Magical Christmas Experiences in Cork 2024
Experience a Festive Christmas at Oriel House Hotel!
Join us for a magical Christmas escape at Oriel House Hotel, where your family will be welcomed with a warm and festive atmosphere filled with holiday cheer. Immerse yourself in a variety of Christmas-themed activities for all ages, from visits with Santa to festive treasure hunts, all while enjoying our luxurious accommodations. Oriel House Hotel is renowned for being one of Cork Cities most family-friendly hotels, making it the perfect destination for your holiday getaway. Don’t miss out on the chance to experience the ultimate Christmas stay. Book directly with us today for the best rates and start counting down the days to your festive adventure.
Embrace the magic of the season as we illuminate Ballincollig for Christmas! Join us for an evening filled with festive cheer, dazzling lights, and a wonderful sense of community spirit on Friday, November 22nd, at 6:00 PM at Castlewest Shopping Centre. Let’s welcome the festive season together with a sparkling display that will fill our hearts with warmth and wonder.
Go Ice Skating at WinterLee SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh, Nov - Jan
Winterlee is the home of Alpine Skate Trail in 2024. The most unique ice skating experience you’re ever going to experience, a trail through the North Stand of Cork’s iconic Gaelic games stadium, SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh.
Visit WonderLights Lightshow at Fota House, Nov 16th - Jan 3rd
The Magic of Winter theme will transform Fota House and Gardens into a mesmerising winter wonderland, filled with large illuminated sculptures of arctic animals, meadows of glowing winter flowers, and an enchanting frozen forest. One of the highlights of this experience, will be the stunning projection mapping onto Fota House, where visitors will witness the building come to life with scenes of a grand Christmas celebration. From snow-covered gardens to festive interiors, immersing audiences in the magic of the season.
Be prepared to marvel at the magic in the beautiful Gardens and surroundings of Fota House, running from Nov 16th .
Go Ice Skating at Marina Market, Marina Market, Nov 15th - Jan 5th
Marina Market On Ice debuts this season at the outstanding Marina Markets. Situated along the Cork harbour, an evening at Marina Market On Ice is guaranteed to be an evening of skating, festivities and loads of fun for the whole family. Skate with us and then make your way over to the markets for an extensive selection of vendors to choose from!
Visit The Ballymaloe Craft Fair – Ballymaloe Grainstore, Nov 15-17 & 22-24
The Ballymaloe Craft Fair is the perfect start to your Christmas shopping, offering a unique opportunity to support Irish suppliers and artisans.
Held over two weekends, this festive event features over 200 Irish craft and design exhibitors, which change each weekend. Discover a diverse range of unique, handmade Christmas gifts, decorations, and consumables.
You won't want to miss the delicious line-up of food and drink offerings this year, from hot chocolate to mulled wine to a diverse range of food trucks!
The Cork Opera House Panto – Cork Opera House, Nov 27th, 2024 - Jan 19th, 2025
Join Cinderella and friends in a dazzling show filled with vibrant color, magical costumes, live music, and plenty of laughs! Perfect for all ages, this timeless tale will enchant and delight from November 27, 2024, to January 19, 2025.
From the creators of last year’s Jack and the Beanstalk, this magical Panto promises unforgettable moments. Tickets go fast, so book now and experience the festive magic at Cork Opera House!
Watch a Christmas Panto at Cork Opera House + The Everyman, Nov 30th - Jan 19th
Cork’s favorite traditional family Panto is back—oh, yes it is! Get ready to embark on a magical journey through an enchanted forest with Red Riding Hood at The Everyman this festive season. Join Red, her best friend Pip, and Granny Peggy Twomey as they face off against Deco the Wolf from Dublin. Along the way, you’ll meet the magical people of the forest and the charming woodcutter, making for an unforgettable adventure. With Granny’s big eyes ready to see all the excitement, this promises to be the funniest Panto yet! Featuring the usual zany gang and directed by the most whimsical of them all, Catherine Mahon-Buckley, the show is packed with non-stop Panto fun.
Visit the Cork Christmas Markets – Emmet Place, Nov 22 - Dec 22, Thurs - Sat
A new Christmas Market will transform Emmett Place into a festive village with wooden chalets offering gifts, snacks, and artisan crafts. Families can explore the glittering lights, enjoy giant Candy Land displays, a Gingerbread House, and Santa’s Post Box. A Snow Globe will be available for perfect Christmas family photos.
