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
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
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. Blackpool Community Christmas Market
Although TBC, last year it ran on December 8th at the Plaza at Blackpool Church, this outdoor market will run from 10:00 – 14:00.
Now, while it won’t be a Bavarian-style market, you can expect stalls, Christmas carols and plenty of bits and bobs on sale.
Blackpool Library and other local businesses will have stalls at this Cork Christmas market and The Lord Mayor will attend at 11am to greet all attendees.
5. Benchspace Christmas Market
Taking place at unit B1B at the Marina Commercial Park Centre on Park Road, last year was Benchspace’s first market.
It ran from December 8th, from 16:00 – 21:00 and December 9th, from 11:00 – 21:00 (still TBC).
Expect unique jewellery, wonderful woodwork projects, handcrafted art and plenty more.
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:
- Waterford Winterval
- Belfast Christmas Market
- Wicklow Christmas Market
- Dublin Christmas Markets
- Kilkenny Christmas Market
- Galway Christmas Market
- Dublin Castle Christmas Market
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 has lived in Ireland for 35 years and has spent most of the last 10 creating what is now The Irish Road Trip guide. Over the years, the website has published thousands of meticulously researched Ireland travel guides, welcoming 30 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.