A Christmas parade and markets will light up Cork for the festive season..

Just 78 sleeps to go…. A light-filled parade and magical Christmas markets on Emmet Place are just some of the events that residents and visitors to Cork can look forward to this festive season.

The Corkmas Christmas parade will mark the beginning of the most wonderful time of the year and the traditional switching on of the Christmas lights.

Taking place on Friday November 15, the inaugural parade will include music, dance, light and sparkle with a very special visit from Santa Claus.

• A Christmas market and the Santa Experience will take place Thursday to Sunday on Emmett Place from the end of November to December 22.
• Solas, Corkmas’ ethereal interactive light installation, will be located elsewhere in the city encouraging residents and visitors to wander around the city and soak up the atmosphere.
• The much-loved Ferris wheel and vintage carousel will also be back on Grand Parade from November 29 to December 30.
• Street performances will be taking place in the weekends running up to Christmas.

Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr Dan Boyle said: “There is nothing quite like Christmas in Cork and it’s great to see details about nearly 6 weeks of events in Cork City.  Corkmas is about supporting local and celebrating, discovering, and re-discovering the many experiences, and traditions, new and old, that make Christmas time in Cork so unique”.

“Christmas is a magical time of the year but it’s also a time to be mindful of supporting our local retailers, the local hospitality sector and those working in the cultural sector whether it’s ballet, Christmas concerts or the pantomime or even just buying presents made by local crafts people at fairs and markets”.

Further details on the parade and its route, booking the Santa Experience and the Ferris wheel and carousel will be published on corkmas.ie in the coming weeks and will be advertised on Corkmas and Cork City Council social media accounts.