Make it Christmas in Cork this Festive Season
10/11/2025
Christmas officially begins in Cork City this Sunday, November 15, as Cork City Council’s Christmas in Cork parade lights up the city.
City streets will transform into a winter wonderland from 6.30pm to 7.30pm as performers, dancers and bands make their way through the city centre before Santa Claus turns on the city’s festive lights at key points along the route, with a little help from the elves at Cork City Fire Brigade.
Santa will be joined by French street theatre company Compagnie elixir, who are known for their spectacular street performances, blending circus, hip-hop and fairground cabaret. Compagnie Elixir are being presented with funding as part of the Culture Programme for Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union.
The parade will feature a fantastic line-up of performers and familiar Cork favourites, with dancers from the Joan Denise Moriarty School of Dance and lively music provided by Cork Barrack Street Band and the Butter Exchange Band.
Full details are available at the ChristmasInCork.ie website, or via the Christmas In Cork social media channels.
The Christmas in Cork Parade begins on North Main Street at 6.30pm, continuing along Washington Street, winding down St Patrick’s Street, across St Patrick’s Bridge, to finish on McCurtain Street.
A number of road closures, traffic diversions and parking restrictions will be in place across the city centre on Sunday evening, with some diversions on some bus routes too.
Motorists are advised to plan ahead, follow Garda directions, and allow extra time for travel.
The Christmas in Cork parade marks the beginning of a packed festive calendar for the city.
From the Christmas markets at Bishop Lucey Park running Wednesday – Sunday from 20th November to jam-packed weekends at the Family Festive Hub at Counting House Plaza from 28th November, there will be plenty for the whole family to enjoy.
The Ferris Wheel returns to Grand Parade from 27th November while a special new addition to the programme this year is The Promise of Christmas, an immersive light and sound experience, presented by St Fin Barre's Cathedral and supported by Cork City Council, running from 9th to 19th December.
Cork City Council’s ‘Christmas in Cork’ 2026 is brought to you in association with our media partners Red FM and The Cork Independent
Full details: ChristmasInCork.ie or follow Christmas In Cork on social media.