The Cork Christmas Markets have been through a transformation in recent years, swapping old favourites for new experiments and, at times, leaving us wondering where the festive magic had gone…
For over a decade, Glow was the Christmas market in Cork. Then, in 2023, it was scrapped in favour of Solas, a light “show” that never managed to capture the festive buzz.
Thankfully, in 2024, Corkmas really kicked off, with a big parade, a city-wide lights switch-on, stalls on Emmet Place and plenty more!
Fast forward to 2026: If Corkmas follows the same schedule as last year, it is expected to run from mid-November through to the end of December.
The different Cork Christmas Markets 2026
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
While details for Cork’s Christmas markets in 2026 are still TBC, recent years give a clear indication of what’s likely to return.
Corkmas and the parade
If Corkmas follows the same format as last year, it is expected to kick off in mid-November with a city-centre parade and lights switch-on.
The parade will feature community performances, live music, and a special visit from Santa as it winds through the city centre.
Solas
The ‘Solas’ light installation made its debut in 2023, replacing Glow and taking over the Grand Parade. It ran again in 2024, transforming the street into an immersive light display with colour shifts and music overhead.
If Solas returns in 2026, it is expected to form part of the wider Corkmas programme once again.
The Emmet Place markets
The Corkmas Christmas Market is likely to return to Emmet Place towards the end of November. The hours for last year were:
- Thursday & Friday: 12 p.m. – 8 p.m.
- Saturday & Sunday: 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
The Ferris Wheel
You’ll find the 32m Panoramic Ferris Wheel and vintage Carousel on the Cork Christmas markets Grand Parade.
2. The Marina Market
Photos Courtesy Patrick Browne via Failte Ireland
It’s looking more and more like the Marina Market will be the main Cork Christmas Market going forward.
If the Marina Market follows the same schedule as last year, it is expected to run from late November through to New Year’s Eve.
Santa’s Magical Market
The Big Freeze transforms the Marina Market into a snow-dusted, Scandinavian-inspired winter wonderland.
Families can wander through icy forests, glowing tunnels, and a snow village before visiting Santa in his cosy log cabin. The experience is dog-friendly, fully accessible, and includes sensory-friendly hours in partnershi
The Marina Market Christmas markets
There’ll be a series of pop-up Christmas markets featuring local traders and craftspeople. Expect festive stalls, local food, live music, and family-friendly activities.
ONICE at the Marina
ONICE runs from mid-November. It offers classic indoor ice-skating sessions and themed events throughout the season.
3. Smaller Christmas Markets in Cork
Photos via Shutterstock
There are plenty of smaller markets taking place in Cork at Christmas. Here are several that are still TBC:
- Glucksman Craft & Design Fair
- Cork Printmakers Fair
- St Anne’s Church Shandon Giving Thanks Market
- Blarney Christmas Fair
- Sample Studios Christmas Art Trail
- Benchspace Makers Market
4. Alpine Skate Trail
Photos via Alpine Skate Trail on FB
The Alpine Skate Trail will likely return to Tedcastles Yard, Centre Park Road.
Running from early November, it’s one of the longest-running festive attractions in Cork this season.
This is a twisting outdoor ice trail through a winter wonderland setting, with lights, music, and plenty of spots for photos.
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 2026?
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 2026?
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 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.