition of the Late Late Show which is a Chat Show for the remaining days of the year. Irish actors like Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson have been interviewed on the show. Jacksepticeye, an Irish YouTuber living in England has also made the journey across the ocean to be interviewed by Ryan Tubridy. The Late Late Toy Show transforms the usual chat show into three hours of chaos.
The Tradition
Watching the Late Late Toy Show every year has become a staple in most Irish households. No matter if you watch it with your family or your friends, it is a must-watch for this time of year. For the past three years, the live studio audience has not been at full capacity. Also, everyone has been wearing masks due to the worldwide pandemic. But that made the show this year even more magical.
Every year, there is a theme. This year the theme was ‘No Place Like Home’ which celebrates the end of the severity of Covid19 and the end of lockdown! There was a joyful feel to this show. The show included many excited children, plenty of performances from talented musicians, and loads of laughs at Tubridy’s expense. One of the simple joys of this show for me is being able to see the pure joy on each kid’s face as they explain and play with the toys on set.
Even though it is mostly all about having a good time and especially making sure the children have the best time, it is also a fundraiser. Every year there is a Toy Show Appeal. This raises money for Templemore, The Jack and Jill Foundation, and many more important Irish children’s hospitals. On the night of the show, two million euros was raised for an extremely important cause. The lines for this fund are still open and will remain open for the next week or two. So, on top of bringing joy to kids and families all around the world, this show raises funds for a crucial cause.
