This Christmas, Cork has some unmissable events taking place. From carol singing to pantomimes and street carnivals to ice skating, the “Rebel County” has alot going on this Yuletide season. Join us as we check out the top 5 Christmas events in Cork.
Cork is certainly not going to be left behind this year when it comes to Christmas events.
Christmas Pantomimes and Productions…
The usual mixture of “panto mayhem” presides in Sleeping Beauty. The production will be staged at the Cork Opera House from the 5th of December to the 12th of January 2009. However, if you’d prefer Little Red Riding Hood, this show is at Everyman Palace Theatre from the 6th of December to the 11th of January.
Not hit the spot yet? Maybe Babes in the Wood at the Firkin Crane from the 15th of December to the 30th of December, will suit. This how is billed as a “magical musical adventure for all the family” with Robin Hood, Maid Marian and the whole gang to boot!
Christmas is all about the spirit of giving and Cork is no different with the Lord Mayor’s Christmas Concert in aid of local charities. The concert will be held in the City Hall, on Saturday December 6th at 8pm. On the night you’ll be entertained by Soprano Regina Nathan, Bass/Baritone John Molloy, the Lord Mayor’s 25-piece Gala concert orchestra and the Ballyphephane Presentation convent choir.
Meanwhile back at the Everyman Palace Theatre, Sunday Night at the Palace Christmas Special promises to be a night of Christmas fun with Linda Kenny and lots of local talent.
Bringing back the music of the forties seems to be the “in thing” this year. Crane Lane is hosting The Roaring Forties Christmas Extravaganza - Niamh Kavanagh guests for this festive special.
Cork on Ice…
Where’s it happening?
Eastgate Business and Retail Park.
No worries about weather conditions here, as the rink is in a marquee. And you don’t have to be an expert either with a separate rink allocated to beginners - so no need to worry about potential Torvill and Deane’s whizzing about the place!
Need a quick bite after all that exercise? “S-Kimo” (Ireland’s 1st polar restaurant) is on site to curb any hunger pangs.
Cork on Ice opened on the 14th of November and will run to the 13th of January, 2009. All you have to do now is pick up the courage to grab those skates and remember the motto: “try anything once”
You can also check out CometoCork.ie.
Carols by Candlelight…
Carols by Candlelight at Fota House and Gardens, Fota Island, Carrigtwohill, County Cork.
Carols by candlelight features the award winning Carrigaline Singers. This choir has had the privilege of performing in the US, the UK, Italy, Capetown and Austria. This is a very popular event in Cork’s calendar, taking place on the 7th of December, 2008. If you don’t want to miss an outstanding evening of world class entertainment, make sure you book early.
Winter Wonderland in Skibbereen…
Like most parents at this time of the year, you’re on the trail of the main man himself…Santa! Well then, here’s some good news! Santa will arrive in Skibbereen on Friday, the 5th of December, 2008 and will be doing the very important job of switching on the lights at approximately 5pm.
Also on the day, there will be a whole host of events and activities to keep you all amused. Keeping with the spirit of Christmas there’ll be a live crib, Christmas carols, a parade, story telling, workshops, exhibits, face painting, Christmas markets and not forgetting Mrs. Claus and the Elves.
The Christmas crafts and food markets will continue on Saturdays and Sundays from 1pm to 6pm in the run up to Christmas.
Wren Boys Street Carnival in Carrigaline…
“Out for the Wren”, a dying custom in most of Ireland, but alive and well in Carrigaline. Why not pop along to Carrigaline on St. Stephen’s Day (26th of December) and find out what this old custom involves.
A carnival takes place from 11am to 1pm and includes traditional musicians and dancers and hopefully you’ll be lucky enough to see donned in straw suits.
Find out more about the the Wren Boys Street Carnival in Carrigaline.
So that’s it, a few ideas for Christmas in Cork to keep you going! And if you need somewhere to stay take a look at our Cork hotels page.
Drop us a line if you have anything you’d like to ask us or any comments.
