Markets, Music & Magic: Cork Continues a Month of Free Festive Fun

Cork City Council's Corkmas 2025

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From Thursday 4 December, Cork City will once again come alive as the Corkmas Christmas Market opens in Emmet Place, transforming the area into a bustling winter wonderland of seasonal food, crafts, gifts and festive experiences.

Running 4–22 December and open Thursdays–Sundays, this year’s market features beautifully decorated wooden chalets, artisan producers, and talented local makers. Visitors can expect everything from handmade gifts to delicious winter treats — the perfect way to support local and soak up the festive spirit in the heart of the city.

The beloved Corkmas Santa Experience also returns from Thursday 4 December, offering families a magical meeting with Santa Claus every Thursday–Sunday until 21 December (pre-booking essential).

Two favourite festive traditions also return to Grand Parade from 4 December: the iconic Ferris Wheel and vintage carousel, offering twinkling views over the city and adding to the festive buzz.

Cork City Council is also delighted to confirm that the newly reopened Bishop Lucey Park will feature in this year’s Corkmas celebrations. The park will host a range of pop-up family events as part of the expanded festive programme. In addition, the new plaza at the historic Counting House on South Main Street will showcase new festive additions throughout December.

A council spokesperson thanked BAM for facilitating the temporary use of the plaza for a range of festive activations. The revamped park will also serve as a pedestrian link, allowing people to wander between Corkmas events on Grand Parade and the Counting House Plaza with ease.

The festive programme at Bishop Lucey Park and Counting House Plaza will take place on Saturday 6 December and Sunday 7 December, offering workshops, live music, performances, kids’ activities and festive surprises.

At Bishop Lucey Park, families can enjoy:
– Craft workshops
– A kids’ festive disco
– Santa’s helpers and roaming circus entertainers
– Festive drumming sessions
– Creative activities with Cork Community Art Link
– Fun Christmas games including magnet mazes, candy-cane limbo and reindeer ring toss
– Family Circus Workshops (juggling, hula hooping, plate spinning and more)

At Counting House Plaza, enjoy Cork’s ultimate festive hangout with nightly performances, music, dance and community celebrations.

Saturday 6 December features big rhythm and big festive fun with the Barrack Street Brass Band, The Kabin Crew, Boola Boom and Grooveline.

Sunday 7 December brings Cork Sings Christmas, featuring Choral ConFusion, The Munster Quartet, Voices of Cork Choir, Emma Nash, Cork School of Dance, The Sing Along Social – A Very Merry Craicmas, and a Music Generation collaboration. The weekend culminates in a magical shared finale where the whole city raises its voice in a joyful celebration of Christmas classics and new favourites.