Cork Christmas Markets 2023: Dates + Latest Info

So, the usual Cork Christmas Market 2023 (aka Glow Cork) isn’t going to be a thing this year.

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, this year things are changing with the arrival of what is being called ‘Corkmas’ and there’s plenty to look forward to!

Below, you’ll find several different Christmas markets in Cork that are taking place this year. Dive on in!

The different Cork Christmas Markets 2023

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 (that is no longer a market…)

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

It seems like what was previously the Cork Christmas Market (Glow), which has been on the go for several years, is to be replaced by a light show.

According to organisers, it’s ‘an all-new magical immersive light experience in the public plaza that will have a unique appeal for all ages’.

Solas (From Nov 18th)

It sounds like it’s ‘Solas’ that’s set to replace what used to be Glow Cork. According to the organisers, this will shine ‘a new light on winter in the city’.

From the pictures online, which show a load of orbs set up around Emmet Place, it looks fairly underwhelming, but hopefully that isn’t the case.

UPDATE: Judging from the many comments on the Corkmas Facebook page, Solas isn’t going down overly well…

The Ferris Wheel (Nov 24th – Jan 7th)

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.

Events in the city

Although the Cork Christmas Market 2023 won’t be a thing, there are some great events lined up around the city:

The Lord Mayor’s Gala Christmas Concert: 2nd December
Cantate Choir at St Peter’s: 20th December
Cork Opera House Christmas Concert: 18th + 19th December
St Fin Barre’s Cathedral Choir: 9th + 16th December
RDJ Santa Cycle: 3rd December

2. 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 Friday the 24th of November.

Santa’s magical market

If you’re looking for Christmas markets in Cork with plenty of stuff for kids, you’ve found it. Kids can meet Santa in his house, visit the South Pole Post Office and meet the elves.

They can also climb aboard the Polar Express and explore the magical woods.

Ice skating

And if that wasn’t enough, booking is also open for the launch of the brand-new Cork City On Ice down the Marina.

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.

Pop-up movie club

There’s also a pop-up movie club that’s kicking off on December 6th and running until December 20th.

They’ll show a mix of festive flicks, from Home Alone to The Holiday.

3. Blackpool Community Christmas Market

Photos via Google Maps

Taking place 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.

4. Benchspace Christmas Market

Photos via Benchspace on FB

Taking place at unit B1B at the Marina Commercial Park Centre on Park Road, this is Benchspace’s first market.

It’ll run on December 8th, from 16:00 – 21:00 and December 9th, from 11:00 – 21:00.

Expect unique jewellery, wonderful woodwork projects, handcrafted art and plenty more.

More festive events like the Christmas market in Cork

There’s plenty of other Christmas markets set to take place in Ireland in 2023 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 2023?

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 2023?

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 34 years and has spent most of the last 10 years 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.