Late Late Toy Show 2025: Date, Time & Theme

There’s a moment every Irish family circles on the calendar, and for 2025, it’s officially set. The Late Late Toy Show returns on Friday, 5 December at 9:35 pm on RTÉ One, with Patrick Kielty back as host and a Grinch-themed night planned.

Air Date: Friday, 5 December 2025 ·
Start Time: 9:35 pm Irish Standard Time ·
Broadcaster: RTÉ One and RTÉ Player ·
Host: Patrick Kielty

Here are the confirmed details for the 2025 Toy Show based on official announcements.

The implication: every major detail has been locked in by the broadcaster, leaving only secondary questions unanswered.

What is the Late Late Toy Show theme for 2025?

RTÉ confirmed on 5 December 2025 that the theme is The Grinch. The press release described it as “the beloved Christmas favourite, The Grinch”.

Patrick Kielty is gearing up for another unforgettable night, promising mischief, mayhem and magical moments on Friday, 5 December 2025.

This nods to the show’s recent tradition of movie-inspired themes: 2023 paid tribute to Elf and 2024 was a valentine to Home Alone. ^{Irish Times}

The pattern: each year the Toy Show picks a mainstream Christmas movie, and 2025 chooses a story about a character who learns the true meaning of Christmas.

What time does the Toy Show start in 2025?

The Late Late Toy Show begins at 9:35 pm Irish Standard Time on Friday, 5 December 2025 on RTÉ One. It airs simultaneously on RTÉ Player worldwide.

When is it on? The Late Late Toy Show begins on RTÉ One at 9.35pm on Friday, December 5th. What’s the theme? This year’s theme is The Grinch.

What day is the Toy Show in Ireland?

It always airs on a Friday in early December. In 2025, that Friday is 5 December.

The catch: the exact end time is not announced, but previous Toy Shows have run between 2 and 2.5 hours.

Who will replace Patrick Kielty?

No replacement is happening. Patrick Kielty returns as host for the 2025 Toy Show, his third consecutive year at the helm. IrishCentral reported that Kielty has been hosting the Toy Show since 2023.

Is Patrick Kielty Irish or British?

Patrick Kielty is Irish. He was born in County Down, Northern Ireland, but identifies as Irish.

Who is Patrick Kielty married to now?

Patrick Kielty is married to English television presenter Cat Deeley.

The implication: speculation about a host change is unfounded; Kielty remains the anchor for the foreseeable future.

How many hours is the Toy Show?

The exact duration of the 2025 Toy Show has not been officially confirmed. Historically, the show runs approximately 2–2.5 hours, including ad breaks.

How long is the late late toy show 2025

Without an official runtime, viewers should expect a similar length to previous years. The schedule on RTÉ One typically allocates a 2.5‑hour slot.

The pattern: no Toy Show has ever been shorter than 2 hours, so plan your evening accordingly.

How much do guests get paid on The Late Late Show?

Guest payment policies for The Late Late Show are not publicly disclosed. Irish media have reported that appearances are unpaid for most guests, though high‑profile figures may negotiate expenses. No specific figures for the Toy Show are available.

What this means: if you are asked to pay for a guest slot, it is likely a scam.

Timeline of key announcements

• 17 September 2025 — RTÉ announces Toy Show date (5 December) and begins search for young stars. ^{RTÉ About}
• 4 December 2025 — Irish Times publishes preview with theme and start time. ^{Irish Times}
• 5 December 2025 — The Late Late Toy Show airs at 9:35 pm on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player.

What’s unclear

• Exact duration of the show — not confirmed.
• Ticket availability and how to get them — no official ticket sale announcement.
• Specific guests and performances — only the host and theme are confirmed.

For more festive guidance, see our guide to Christmas & New Year Social Welfare Payments 2025/2026 and catch up on Fair City Tonight Episode: Air Time, Stream & Spoilers.

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