Christmas breaks wouldn’t be as magical without festive activities which is why we’ve compiled our favorite 2022 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 welcomes back everyone’s favourite pantomime star Nanny Nellie as she and her pals transport you to Pantoland! Friday, December 10, 2021 – Sunday, January 9, 2022 Join Nanny, her nephew Jack, best friend Jill, and the hilarious, madcap Fairy Tinkerbell on a wonderful quest to save Pantoland and all its fairy-tale favourites from the evil magician Balthazar. And they’re striving to save Pantoland from disaster with the assistance of Jasmine, Peter Pan, Cinderella, and Snow White. Nanny Nellie’s Adventures in Panto Land will have all the glitz, magic, and joy that have become synonymous with the Cork Opera House Panto. Booking is required and tickets are available online at corkoperahouse.ie.
The Everyman
It’s back! Oh yes, it is. The Everyman is delighted to announce the return of Cork’s family pantomime. This year’s show, Aladdin, is sure to enchant children and delight audiences of all ages. A veritable cave of wonders, the same zany gang are back in action, with magic carpets, lamps and will be jam-packed with the usual panto fun including audience participation, singing, and some unreal dance-offs. Tickets can be bought online at everymancork.com
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. The Alpine Skate Trail runs from November 12th until January 23rd. This event requires booking and can be done online The Alpine Trail
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 2022 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. Reservations are necessary and can be made using their Booking portal.
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. Booking is essential at SantaExperience.com
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 window displays, and this year they are celebrating the golden age of travel, with train-inspired windows, decorations, and entertainment, among other things. They drew inspiration from five fantastic sources for this year’s theme. Creating a genuinely amazing Christmas shopping 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.
