Grinch steals spotlight as theme for The Late Late Toy Show 2025
Hearts all across the world are about to grow three times in size – it’s nearly time for The Late Late Toy Show 2025!
Marking the grand finale of a week filled with festive programming announcements, RTÉ has revealed the theme of this year’s Toy Show will be the beloved Christmas favourite, The Grinch.
Tonight, audiences will be transported to Who-ville as the Toy Show stage is transformed into a world of green mischief and magic inspired by Dr Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas.
Expect dazzling performances, plenty of toys and heartwarming moments that prove even the grumpiest of Grinches can discover the true spirit of Christmas.
It will be the 300 plus children from all over Ireland, who will take to the stage tonight that will truly steal the spotlight, showcasing their talents, stories and infectious joy.
Late Late host Patrick Kielty said: “The Grinch has always been a huge part of Christmas for me and since becoming host of the Toy Show, it’s always been a dream to make him part of the best night of the year.
“I am so excited to share the magic of Who-ville with families all across Ireland this Toy Show. The set is spectacular, the costumes are incredible and the children are going to make it truly unforgettable. It’s a show full of heart, joy and a little bit of mischief - just as the Grinch would want!”
The opening of this year’s 2025 extravaganza will be narrated by Liam Neeson, who recorded a voiceover especially for this year’s show.
More surprises and special guests will be revealed throughout the night, ensuring magic from beginning to end.
RTÉ production designers have designed a set that will bring Who-ville to life, the fantastical town that started from the pages of Dr Seuss.
With its colourful, whimsical houses and a bustling town square at the centre of the action, the scene captures the magic of the Who world.
Complementing the set, the RTÉ costume and make-up departments have meticulously crafted every detail to immerse viewers in the vibrant imagination of Dr Seuss. To top it all, Patrick will spend hours in the make up chair, transforming into the spirit of Who-ville!
Children from all across Ireland will be entertaining audiences on Friday night by showcasing the fun and creativity of the games they enjoy, bringing plenty of energy and excitement to the stage.
Alongside that, the much-loved book segment of the show will feature young reviewers sharing their thoughts on a variety of stories.
Peppered with performances of Christmas classics and songs of the year, viewers will be singing and dancing along at home!
A list of the toys featured will be available on the show’s website www.rte.ie/latelate following the broadcast.
All toys featured on the night will be donated to charities