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Nothing gets the pre-Christmas pulse racing for jumps fans quite like the Fairyhouse Winter Festival, which returns on the weekend of November 30-December 1.

With two Grade 1 races headlining a stacked two days on the track and a wealth of entertainment off it, this is one not to be missed in Co Meath.

Here’s all you need to know…

When are the big races?

The two Grade 1s, the Hatton’s Grace Hurdle and Drinmore Novice Chase, take centre stage on Sunday afternoon.

Both have been won by illustrious names in the past, with Honeysuckle, Apple’s Jade and Solerina each claiming three Hatton’s Grace Hurdle successes in a row – a record Teahupoo will look to match this year.

Don Cossack, Delta Work and Envoi Allen are among the storied names to have landed Drinmore Novice Chase honours, with Gordon Elliott the most successful trainer in the history of the race with seven wins.

The Royal Bond Novice Hurdle, which counts Hurricane Fly and Marine Nationale on its roll of honour, is a Grade 2 this year and also forms part of Sunday’s stellar card.

Saturday’s feature is the Easyfix Equine Handicap Chase, worth €50,000, which goes to post at 12.45pm.

Who are the contenders?

Teahupoo’s Hatton’s Grace Hurdle victory last year was the first leg in an unbeaten season which also included Stayer’s Hurdle success at the Cheltenham Festival.

The seven-year-old bids for a hat-trick but will face stiff competition, with Closutton heavyweights Ballyburn and Lossiemouth among those currently entered by Willie Mullins.

Coral Cup winner Langer Dan, trained by Dan Skelton, is also among the entries at this stage.

Elliott has a strong hand in the Drinmore, with Farren Glory, Croke Park, Shecouldbeanything and Better Days Ahead among those in the running.

Gavin Cromwell’s Path d’Oroux, who started the season with a victory in the October meeting at Cheltenham, is also entered while Joseph O’Brien, Noel Meade and Henry de Bromhead are also likely to hold live chances.

What are the trainers saying?

Gordon Elliott said: "Teahupoo is in great form. He doesn't do anything fancy at home and just does what he has to do.

“We have it in our head that we'd go the same route as last year which is Fairyhouse, Cheltenham and Punchestown."

What else is on?

There will be plenty of entertainment around the course across both days of the festival, including live music in the marquee after racing.

Several hospitality packages are available, with a Johnny Cash tribute band to appear as part of one of them, while transport will be running to and from Dublin city centre for the duration of the weekend.

To find out more about travel, hospitality and ticket options, click here.