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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 and is one of four currently entered, with his stiffest competition set to come from Willie Mullins' Lossiemouth.

The five-year-old Mares' Hurdle winner, owned by Rich Ricci, was due to make her seasonal reappearance in the Morgiana Hurdle last weekend but was withdrawn due to a bruised foot.

Beacon Edge and Maxxum, both stablemates of Teahupoo at Cullentra, complete the line-up.

Elliott also has a strong hand in the Drinmore, with Firefox the current market leader and Croke Park, Stellar Story, Shecouldbeanything and Search For Glory also in the running.

Heart Wood and Gorgeous Tom are strong contenders for Henry de Bromhead, while Pinkerton is entered for Noel Meade and Jordans runs from the Joseph O'Brien yard.

Champion Bumper runner-up Romeo Coolio could run in the Royal Bond, while Willie Mullins' Triumph Hurdle favourite Willy De Houelle is entered in the Grade 3 Bar One Racing 'Price Boosts Across All Channels' Juvenile Hurdle.

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.