It’s the annual street party that launches Christmas.

Thousands of Cork families will gather on St Patrick’s Street this Sunday, November 17th for the
switching on of the Cork City Christmas Lights, organised by Cork City Council.

This year the fun starts from 6.30pm, hosted by 96FM’s KC and Ross Brown, so wrap up warm and pick up a hot chocolate on the way to keep your fingers toasty.

The Academy of Popular Music will perform festive favourites including White Christmas, Santa Claus is Coming to Town and Fairytale of New York, while members of the Cork Deaf Community Choir will sign a selection of Christmas carols.

ISL Irish Sign Language Services will be on offer throughout the show and patrons with additional mobility needs will be accommodated close to the stage.

As darkness falls, the Christmas lights will be switched on by the Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr. John Sheehan (there’s a rumoured appearance of Santa too so be on your best behaviour).

Traffic restrictions and travel 

Due to the large volume of people expected to descend on the city centre on the night, members of the public are being asked to give themselves plenty of time to come into Cork City on Sunday.

“Normal Sunday parking restrictions will apply and traffic wardens will be on duty.” says Cork City Council.

“Some additional road closures and lane restrictions will be in place from 12 noon to 9.30pm on the day, so drivers are advised to check the website. Park and Ride will operate on a Monday to Friday frequency from 11am-9pm from Black Ash to Lapps Quay, and with the last Bus leaving the City Centre at 8.30pm.”

Glow returns for 2019

‘Glow – A Cork Christmas Celebration’ will return to the Bishop Lucey Park once again this year, with the famous Ferris wheel and festive market on the Grand Parade back for another four weekends in the run-up to Christmas.

Glow will take place on the following dates:

Friday 29th November to Sunday 1st December
Friday 6th December to Sunday 8th December
Friday 13th December to Sunday 15th December
Friday 20th December to Sunday, 22nd December
The Market will open from 12 noon to 8.30pm each day, while the entertainment in the park will start at 4.30pm, continuing until 8.30pm each day.