What’s on in Cork this December
Cork transforms into a winter wonderland every December with plenty of events that promise to fill the air with festive cheer. From Christmas Craft markets to live musical performances and family-friendly activities, there’s something for everyone in the Rebel County this holiday season. Here are 5 great activities you can take part in this December!
Go to the Marina Market on Ice and Visit Santa:
Kick off the holiday season with a magical experience at the Marina Market on Ice. This event brings together a delightful combination of an ice-skating rink, a festive market, and a chance to meet Santa Claus himself. Lace up your skates, explore the charming market stalls offering unique gifts and seasonal treats, and create lasting memories with Santa. The Marina Market on Ice is a perfect outing for families, friends, and anyone looking to embrace the joy of the season. You can book a visit with Santa by clicking here, and you can book an ice skating session by clicking here, our own students will be taking to the ice this Wednesday as part of our activity programme.
Solas & The Big Wheel by the Opera House:
We have Solas by the Cork Opera House instead of Glow at Bishop Lucy Park this year due to construction works. There are some nice light installations in front of the Opera House, and there’s a stage on Emmet place where local artists will be playing every evening up to Christmas so you could grab a coffee in Costa and listen to some tunes in the evening after your Christmas shopping. The Big Wheel remains however on the Grand Parade near the city library, so you should take a spin on that for a bird’s eye view of the city adorned in festive lights.
Go see a Pantomime:
No December in Cork is complete without a visit to the Panto! Gather your loved ones and head to one of Cork’s theatres for a side-splitting, family-friendly pantomime. With colourful costumes, lively performances, and interactive storytelling, the Panto is a time-honoured tradition that guarantees laughter and entertainment for audiences of all ages. Get ready to cheer for the heroes, boo at the villains, and participate in the joyous festivities. This year we have some good shows like Beauty And The Beast in the Everyman, or Jack And The Beanstalk in Cork Opera House. Head to their websites by clicking here and here to get more info on those.
Christmas Craft Markets:
Cork has plenty of Christmas Craft Markets every December, where local artisans showcase their talents and offer handmade treasures. Whether you’re searching for unique gifts, festive decorations, or delicious treats, the Christmas Craft Markets in Cork have you covered. Supporting local businesses is important to us so we would always recommend visiting one of these. You can find a list of all of Cork’s Christmas Markets on the YAY Cork page by clicking here.
The Nightmare Before Mockie Ah – The Pavilion:
For a unique and alternative festive experience, head to The Pavilion for “The Nightmare Before Mockie Ah.” This quirky event promises a blend of live music, performance art, and a dash of the unconventional. There will be a live screening of the Christmas classic “The Nightmare Before Christmas” by Tim Burton with sing-alongs a Burton-style drag cabaret plus giveaways and prizes on the night.
The Pavilion’s festive twist on this classic film promises a memorable and offbeat experience for those seeking something different this December, if you wanted to do something local this year, Mockie Ah is as cork as it gets! You can see more info on that or book by clicking here.
Cork comes alive in December with a medley of events that capture the essence of the holiday season. Whether you’re skating with Santa, enjoying live music under the stars, laughing at the Panto, exploring Christmas craft markets, or experiencing an alternative festive celebration, Cork has something special in store for everyone this December. Embrace the magic, create cherished memories, and make the most of this joyous season in the heart of Ireland’s Rebel County.