Lighting up all over Cork

Even though an official Christmas lights switch-on is not scheduled for the city this year, there are still plenty of opportunities for families to enjoy festive entertainment in both the city and county, with various lighting ceremonies set to take place.

Christmas lights and trees will be turned on this Friday by the Lord Mayor as part of Corkmas, the new name for Christmas in Cork. Glow, the annual event in Bishop Lucey Park, will not take place this year due to ongoing works.

Instead, Emmet Place will serve as the central hub for festivities, featuring Solas, an "all-new magical immersive light experience" as the anchor event for the season. The public can enjoy Solas starting from Saturday 18 November.

The Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr Frank O'Flynn, is encouraging people to show their support for the town of Midleton following the recent devastating floods.

The Christmas lights will be turned on during a day-long programme of events on Sunday 19 November welcoming the festive season in county Cork. The highlight will of course be the turning on of the Christmas tree lights by local girl Orla Hennessy at 6.15pm.

The Ballincollig community has rallied to ensure there will be a festive display of lights in the town this Christmas. The Ballincollig Business Association (BBA), which funds the lights, faced escalating costs this year, prompting them to seek assistance from the public.

The good news is that thanks to generous donations, funds have been raised, and an official switch-on event is scheduled for Friday 24 November, at 6pm, at the CastleWest Shopping Centre.

Other highlights include the Christmas lights switch-on in Youghal, on Saturday 18 November at 5pm, with plenty of entertainment planned in the Market Square, starting at 3pm.

Fermoy will light up for Christmas on Saturday 25 November at 6pm, Santa will be there, followed by a fireworks display.

And the official unveiling of Cobh's Christmas Lights will take place on Sunday 26 November at 5.30pm when the town is set to come alive with festive cheer.