Christmas Parade

Compagnie eliXir - Photo credit: ©Ville de Beauvais, Yann Cochin

Sunday 15^th November 2026

Time: 6.30pm–7.30pm

The Parade Route: North Main Street - Washington Street - St. Patrick’s Street - Bridge Street - MacCurtain Street.

Christmas in Cork Parade lights up Leeside, with the official switching on of the city’s Christmas lights where the Cork’s streets will transform into a winter wonderland as performers, dancers and bands make their way throughout the city.

Join us with French street theatre company Compagnie eliXir in their spectacular street performances, the company blends circus, hip-hop and fairground cabaret to delight audiences of all ages.

Compagnie eliXir

The parade will feature a fantastic line-up of performers and familiar Cork favourites. Dancers from the Joan Denise Moriarty School of Dance and Trish McCarthy’s School of Dance will bring plenty of festive energy to the streets, while lively music provided by the Cork Butter Exchange Band and the Cork Barrack Street Band will be sure to keep the celebrations in full swing.

Adding to the festive atmosphere, The Everyman will be getting into the spirit of the occasion with a special welcome for Santa by this year’s panto characters, Jack and the Beanstalk at MacCurtain Street!

Photo credit Darragh Kane

No Christmas parade would be complete with Santa Claus himself. With a little help from the elves at Cork City Fire Brigade, Santa will make his traditional arrival, switching on the city's Christmas lights and officially opening the festive season.

Photo credit Darragh Kane

For those in need of a little more space around them to enjoy the parade, there will be a Accessible Zone on upper St. Patrick's Street (on the statue side of the Savoy).

Entry for one person with disability and one carer will be facilitated. No reservation is necessary.

See our Social Guide:

Click on the image above to see our Social Guide to the Parade

Compagnie Elixir presented with funding as part of the Culture Programme for Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union.

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A Cork Christmas Celebration