FROM charity fundraisers to tribute nights, showband legends to fine dining — there is something to suit everyone this Women’s Little Christmas. Here is a wrap-up of some of the events taking place to mark the much-loved tradition of Nollaig na mBan in Cork.

CANCER RESEARCH

Why not treat yourself and the ladies in your life to the perfect gift, an afternoon of fashion, glamour and pampering at the Women’s Little Christmas Afternoon Tea and Fashion Showcase in aid of Breakthrough Cancer Research. The event taked place on Saturday, January 6, 2018, in the luxurious surroundings of The Cork International Hotel.

Sandra Murphy, Event Production and Creation Manager with The Trigon Hotel Group (The Cork International Hotel, The Cork Airport Hotel and The Metropole Hotel), will be on MC duties for the afternoon.

Guests will be treated to a drinks reception on arrival, hair demonstrations by Sabrina Hill of New Hair Revolution and Kopper Hair Salons and make-up demos by professional make-up artist Erin Kelleher. Sumptuous afternoon tea will follow with some of Cork’s fashion highlights from top boutiques. The afternoon will be brought to an elegant end with the dulcet tones of Velvet music duo. Also, not to be forgotten is the best dressed lady competition, goody bags and much, much more.

Orla Dolan, Director of Fundraising with Breakthrough Cancer Research, said: “Nollaig na mBan, or Women’s Little Christmas, is a fabulous excuse to catch up with the ladies in your life after a hectic Christmas and is a perfect excuse to have some well-deserved ‘me’ time. And for a great cause.

“Each year we get together to treat ourselves and to raise vital funds for cancer research, and are always grateful for the fantastic support of the ladies of Cork”.

Breakthrough Cancer Research is leading the way with research into cancers with poor prognosis such as ovarian, pancreatic and oesophageal. They work closely with multiple hospitals in Cork to ensure their research is responding to the needs of patients with cancers that do not respond to conventional therapies.

Tickets are priced at €40, to book call Jesse at Breakthrough Cancer Research on 021 4226655, or visit the online shop at www.breakthroughcancerresearch.ie.

HELP HOMELESS WOMEN

CORK Simon will host two Women’s Christmas Lunches. Always a highlight of the Christmas calendar, the lunches in the city and in West Cork are a great opportunity to catch up with the wonderful women in your life. As the number of women who are homeless in Cork continues to rise, all funds raised from the upcoming lunches will be dedicated to services for women who are homeless at Cork Simon.

Last year 22% of people staying in at Cork Simon’s emergency shelter were women – the highest percentage yet.

Cork City Women’s Little Christmas Lunch takes place in The Maryborough House Hotel on Saturday, January 6, 2018 at 12.30pm with a prosecco reception followed by a three course meal with wine. Guest speaker, athlete and author, Derval O’Rourke will inform and inspire and there will be a raffle of wonderful prizes. Tickets, €65 per person, are available from Kerry in Cork Simon’s Fundraising Office: 021 4929 410 or email kerry.macmahon@corksimon.ie

The West Cork Women’s Little Christmas Lunch is taking place in The Celtic Ross Hotel, Clonakilty on Saturday, January 6, 2018. It starts at 12.30pm with a jazzy G&T reception followed by a four course dinner with wine.

Colm O’Regan (MC) will be joined by special guests for a unique and inspirational afternoon not to be missed! Tickets, €55 per person are available from The Celtic Ross Hotel on 023 8848 722, from Options Boutique in Clonakilty or online at Eventbrite.ie

DICKIE ROCK

Showband legend Dickie Rock will entertain the crowd at Vienna Woods Hotel on Womens Little Christmas. Prices start from €20. Contact christmas@viennawoodshotel.com or call 021 4556800.

ABBA AND TINA TURNER TRIBUTE NIGHT

Celebrate Women’s Little Christmas at the Metropole on MacCurtain Street on January 6, with an Abba and Tina Turner Tribute Night, Mulled Wine Reception, Three Course Festive Menu, Table Prizes and Novelties, Band, DJ and more. €49 per person. Book on 021 464 3700

GARTH BROOKS BAND

Grab all the girls and a cowboy hat for a Women’s Little Christmas to remember at the Cork International Hotel with live entertainment from The Garth Brooks Band, a sparkling prosecco reception, a sumptuous 4 course meal and a DJ to keep the party going until late.

It costs €45 per person, includes Prosecco reception, four course meal, entertainment with the Garth Books Experience, DJ until late.

CHAIN GANG

Enjoy a night out with family and friends in the Rochestown Park on January 6, from 7pm, with fun, laughter & entertainment!

The dinner show presents the “Chain Gang”, professional male dancers. The evening will include: A bubbly drinks reception, four course meal, dinner show, DJ until late, spot prizes, and more, tickets €49.50.

CABARET NIGHT

The Clayton Silver Springs will mark Womens Little Christmas with a cabaret, Rolling Back the Years With the Legends of the Cork Showband era, on Saturday, January 6.

Featuring Art Supple of The Victors and his Seven Piece Band Joe Mac of The Dixies, Terry McCarthy of The Dixies Tony Stevens and Declan Ryan of The Regal with Special Guests ‘The Man with the Golden Trumpet’ Mr Johnny Crowley and Ms Sandy Kelly of Patsy Cline fame.

There will also be a DJ, The Legendary Rockin’ Gerry. For tickets contact Mariska & Jill on 021 450 7533 events.silversprings@claytonhotels.com. Tickets €59.

ABBAesque

Cyprus Avenue pay host to ABBAesque, one of Ireland’s number one tribute bands. Tickets €15. It’s the combination of energy and excitement together with a great night of up tempo entertainment that make ABBAesque the definitive choice for Women’s Little Christmas.

GINTASTIC EVENING

The Oriel House Hotel hosts a Women’s Little Christmas event on January 6, which includes gin cocktails on arrival, a four course meal, full entertainment in the bar. Tickets €35.

MAGIC EVENING

Cork Airport Hotel will host a Women’s Little Christmas celebration also on January 6. See www.corkairporthotel.com to book. The event includes a Prosecco reception on arrival, 4 course dinner from our Olivo menu, Magician David Peace, MC Tony Phelan with spot prizes DJ. Tickets €35, book on 021 494 7500 or email sales@corkairporthotel.com

FINE DINING

Celebrate Little Christmas at Ballymaloe House and enjoy a five course dinner, B&B and a glass of bubbles pre dinner at €150pp per night (single supplement applies). See http://www.ballymaloe.ie/