SOLAS is officially open to the public.

The large-scale public interactive lighting experience was unveiled in the plaza in Emmet Place this weekend, kicking off the Christmas celebrations in Cork City for 2023.

Running every day until December 21st, from 4pm to 11pm daily, visitors to SOLAS can stroll through the enchanting space and enjoy watching the lights move in time to the strains of music floating through the air.

You can stand within the installation and be mesmerised by a 360* light show where a canopy of overhead orbs create and diffuse a rainbow of colour in time to the music or conduct the illuminations via a state-of-the-art, interactive touch screen and watch Emmet Place light up.

Photo: Darragh Kane

Each weekend from November 24th to December 17th, Emmet Place and SOLAS will be the site of a hub of family-friendly Christmas fun, with a host of musical performances, Christmas singalongs and festive entertainment.

“Corkmas is about supporting local and celebrating, discovering, and re-discovering the many experiences, and traditions, new and old, that make Christmas time in Cork so unique.” said CEO of Cork City Council, Ann Doherty.

In addition to SOLAS beginning, the streets of Cork will glitter and shine this evening as over seven kilometres of energy-efficient LED Christmas lights are turned on at St Patrick’s Street, Grand Parade, Oliver Plunkett Street and adjoining streets such as Opera Lane and Academy Street by Cork City Council, Cork Business Association working with traders and by independent outlets.

Cork City Council has also installed 60 Christmas trees across the city centre, suburbs, towns and villages, all of which will have their Christmas lights switched on this weekend.