Cork’s Giving Market is a truly wonderful event where families can ‘shop’ gifts for free
This one is what Christmas is all about.
A new festive market is taking place this December in Cork City, but if finances are a worry this year, you won’t need any money to choose a lovely gift for someone special.
At The Giving Market, taking place at The Kino Events Centre on Thursday, December 11th, anyone in need can pop in and browse a selection of thoughtful donated items and choose one to take home.
“The Giving Market is a free, community-focused Christmas event built on one simple idea: Give a gift you would like to receive.” organiser Jessie Sheehan told Yay Cork.
“It’s an entirely self-organised project—created and run by me, with a few friends helping on the day—and I’m hoping the wider Cork community will come together to help make it something truly special.”
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The event invites people to regift quality items they no longer need. These gifts will be displayed in a festive market layout where families can browse and bring items home completely free, helping to ease the financial pressure of Christmas.
The event will run from 12pm to 7pm on the day with a Quiet Hour (sensory-friendly browsing) from 12pm–2pm. There will be a a free raffle for all attendees on as well as photo booths, festive music, face painting and temporary tattoos, with a large craft area and a gift-wrapping station set up so you can wrap your gift too.
The Kino bar and pizzeria will be open for food and refreshments.
Gift Donation Drop-Off
On Wednesday, December 10th (1:30pm–5:30pm) you can bring gifts to donate at The Kino on Washington Street.
“We welcome new or gently-used items in excellent condition—anything that fits the message of giving a gift you would be delighted to receive yourself.
A GoFundMe page has been set up, and all money raised will go directly towards food vouchers for local families in need, as well as essential set-up costs to run the event safely and accessibly.