The Corkmas Santa Experience will feature Santa himself, meeting children by appointment. From November 30th to December 22nd, street entertainers, including stilt walkers, roving musicians, and mischievous characters, will bring festive joy throughout the city. Performances will connect the market to the Ferris Wheel and SOLAS, a light and music installation on Grand Parade.
Ride the Ferris Wheel – Grand Parade, Nov 29 - Dec 30
Transforming the Cork skyline and spreading festive cheer, the iconic 32m Panoramic Wheel returns to Grand Parade, offering breathtaking views. For younger guests, the classic Carousel provides a delightful experience. Both attractions will be open on select dates from November 29th to December 30th, with ticket prices starting at €4.50 for children and €6 for adults. Group rates are available, and student discounts apply with valid ID.
Check out Solas Light Installation at Emmett Place, Nov 29th - Dec 22nd
Cork City Council invites you to experience SOLAS, a captivating public light installation on Grand Parade, transforming the streetscape into an immersive Christmas wonderland. Enjoy the pre-Christmas buzz as lights pulse and change in time with music, creating a magical 360° experience under a canopy of colorful orbs. Take a calming break from holiday shopping and let the festive spirit surround you. SOLAS runs from November 29th to December 22nd, daily from 4pm to 10pm (ending at 8pm on the final day).
Visit the Elf Express – Model Railway Village, Clonakilty, Nov 30 - Dec 29
ALL NEW CHRISTMAS EXPERIENCE FOR 2024!
Take an enchanted journey with the Model Village elves. There’ll be time for a trip on the Elf Express, a story with Mother Christmas, a chat with Father Christmas, as well as games, crafting & gingerbread decorating. We can’t wait to welcome you to our magical world.
Enjoy a family experience where you’ll leave with memories of time spent with loved ones.
Take Part in the Santa Cycle – Goldbergs, Dec 1st, 6:30 PM
The CorkSantaCycle returns for a festive 7 km ride through Cork city, with 500 Santas spreading Christmas cheer and raising funds for Pieta House. The event kicks off at Goldberg’s at 6:00pm on Saturday, November 30th, with registration from 4:00pm to 6:00pm. A second registration will be available from 3:00pm to 4:00pm on Sunday, December 1st. The cycle begins at 7:00pm sharp, so be sure to decorate your bike festively and tune your speakers to 96FM for Christmas tunes. Parking is available at the main docks, and normal road rules apply. Don’t forget your helmet, bike lights, and festive spirit!
Attend The Annual Christmas Jingle at The Pav, Dec 1st, 4 PM
The Christmas Jingle is back on December 1st at 4 pm at The Pav on Carey’s Lane, featuring live music, drinks, prizes, and Christmas cheer—all in aid of Marymount. Perfect for friends, families, or corporate parties, this festive afternoon show by Starlight Entertainment and The Songstress will greet guests with a drink reception and nibbles, followed by live performances of classic Christmas songs. Don’t miss the raffle with prizes from local businesses. Organizers encourage early ticket purchases at https://starlightentertainmentcork.eventbrite.com to support this special event and a worthy cause.
Catch a Christmas Pop-up Movie – Marina Market, Dec 6th - 10th
The Pop Up Movie Club are back at the Marina Market this December showing iconic Christmas Movies!
They will be showing Love Actually, Elf, The Polar Express and The Santa Claus!
You can book your tickets here.
Visit Nano Nagle Christmas Markets at Nano Nagle Place, 14th, 15th, 21st & 22nd Dec
Visitors can explore Irish-made, locally crafted gifts at the Christmas Craft Markets at Nano Nagle Place. They can enjoy holiday shopping, seasonal treats, and a lively atmosphere while supporting local artists and designers. Guests are also encouraged to visit the award-winning gift shop.
Throughout December, a variety of festive activities await, including the Cork City Book Fair, decoration competitions, a Children’s Christmas Trail, and a performance of A Christmas Carol. Guests can discover Nano Nagle’s legacy in the museum, admire the architecture of the Goldie Chapel, and unwind in the vibrant city-centre gardens.
Nano Nagle Place invites everyone to experience the spirit of community and heritage this holiday season.
Donate to The Rotary Tree at St Patrick’s Street, Dec - Jan
An icon on Patrick's Street every Christmas. Tie a ribbon for your lost loved one.
Watch The Mockie Ah Xmas Cabaret at The Pav, Dec 22nd, 8 PM
Get Ready for a Fabulous Festive Extravaganza!
Join Mockie Ah for their Camp Christmas Cabaret at The Pav on December 22nd at 8 PM! Expect a night of dazzling performances, outrageous fun, and festive cheer. Don't miss this spectacular holiday celebration!
