There’s nothing like Christmas in Cork
The Christmas spirit is about to be turned up to 11 here on Leeside, starting with the inaugural Corkmas Christmas parade and the switching on of the Christmas lights tomorrow (Friday) evening.
The parade gets underway at 6.30pm from North Main Street and will make its way onto Washington Street and the Grand Parade, before heading to St Patrick’s Street for the grand finale.
Performers, musicians, and dancers from arts organisations including Montfort College of Performing Arts, Joan Denise Moriarty School of Dance, and the Cork Butter Exchange Band will take part in the parade.
Students from Strawberry Hill National School will carry lanterns which they have made with Cork Community Artlink heralding the start of the Christmas season in Cork.
The procession will include a giant snowflake with crystal dancers, large golden baubles, a Snow Queen and her entourage of snow angels, a flying fairground horse and a troupe of dancing Christmas stars, a sugar plum fairy and a snowman surrounded by a snowstorm of light.
And, although he is very busy getting all the toys ready, organisers are confident that there will be a special appearance from Santa Clause himself who will be driven on a sleigh by the Cork Fire Brigade.
The Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr Dan Boyle, is inviting young and old alike to experience the new event.
“The Corkmas Parade and the turning on of the Christmas lights marks the start of six weeks of festive activities as the countdown to Christmas in Cork officially begins.
“Christmas is such a magical time for children and families and a special time to catch up with old friends. I encourage you to come into Cork City and to experience all that Corkmas has on offer and be sure to shop local and support local businesses in Cork this Christmas.”
Cork City Council advises that the best viewing points for the parade will be on North Main Street and St Patrick’s Street.
Patrons are advised that temporary, rolling road closures and some bus diversions will be in place to minimise disruption from 6-7.30pm. These will be detailed on the Corkmas website at corkcity.ie/en/a-cork-christmas-celebration/.
Markets and other festive things
Towards the end of this month, the magical Cork Christmas Market will open on Emmet’s Place from Thursday to Sunday every week until 22 December.
Cork City Council has confirmed that Solas, Corkmas’ ethereal interactive light installation, will be located elsewhere in the city this year, encouraging residents and visitors to wander around the city and soak up the festive atmosphere.
The much-loved Ferris wheel and vintage carousel will also be back on Grand Parade from 29 November to 30 December.
On top of all of this, street performances will be taking place in the weekends running up to Christmas, a perfect excuse to take a well-deserved break from last minute present shopping.
The Lord Mayor said: “There is nothing quite like Christmas in Cork. 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.”
The Lord Mayor highlighted to importance of supporting the local economy at this time of year.
Cllr Dan Boyle added: “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.”
Further details on the parade and its route, booking the Santa Experience and the Ferris wheel and carousel will be published on corkmas.ie in the coming weeks and will be advertised on Corkmas and Cork City Council social media accounts.
Let the festivities begin!