Cork gets into festive spirit with launch of 'Corkmas' Christmas celebrations

Festivities will kick off with Corkmas Parade on November 14. File pictures: Darragh Kane

Cork is set to embrace the festive spirit once again as details have been announced of the annual ‘Corkmas’ Christmas celebration in the city.

Cork City Council said the city would come alive from November 14 to December 31, with the sights, sounds, and flavours of the Christmas season.

On Friday, November 14, the Corkmas Parade will bring light and music to the streets of the city from 7pm to 8pm.

The second year of the parade will feature floats, marching bands, performers, and a special visit from the big man himself, Santa Claus, who will switch on the Christmas lights.

Last year, the parade kicked off on North Main Street, going onto Washington Street and the Grand Parade, before finishing on St Patrick’s Street, with bus diversions and traffic restrictions temporarily in place.

On November 21, the Christmas markets at Emmett Place open, with festive food and handmade gifts for sale. It will remain open from that date on Thursdays to Sundays through the festive period.

The Ferris Wheel will open on Grand Parade on Friday, November 28.

The following week will see the opening of the Santa experience at Emmett Place, along with the opening of the Ferris Wheel on Grand Parade on Friday, November 28.

Alongside that, Cork City Council said there would be a packed programme of free family-friendly events and live music performances in the city throughout December.

It added more details would be announced in the coming weeks, with more information on Corkmas.ie.

In recent years, the council had tendered for the development of a new festive programme for Cork aimed at “animating the public domain and using the streetscape in innovative ways” to engage visitors to the city centre.

Cork Lord Mayor, Cllr Fergal Dennehy, wished a “merry Corkmas” to all as the details were revealed.

“There’s a special kind of magic in Cork at Christmas, a warmth and togetherness that makes the city truly shine,” he said.

“Corkmas brings people of all ages into the heart of the city to celebrate what makes this time of year so special. It’s about community, connection, and supporting the local businesses, artists and craftspeople who help keep Cork’s festive spirit alive.”