It’ll be a merry night indeed.

If you’re looking to start your festive season with a hearty dose of cheer, twinkling lights, and magical vibes, Cork City’s very first Corkmas parade is the place to be this Friday, November 15th, 2024.

Expect a night filled with all things Christmas—think sparkling floats, marching bands, and maybe even a special appearance by the big guy himself, Santa Claus.

We’ve gathered all the details to make sure you don’t miss a beat, from parade routes to top viewing spots. All you have to do is grab your woolly hats and hot chocolates.

What time does the Corkmas Parade start?

If you want to catch the entire production, find your viewing spot on North Main Street before the Corkmas Parade starts at 6.30pm this Friday, November 15th. The Parade will be led by the iconic Barrack Street Band.

With their beautifully costumed characters and elegant processional sculptures, national arts organisation LUXe will create a Winter Fairy Tale procession that will travel through the streets of Cork on their magical Christmas Journey.

Performers, musicians and dancers from arts organisations including Montfort College of Performing Arts, Joan Denise Moriarty School of Dance, and the Cork Butter Exchange Band will take part.  Students from Strawberry Hill National School will carry lanterns they have made with Cork Community Artlink heralding the start of the Christmas season in Cork.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Cork City Council (@corkcitycouncil)

Santa will also feature in the Parade and will be driven on a sleigh by the Cork Fire Brigade.

What route will the Corkmas Parade take through town?

The procession will begin on North Main Street and will make its way onto Washington Street and the Grand Parade, before heading to St. Patrick’s Street where the main parade will finish.

Santa and his friends will continue to MacCurtain Street where Santa will be whisked away with a Garda escort to assist his swift return to his worldwide preparations at the North Pole.