The Cork Christmas Markets (aka Glow Cork) is one of the more popular Irish Christmas markets.
And it’s one of several festive events that has been officially confirmed to be returning in 2022!
In the guide below, you’ll find everything from the Cork Christmas Market 2022 dates to what the market has had to offer in previous years.
Some quick need-to-knows about the Cork Christmas Market 2022

Photos via Glow on FB
Although a visit to Glow Cork 2022 is fairly straightforward, it’s worth taking 20 seconds to read the points below, first:
1. Location
There is a market on Emmet Place along with pop up performances and events taking place throughout the city.
2. Confirmed dates
The Cork Christmas Market 2022 will kick-off on November 25th and will run up to January 9th, 2023.
3. Plenty to see and do
Cork at Christmas is nice and festive! Aside from the Christmas lights dotted around the city, you’ll find market stalls, the big Ferris Wheel, live music and entertainment, Santa’s workshop and more (see below).
What to expect from Glow Cork

Photo via Glow Cork on FB
The Cork Christmas markets are back to normal in 2022 (thankfully..!). Below, you’ll find out what it’s usually like in Cork at Christmas.
1. The ferris wheel on the Grand Parade
The Ferris Wheel and Carousel returns to Grand Parade, from November 25th to January 8th, daily from 12 noon to 9pm.
The now-iconic 32m Panoramic Wheel offers mighty views out over the city.
2. Events in the city
There’s a clatter of events taking place across the city during GLOW, from the Glow Little Big Caravan Stage and candlelight carol services to musicals and more. More info here
3. Other things on at the Cork Christmas Markets
I’ll update this guide closer to the launch of the Cork Christmas Market 2022, as it’s highly likely that more events and attractions will be announced.
Here are a handful of other things to see (note: these were present at last year’s market):
- Local choirs, groups, and bands banging out Christmas favourites
- Santa’s workshop
- The North Pole express toy train
- A merry-go-round
About Cork at Christmas
It’s hard to beat Cork at Christmas. The markets aside, there’s a great buzz about the city, with thousands of lights dotted around the streets and plenty of Christmas events to take part in.
If you’re visiting Glow Cork for the first time, there’s some excellent hotels in Cork City located close to the markers and there’s some great Bed and Breakfasts in Cork, too!
The cool weather and the festive atmosphere brings a cosy feel to the various pubs in Cork and there’s plenty of things to do in Cork City to keep you busy.
For food, find some suggestions in our Cork restaurants guide or our guides to the best brunch in Cork and the best breakfast in Cork.
More festive events like the Christmas market in Cork

Photos via Shutterstock
There’s plenty of other Christmas markets set to take place in Ireland in 2022 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.
What are the dates for the Cork Christmas market 2022?
It has been confirmed that the Cork Christmas Market 2022 will run from November 22nd to January 8th.
Is Glow Cork actually worth visiting?
Yes. Although we’d recommend you add some of Cork’s many other attractions to your itinerary, as you won’t spend more than a few hours at the markets.