Christmas in the City: A blizzard of things to do!
There’s enough going on in Cork city in the lead-up to Christmas to make your head spin, so we’ve compiled just a few of the highlights that you won’t want to miss.
On 15 December, The Christmas Jingle charity show returns to Cork after a sell-out event last year. Taking place at The Pav on Carey’s Lane, there will be singing, dancing, and a Santa’s sack full of amazing raffle prizes, all in aid of Marymount Hospice. The show will feature a multitude of top singers and musicians from Cork performing all the classic Christmas songs. There will also be a raffle with prizes from top local businesses.
Organiser Marguerite O’Connor of Starlight Entertainment said: “We’re delighted to be back this year supporting a very worthy cause: Marymount Cork. Please help us to make this a very special Christmas for all.”
Tickets are on sale now via starlightentertainmentcork.eventbrite.com. All proceeds will go to Marymount Hospice Cork.
From 21 November until 22 December, the amazing Corkmas Christmas Market will return to Emmet Place, transforming the space into a winter wonderland of gifts, food, and festive cheer. As always, there will be a broad mix of vendors offering a range of festive delights and artisan crafts.
Families are invited to come and wander through the market, marvel at the glittering lights, and immerse themselves entirely in the festive Cork city atmosphere. And sure, while you’re there, why not pop into the Cork Opera House and book your tickets for this year’s panto, ‘Aladdin’?
Christmas market goers are also reminded keep an eye out for the main man of the hour, Santa, who will be in residence and available for a chat, but you must arrange an appointment first, as he is a very busy man. Santa will be at the market from Friday to Sunday each weekend from 28 November to 21 December. A visit to the Corkmas Santa Experience must be pre-booked in advance by visiting corkcity.ie.
Tickets are €20 per person and include a chat with Santa's Chief Elf, a visit with Santa himself, and a present. There is an extra charge of €8 for a photograph.
Later this month, the Cork Printmakers Fair will return to the Cork Printmakers studio gallery on Wandesford Quay for its biggest outing yet. There will be live print demos, raffles, and stalls by some of the studio’s 130 artist members. From screenprints, etchings, woodcuts, and more, print is an affordable and original gift for Christmas with something to suit all budgets. The fair is open from 1-7pm on 21 November, and from 11am-5pm on 22 November. On the Friday evening the gallery will host an after-work festive reception from 5-7pm. Entry is free, and no booking is required.
For those looking to stretch their legs a bit, on 4 December Sample Studios will hold its Christmas Art Trail starting at 5pm at The Lord Mayor’s Pavilion, Fitzgerald’s Park. The evening begins with the opening reception of ‘Black Gives Way to Blue’, a solo exhibition by visual artist Ava Hayes. Tea, coffee, and hot chocolate will be served alongside festive snacks. At 6.30pm, attendees can follow the crow to Triskel Arts Centre, where Sample-Studios present the opening reception of ‘First Contact’, a solo exhibition by Conor O’Brien. This will be accompanied by a mulled wine reception to continue the Christmas spirit! For more information, visit sample-studios.com.
Now, we’re all fairly familiar with what Cork looks like at Christmas time on street level – but what about from the water? On 5 December, Cork Harbour Cruises is hosting its annual Christmas Evening Party Cruise Friday. Departing from Customs House Quay in Cork city at 5.30pm, the cruise offers the rare and luxurious opportunity to unwind with a drink or two from the onboard bar and take in the spectacular views aboard the Carraig Aonair, the newest addition to the cruise company’s fleet.
A live DJ will be onboard to get the party going as guests enjoy night time views of Rocky Island, Spike Island, and the Spit Bank Lighthouse, not to mention the twinkling lights of Cobh, before returning to the city for 8pm. For more information and to book, visit corkharbourcruises.com.