Cork Christmas trail: Locations and times of Cork's markets and events
Gives On Wheel Grand Parade Picture Of City's The Views Darragh Kane The Great Skyline Ferris The
The Christmas spirit is well and truly alive in Cork following the Corkmas Christmas parade last Friday which marked the beginning of ‘the most wonderful time of the year’.
The parade of festive floats led by the Barrack Street Band and Santa and his reindeer attracted thousands into the city centre.
And it's not over by any means - there is a whole host of Christmas markets and festive events taking place on Leeside over the coming weeks.
Here are just some of the festive fun people can expect, from festive markets to Santa experiences, ice rinks and immersive light displays.
The Marina Market is always a firm favourite amongst Corkonians and visitors alike but the market offers something a little extra special at Christmas.
The market’s much-loved Christmas stalls will return this year on Friday, November 29 and will be open each weekend until the end of December.
The ice rink at the Marina Market has also returned this year and is now open, with a wide range of bookings available up until January 5.
The venue recently announced that it will soon have a brand new 'Saving Santa' Escape Room experience hosted in partnership with WeEscape, and the Pop Up Movie Club is hosting a range of festive screenings at the market over the coming weeks.
Click here for more information.
The best of Irish-made, locally crafted gifts can be found at the Nano Nagle Christmas craft markets, which will be held on November 14 and 15 and November 21 and 22 in the heart of the historic site.
Visitors can enjoy holiday shopping, seasonal treats, and a vibrant atmosphere.
Other Christmas activities taking place at Nano Nagle Place include its Children’s Christmas Trail where kids can explore the magic of Christmas in 18th-century Cork using Nano Nagle’s Christmas activity book throughout December and a heart-warming performance of A Christmas Carol featuring Kieran O’Leary as Scrooge and the vocal talents of Nicole McDonagh under the direction of Judie Chalmers on December 7 and 8.
Click here for more information.
The Ballymaloe Craft Fair is the perfect place to find unique gifts for loved ones this Christmas, all while supporting Irish suppliers and artisans.
The festive event features over 200 Irish craft and design exhibitors over two weekends and people can still search for handmade Christmas gifts, decorations and consumables at the craft fair’s second weekend market from November 22 to 24.
Click here for more information.
Cork's much-loved Alpine skate trail has set up home at Supervalu Páirc Uí Chaoimh this year after three years at Fota House.
Winterlee is a new immersive winter wonderland with a Christmas market, winter village, funfair and ice trail running under the stadium's north stand.
No tickets are needed to enter the Christmas market, but early booking is advised for ice skating. Winterlee is now open and will run until January 19.
Click here or more information and ice skating tickets.
The international award-winning Wonderlights has expanded to Fota House this festive season.
Follow Fox Events joined forces with Cork’s Cool Running Events to bring the unique light show experience to Cork.
The immersive experience is suitable for visitors of all ages and all trails are fully accessible.
Wonderlights will take place at Fota House from now until January 4, with tickets still available from Thursday to Sunday each week.
Click here for more information and tickets.
The Ferris wheel on Grand Parade will also add to Cork city’s skyline from November 29, offering people a unique view of the city.
The 32 metre panoramic wheel will return until December 30 and smaller guests can enjoy the classic carousel next to the wheel.
Emmet Place Christmas market A new Christmas Market will be set up on Emmett Place, complete with wooden chalets offering gifts and snacks, from November 23.
The plaza will be transformed into a Christmas village consisting of a wide range of vendors offering festive delights and artisan crafts.
Corkmas Santa Experience will also see the man himself in residence at Emmet Place from November 23. Tickets for the Santa experience must be booked in advance.
Click here for more information and tickets.
A varied programme of street entertainment will see pop-up performances take place throughout the city at different times from Saturday, November 30 to Sunday, December 22.
People can expect to see stilt performers, mischievous Christmas-themed characters, and roving musicians and drummers offering free entertainment around the city.
Douglas Village Shopping Centre is set to become home to a miniature Christmas village featuring a Nordic-style tipi, Christmas trees and a food market this festive season.
Santa is set to pop up at the shopping centre on Saturday, November 23 at noon and will make his home in the tipi until December 23.
Santa’s home away from home will be decked out with a cosy fire, toys and his all-important desk for making his list and checking it twice.
The market will have roasted chestnuts, hot chocolate and other seasonal treats on offer.
Click here for more information and tickets.
An initiative of the Cork Business Association in partnership with Cork City Council, the Cork City Christmas Display Competition aims to create a special Christmas trail around the city.
Businesses are being invited to enhance the festive spirit by transforming their windows or buildings into festive displays to captivate shoppers and help boost sales and pedestrian footfall during the holiday season.
Businesses are invited to nominate their display and members of the public can also put forward their favourite window or building.
The closing date for nominations is December 1 and nominations with the business name, address and photo of the Christmas display can be emailed to info@corkbusiness.ie