Corkmas set to bring plenty of excitement and festive cheer to Leeside 

While Christmas is officially some 11 weeks way, the festive season will get underway in just over five weeks on Leeside with a light filled parade and a Christmas market on Emmet Place on November 15.

Corkmas as it’s been christened gets underway with a parade on that festive Friday that will include music, dance, light and sparkle - with the highlight of the evening being a visit from the big man himself, Santa Claus.

From the end of November until December 22, the Santa Experience in the middle of a bustling Christmas market will take centre stage near the Opera House on Emmet Place.

Solas, a ‘Corkmas’ ethereal interactive light installation’ will be located elsewhere in the city to encourage residents and visitors to wander around the streets and soak up the special atmosphere.

Another Corkmas highlight will be the Ferris Wheel and vintage carousel located on the Grand Parade, while there will be street performances taking place during the weekends coming up to Christmas.

According the Lord Mayor of Cork, Dan Boyle, there’s nothing like Christmas on Leeside.

Experiences

“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,” he said.

“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.” 

Councillor John Maher said that following his motion regarding Christmas celebrations to Cork City Council, there had been lots of consultation between councillors and officials. 

"I’m happy to see a six week programme of events put in place, kicking off on November 15 with a parade and the turning on of the Christmas lights, the return of the ferris wheel, Christmas market on Emmet Place and live music and acts on the weekends building up to Christmas," said Mr Maher.

"I really hope that Christmas 2024 will attract people into our wonderful city and support local businesses. It really is already beginning to look at lot like Christmas in Cork."

Meanwhile, Sinn Féin councillor in the city's North West ward Kenneth Collins said he had also put down a motion in regards to holding a Christmas event and welcomed that a parade will be held on November 15. 

“This is fantastic news for the city. 

“It’s great that it’s happening and it’ll be fantastic for children and adults and businesses because there will be a knock-on effect because people will spend money while this pageant is happening and hopefully it’ll be a good Christmas season for businesses. 

“But it’s more for the children and the adult children alike that love Christmas that there’s something special happening on November 15.”

Further details on the parade and its route, booking the Santa Experience and the ferris wheel and carousel will be published on https://www.corkcity.ie/en/a-cork-christmas-celebration/ in the coming weeks and will be advertised on Corkmas and Cork City Council social media accounts.