Christmas Festivities Return to Cork City from 14 November
Christmas comes to Cork from 14 November with parade, markets, Ferris wheel and Santa visits transforming the city centre for a month of festive celebrations.
Cork City is preparing for a month-long celebration of Christmas, with festivities beginning on 14 November when the Corkmas Parade officially launches the festive season on Leeside.
The countdown to Christmas begins with the second annual Corkmas Parade on Friday, 14 November, from 7pm to 8pm. Dazzling floats, marching bands and performers will wind through the city centre before Santa Claus arrives to switch on Cork's Christmas lights, transforming the streets for the season ahead.
From late November through to New Year's Eve, Cork city centre will be filled with festive attractions, markets and entertainment designed to bring Christmas magic to residents and visitors alike. The celebrations represent one of the most ambitious festive programmes the city has undertaken, with multiple attractions operating simultaneously throughout December.
The Corkmas Christmas Market will transform Emmet Place into a festive village from 21 November until 22 December. Wooden chalets will offer artisan crafts, festive gifts and seasonal treats, with the market operating Thursdays to Sundays, plus 22 December. Opening hours run from 12pm to 8pm on weekdays and 10am to 8pm at weekends.
The iconic 32-metre Ferris wheel returns to Grand Parade from 28 November, offering panoramic views across the city throughout the festive season. Operating alongside a classic carousel from 12 noon to 9pm on selected dates, both attractions will run until New Year's Eve, weather permitting. Tickets can be booked online from 27 October.
Families can visit Santa at the Corkmas Santa Experience on Emmet Place, opening 28 November. Running each Friday to Sunday until 21 December, the experience includes a chat with Santa's Chief Elf, a visit with Santa himself and an age-appropriate gift for €20 per person. Optional photographs with Santa are available for an additional €8, with all visits requiring advance booking.
The festive programme represents a significant expansion of Cork's Christmas offering, with the city council coordinating multiple attractions across the city centre. The concentration of events around Grand Parade and Emmet Place creates a dedicated festive quarter where families can enjoy multiple attractions in a single visit.
Cork City Council has promised further details about the parade route and entertainment schedule in the coming days. With Christmas just seven weeks away, preparations are well underway to ensure Cork's festive season delivers memorable experiences for all ages.
