It began as an idea for a segment on Gay Byrne's "The Late Late Show" in 1975 and was so popular that "The Late Late Toy Show" became a programme in its own right. For the 50th anniversary they are pulling out all the stops with a "Home Alone"-theme...
Here's how to watch "The Late Late Toy Show" 2025 online from anywhere with a VPN — and potentially for FREE.
"The Late Late Toy Show" premieres on Friday, December 5 in Ireland on RTÉ at 9:35 p.m. local time.
• WATCH FREE — RTÉ Player (Ireland)
• Watch RTÉ anywhere — try NordVPN 100% risk free
How do we know they've got something special planned? Because usually there are leaks from insiders and rumors about special guests (Mariah Carey pre-recorded a message in 2024) but so far... nothing. Incredible for the most watched program in the country with viewing figures between 1.6 million and 1.8 million last year.
All we have to go on is a promise of "mischief, mayhem and magical moments" which about as vague as it gets and possibly something relating to the "Home Alone" theme. Oh, and the fact that Ireland's "brightest young stars" have been auditioning for the show.
But it doesn't really matter. The show's safe in Patrick Kielty's hands (it's his third time presenting) and the real winners are the charities that have, since 2020, benefited from the "Toy Show appeal" that has raised over €26 million. Christmas starts here.
Read on as we explain how to watch "The Late Late Toy Show" online from anywhere, including a FREE stream.
How to watch 'The Late Late Toy Show' for FREE
"The Late Late Toy Show" airs on RTÉ One on Friday, December 5 in Ireland at 9:35 p.m. local time. It is also available to stream on the RTÉ Player platform. You don't even need an RTÉ Player account.
Away from Ireland when it's on? Use a VPN to get around the geo-restrictions that will prevent RTÉ Player from working when you are traveling outside of Ireland. Scroll down for more information and instructions.
How to watch 'The Late Late Toy Show' from anywhere
Traveling outside Ireland and blocked from watching RTE shows on your usual subscription?
You can still stream "The Late Late Toy Show" thanks to the wonders of a VPN (Virtual Private Network). The software allows your devices to appear as if they're back in your home country regardless of where in the world you are. So ideal for viewers away on vacation or on business. Our favorite is NordVPN. It's the best on the market.
Using a VPN is incredibly simple.
1. Install the VPN of your choice. As we've said, NordVPN is our favorite.
2. Choose the location you wish to connect to in the VPN app. For instance, if you're away from the Emerald Isle but want to view RTÉ Player as usual, you'd select an Irish server from the list.
3. Sit back and enjoy the action. Head over to RTÉ Player and enjoy the show!
Can I watch 'The Late Late Toy Show' in the U.S.?
The "The Late Late Toy Show" 50th Anniversary special is not available in the U.S. but airs in Ireland on Friday, December 5 at 9:35 p.m. (2:35 p.m. ET) and Irish fans abroad can catch the show on RTÉ Player with a VPN.
We recommend NordVPN.
Can I watch 'The Late Late Show' in Canada?
The "The Late Late Toy Show" 50th Anniversary special is not available in Canada but airs in Ireland on Friday, December 5 at 9:35 p.m. (2:35 p.m. ET) and Irish fans abroad can catch the show on RTÉ Player with a VPN.
We recommend NordVPN.
Can I watch 'The Late Late Show' in the U.K.?
The "The Late Late Toy Show" 50th Anniversary special is not available in the U.K. but airs in Ireland on Friday, December 5 at 9:35 p.m. and Irish fans abroad can catch the show on RTÉ Player with a VPN.
We recommend NordVPN.
Can I watch 'The Late Late Toy Show' in Australia?
The "The Late Late Toy Show" 50th Anniversary special is not available in Australia but airs in Ireland on Friday, December 5 at 9:35 p.m. (Saturday, Dec 6 at 6:35 a.m. AEDT) and Irish fans abroad can catch the show on RTÉ Player with a VPN.
We recommend NordVPN.
'The Late Late Toy Show' - FAQ
Can I get tickets to the 'The Late Late Toy Show'?
If you want to be in the audience, RTE is giving away money-can't-buy "Toy Show" tickets throughout the day on November 21, 2025. You'll need to stay tuned to RTE's radio, television and online channels. Register in advance on RTE's audience participation page (by November 18) and be ready to take a call live on air.
Who has presented the "Late Late Toy Show" over the last 50 years?
Gay Byrne - 1975–1999
Pat Kenny - 1999–2008
Ryan Tubridy - 2009–2022
Patrick Kielty - 2023–present
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We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example: 1. Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service). 2. Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad. We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.
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