Christmas breaks wouldn’t be as magical without festive activities which is why we’ve compiled our favorite 2023 Christmas activities in Cork:
Christmas Panto
The number 1 Christmas activity in Cork this year is Christmas Panto. This is a must-do during the festive period and luckily, Cork has two options for you:
Cork Opera House
He is behind you! The Cork Opera House (please retain hyperlink on the words “Cork Opera House”) welcomes back everyone’s favourite pantomime star Nanny Nelli, Jack as well as she her pals transport you to Pantoland from Saturday, December 2, 2023 to Sunday, January 21, 2024. A show full of amazing colour, spellbinding costumes, music, breth-taking dancing and a tonne of belly laughs! Jack and The Beanstalk promises to be the most joyous experience yet!
To find out more, click here.
The Everyman
The Everyman is yet to announce their Panto for the 2023 Christmas Season. Keep an eye on their website for the most up to date information.
Ice Skating
Winter sport are definitely on the list of top Christmas activities. Enjoy a family day or a romantic moment on the ice with a cup of hot chocolate.
The Alpine Trail
The Alpine Skating Trail is presented by the organizers of Cork on Ice and iceskating.ie. This is an outdoor event. Skate through the Fota woodlands for a brand-new skating experience that is unique in Ireland. There is a children’s rink where the support Penguins reside to assist the small and not-so-small children! They may, however, be used only on the rink area and not on the track itself. Take advantage of this exciting outdoor experience with the entire family. Dates for the Alpine Trail are yet to be announced for 2023. Keep an eye on their website for the most up to date information.
Christmas Markets
This time of year wouldn’t be as wonderful without the most magical Christmas activity of all: markets. This is the perfect place to find unique gifts as well as great food & beverages. Maldron South Mall Cork has compiled for you the best Christmas market in Cork:
Glow
Each year, the Glow Festival Cork takes place on Grand Parade, approximately four minutes from our hotel. Here you’ll find a magnificent Christmas Market, a massive Ferris Wheel, and family-friendly entertainment. It is definitely worth a visit throughout the holiday season.
Marina Market
Take a stroll to Marina market for a wonderful Christmas market. The Marina Christmas Market will host a ‘Santa in the City’ experience throughout December, with a decked-out room and four grottos, as well as over 50 stalls serving a variety of food, crafts, and gifts to visitors seven days a week until Christmas Eve. With weekend live music and a pop-up movie club. Located on Cork’s Centre Park Road, it’s ideal for local gift ideas, snacks, and hot beverages, including a Christmassy Warm Mulled Apple Juice.
The Mardyke Market
Cork’s Newest Christmas Market has arrived only a short stroll from us. They promise Carol singers and choirs that will play a variety of choral and Christmas classics at the Mardyke Market. On Saturdays and Sundays, there will also be live music for everyone’s enjoyment. There will be Christmas tree shopping available, as well as a Santa’s Grotto. If all of that excitement has left you hungry, market goers can grab a bite to eat from vendors such as The Huck Truck, Grilly McGrill Grill, Bad Boys BBQ, The Candied Pig Pic ‘n’ Mix, and Top Fries.
The Santa Experience
The award-winning Santa Experience is not to be missed. As Santa makes his annual appearance on the top floor of Dunnes on Patrick Street, and this year is no exception! Families will be taken directly to Santa’s abode for a special meeting with Santa via a wonderful tunnel. Santa will remember something unique about each child and will offer them a present that is appropriate for their age. A professional photographer will be on hand to capture the moment.
Christmas Shopping in Cork
The last but not least Christmas activity to enjoy in Cork is of course shopping. Located in the City Centre, Maldron South Mall is close by the best places to find the perfect gift.
Brown Thomas
Brown Thomas is well known for their Christmas displays, with a new and exciting theme each year. These truly magical displays create an amazing experience as you browse through luxurious fashion brands.
Kilkenny Shop
With Ireland’s finest collection of Irish designers just a five-minute walk from us, the Kilkenny Shop has been at the forefront of promoting the best of Irish craft and design for over 50 years. Orla Kiely, Nicholas Mosse, Fee G. Caroline Kilkenny. Stephen Pearce. Waterford Crystal and John Rocha are just a few of the well-known Irish designers they offer.
Penney’s
Only a two-minute walk from us, who can resist a visit to Penney’s Patrick Street Christmas Shop. Penney’s, beloved by fashionistas and value seekers alike in Cork, is the go-to store for this season’s must-haves.
Opera lane
Opera Lane has all your fabulous fashion, technology, and beauty gifts and pleasures covered. Opening Hours are extended throughout the month of December. Retailers generally open between 8 a.m. and 9.30 a.m., and can be verified on the outlet’s individual website.
Merchants’ quay shopping centre
At Merchants’ Quay you can shop at M&S, CarrigDonn, and Newbridge all under one roof, which generally features Christmas carolers and magnificent decorations.
