Santa's magic arrives at Cork's Marina Market

A three-year-old Cork boy who attends Enable Ireland’s children’s services in the Lavanagh Centre has helped to officially open ‘Santa’s Magical Market’ at the Marina Market.

Teddy Good and his family, as well as many others who attend services at Enable Ireland, were invited to a private advance opening of Santa’s Magical Market last Friday morning where they were the first to enjoy behind-the-scenes VIP access.

Santa Claus will be meeting all the children and families at the market right up to December 23.

Local disability charity, Enable Ireland has been chosen as this year’s charity partner and during the festive period, visitors to Santa at Marina Market can tap to donate €2 to Enable Ireland and place a ribbon on a tree within the market.

Teddy’s mother Shiela Good said he was “very excited” to meet Santa with his little sister Jamie (2) and to experience the magic of Christmas at Marina Market.

“I am delighted that once again Enable Ireland has been chosen as its charity partner because Teddy attends physiotherapy services there and I know first-hand the great work that is being done at the Lavanagh Centre,” she said.

Regional Fundraising Manager of Enable Ireland Maria Desmond said: “We are delighted to have been selected again as charity partner for Santa’s Magical Market. Last year’s event raised vital donations for our disability services for children and adults in Cork and we are sure the visitors to Marina Market will be just as generous this Christmas".

“These donations will support Enable Ireland’s children’s centre in Cork, which is sure to put everyone who supports this great cause on the nice list. I’d like to thank TS Events and all the visitors to Santa’s Magical Market at Marina Market for their incredible support.” 

This year, Santa’s Magical Market includes interactive areas full of Christmas magic where families can wander through snow-kissed woods, pose with the Polar Express train, journey on to the magical Christmas village, help the elves make toys at the Elf Toy Workshop, make treats at Mrs Claus’ bakery, and pay a visit to the South Pole Post Office.

Visitors will meet Santa himself in his grotto where each child will receive a present and an optional printed photo provided by Resolute Photography. Optional extras such as children’s gifts, photo prints, or treats from Mrs Claus’s bakery can be selected at the time of online booking.

For further details and bookings see www.santasmagical.market.