Santa, Markets, Music & Magic: Cork Launches a Month of Free Festive Fun
Santa, Markets, Music & Magic: Cork Launches a Month of Free Festive Fun
Cork City Council is delighted to unveil the next chapter of Corkmas 2025, following the spectacular Corkmas Parade last weekend, which illuminated the city and officially launched the festive season.
This Friday, 21 November, Cork City will come alive as the Corkmas Christmas Market opens in Emmet Place, transforming the area into a bustling winter wonderland of seasonal food, crafts, gifts and festive experiences.
Running from 21 November to 22 December, and open Thursdays-Sundays, this year’s market features beautifully decorated wooden chalets, artisan producers, and talented local makers. Visitors can expect everything from handmade gifts to delicious winter treats. Your perfect pitstop for supporting local and soaking up the festive spirit at the heart of the city.
The beloved Corkmas Santa Experience also returns to the market from Friday 28 November, offering families a magical meeting with Santa Claus every Friday–Sunday until 21 December. (Pre-booking is essential).
One of Cork’s favourite festive traditions also returns: the iconic Ferris Wheel and vintage carousel will once again illuminate Grand Parade from 28 November, offering twinkling views over the city and adding to the festive buzz.
The team behind Cork City Council’s Corkmas celebrations is delighted to announce that the new Bishop Lucey Park will feature in the city’s festive celebrations. Just days after officially opening the revamped park, the council can today confirm that it will host a range of pop-up family events as part of its expanded festive programme. Also, the new plaza in front of the historic Counting House on South Main Street will host new additions to the Corkmas celebrations.
A council spokesperson thanked BAM for agreeing to allow the temporary use of the plaza for a range of exciting festive activations - BAM built the plaza as part of its redevelopment of the Counting House project. The city council has completed the regeneration of South Main St as part of a wider multi-million upgrade of the urban fabric in the area. The revamped park will serve as a pedestrian link for people to wander from and between Corkmas events on the Grand Parade, including the famous Ferris wheel, and the Counting House Plaza.
Kicking off on Saturday 6 December and Sunday 7 December, the two locations will stage an exciting programme of workshops, live music, performances, kids’ activities, and festive surprises.
Bishop Lucey Park will burst into festive life with activities for children and families of all ages, including: Craft workshops; a Kids’ festive disco; Santa’s helpers and roaming circus entertainers; Festive drumming sessions; Creative sessions with Cork Community Art Link; Fun Christmas games including magnet mazes, candy-cane limbo, and reindeer ring toss; Family Circus Workshops - learn juggling, hula hooping, plate spinning and more in a warm, joyful Christmas atmosphere.
Counting House Plaza becomes Cork’s ultimate festive hangout with nightly performances, music, dance, and community celebrations. On Saturday 6 December, join big sounds, big rhythm, big festive fun with music from Barrack Street Brass Band, The Kabin Crew, Boola Boom and Grooveline. On Sunday 7 December, Cork Sings Christmas with Choral ConFusion, The Munster Quartet, Voices of Cork Choir, Emma Nash (operatic soloist), Cork School of Dance, The Sing Along Social – A Very Merry Craicmas and Music Generation Collaboration. Join in as the whole city raises its voice for a joyful, glitter-filled celebration of Christmas classics and new favourites - culminating in a magical shared finale where every voice becomes part of Cork’s festive soundscape.