Cork Christmas Markets 2024: Dates + Latest Info

The Cork Christmas Market 2024 (previously Glow Cork) returns this November!

Arguably one of the most popular Irish Christmas markets, Glow always added an extra layer of festive buzz to the already lively city of Cork.

However, last year saw the arrival of what was called ‘Corkmas’ and the reviews weren’t overly great.

Below, you’ll find several different Christmas markets in Cork that are taking place this year, including the brand new Winterlee in Páirc Uí Chaoimh. Dive on in!

The different Cork Christmas Markets 2024

Photos of what Cork has looked like at Christmas in previous years via Glow on FB

Now that Glow Cork is no longer a thing, what can you expect from the festive period in the Rebel County?

Quite a bit, as it happens! Below, you’ll find a mix of markets and fairs that are taking place in the city and beyond.

1. The new Cork Christmas Market

Photo left via Glow Cork on FB. Others by Patrick Browne via Fáilte Ireland

What was previously the Cork Christmas Market (Glow) was replaced by a light show last year called ‘Solas’.

The reviews weren’t great. However, this year, the market stalls return to Emmet Place. Here’s what’s on in the city!

Corkmas and the parade

‘Corkmas’ will begin with a festive Christmas pageant on Friday, November 15, marking the start of the season and the city’s lights switch-on.

The pageant will feature music, community performances, and a special visit from Santa, parading through the city centre.

Solas

‘Solas’ replaced what used to be Glow Cork last year and it replaced the markets at Emmet Place.

This year, likely due to the poor reaction they received, they’ll be moved elsewhere (TBC).

The Emmet Place markets

The Cork Christmas Market returns to Emmet Place this year, along with the Santa Experience, to Emmet Place.

It’ll run from the end of November to the 22nd of December.

The Ferris Wheel

You’ll find the main landmark at the Cork Christmas markets on the Grand Parade. The 32m panoramic wheel is hard to miss and it offers views out over the city and beyond.

The vintage Carousel will also be back. Prices for the wheel are €4 for adults and €3.50 for kids.

2. Winterlee

Winterlee was brand new to Cork last Christmas and it’s back again in 2024. It sees Páirc Uí Chaoimh transformed into an enchanting playground of ice and festive magic.

Designed for families, thrill-seekers, and evening party-goers, it offers a unique blend of experiences, including an Alpine Skate Trail, a vibrant winter village, and an exciting funfair.

The Alpine Skate Trail

Winterlee is home to the Alpine Skate Trail, an ice skating experience through the iconic stadium.

Festive Village

The winter village is filled with food and drink partners, offering warm beverages, festive treats, and gourmet delights from local vendors.

3. The Marina Market

It’s looking like the Marina Market will now be the ‘main’ Cork Christmas Market going forward.

Taking place in the Marina Market on Center Park Road (just off Kennedy Quay), there’s plenty taking place here from the last Friday in November.

The new Christmas Village

There’s a brand new Christmas Village en route to the Marina Market in 2024. While details are scarce at the moment, it promises an ‘experience that includes markets, music, interactive offerings’.

It’s set to run from:

29th of Nov to 1st of Dec
6th to 8th of Dec
13th to 15th of Dec
18th to the 27th of Dec

Ice skating

And if that wasn’t enough, Cork City On Ice down the Marina starts on November 8th.

The new Cork City On Ice rink is by the same people behind the hugely popular Dundrum on Ice in Dublin and the Marina crew hope it will bring the ‘ultimate skating’ experience to the city.

Save Santa

Marina Market x WeEscape present an interactive escape room adventure in Lapland, where you join Santa’s Elf Squad to save Christmas from the Grinch.

Set off on a quest to fix Santa’s sleigh, restore the Toy Factory, and meet Santa himself at Save Santa!

4. Smaller Christmas Markets in Cork

Photos via Shutterstock

There are plenty of smaller markets taking place in Cork this Christmas.

Here are several that have been confirmed:

Benchspace Makers Market: December 6th – 7th
Blarney Christmas Fair: November 24th
Cork Printmakers Print Fair: From November 28th
Book Market At Nano Nagle Place: December 1st – 22nd

More festive events like the Christmas market in Cork

If you’re spending Christmas in Ireland, you’re in luck – there’s plenty of other Christmas markets taking place if you don’t fancy the Christmas market in Cork. Here are a few to check out:

FAQs about Christmas in Cork

We’ve had a lot of questions over the years asking about everything from ‘When does it start?’ to ‘What’s on?’.

In the section below, we’ve popped in the most FAQs that we’ve received. If you have a question that we haven’t tackled, ask away in the comments section below.

Is Glow Cork taking place in 2024?

No. Glow Cork and the ‘old’ Cork Christmas Markets are no longer a thing. The ferris wheel and the carousel will still be there, but Glow Cork is being replaced by ‘Corkmas’.

What Christmas markets in Cork will run in 2024?

Arguably the main Cork Christmas Market this year will be the Marina Market in the city. There’s stalls, a pop-up movie club, Santa’s magical market and ice skating.

Keith O'Hara

Keith O’Hara has lived in Ireland for 35 years and has spent much of the last 13 creating what is now The Irish Road Trip guide. Over the years, the website has published thousands of meticulously researched Ireland travel guides, welcoming 40 million+ visitors along the way. In 2022, the Irish Road Trip team published the world’s largest collection of Irish Road Trip itineraries. Keith lives in Dublin with his dog Toby and finds writing in the 3rd person minus craic altogether.