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‘Christmas in Cork’ Unveils the City’s Full Festive Programme

(Photo credit: Darragh Kane)

With 6 weeks of festive events, family entertainment and new attractions planned across the city centre, Christmas in Cork is set to return with its biggest programme to date.

Cork City will once again come alive this winter as Christmas in Cork, presented by Cork City Council, which returns with six weeks of events and activities from 15 November to 31 December.

Returning favourites such as the Christmas Parade, and Ferris Wheel at Grand Parade, will be joined by the Christmas Markets at Bishop Lucey Park and the free festive entertainment at the Family Festive Hub at the Counting House Plaza.

The festivities begin with the Christmas Parade on Sunday, 15 November, taking to city streets from 6.30pm to 7.30pm. Making a welcome return to Cork for the first time in more than two decades is French street theatre company Compagnie eliXir, whose performances blend circus, cabaret, hip-hop and visual theatre. With a little help from the elves at Cork City Fire Brigade, Santa Claus will also make his traditional arrival, switching on the city's Christmas lights and officially opening the festive season.

Running from 20 November to 22 December, the Christmas Markets at Bishop Lucey Park will be open Wednesday to Sunday, bringing together food producers, artisan makers and local traders, offering everything from seasonal treats to unique Christmas gifts. The much-loved Ferris Wheel will return to Grand Parade from 27 November, giving visitors a bird's-eye view of the city dressed for Christmas.

The Family Festive Hub at Counting House Plaza, opening on 28 November, will host a lively programme of family-friendly entertainment. Activities will include Christmas-themed games, circus and puppet shows, face painting and creative workshops with Cork Community Artlink.

Families can also enjoy live music from acts including Barrack Street Band, The Kabin Crew and Boolaboom, as well as kids’ discos and games – there’s something for children of all ages.

New for 2026 is The Promise of Christmas presented by St Fin Barre's Cathedral and supported by Cork City Council, running from 9 to 19 December. The immersive light and sound experience will transform one of Cork's most majestic buildings through storytelling, projection, music and seasonal imagery inspired by the city's history, traditions and Christmas spirit.

Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr Damian Boylan, said:

“We are now delighted to release the full programme of Cork at Christmas. I am delighted to see the return of the Christmas Parade, Ferris Wheel, Christmas Markets and much more.

Christmas is a special time in Cork when our city centre comes alive and people from across the city and county come together to enjoy the festive atmosphere. I encourage everyone to come into the city, shop local and enjoy all that Christmas in Cork has to offer. Nollaig Shona dhaoibh!”

From the Christmas Parade and festive markets to family attractions, live entertainment and new seasonal experiences, Christmas in Cork will bring festive fun to every corner of the city throughout November and December.

For full programme details, visit ChristmasInCork.ieand follow Christmas in Cork on social media.

Christmas in Cork 2026 – key dates for your diary:

  • 15 Nov: Christmas Parade
  • 20 Nov – 22 Dec: Christmas Markets, Bishop Lucey Park
  • 27 Nov – 31 Dec: Ferris Wheel, Grand Parade
  • 28 Nov – 20 Dec: Family Festive Hub at the Counting House Plaza
  • 9 - 19 Dec: The Promise of Christmas, St Fin Barre’s Cathedral

Please note that the Christmas Markets, Ferris Wheel and Family Festive Hub will operate on selected dates only throughout their respective periods. Visit ChristmasInCork.iefor full opening dates, times and programme details.

#ChristmasInCork #NollaigIgCorcaigh

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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