It’s become part of tradition in Cork.

And once the iconic Ferris Wheel and carousel starts turning on the Grand Parade this weekend, you know Christmas is officially in full swing in the city centre.

Beginning this Friday, November 24th, the Ferris Wheel will be open every day from 12 noon to 9pm until early January 2024. Booking is advised (€4 for adults, €3.50 for kids) over here.

It is all happening this weekend in Cork, as music and fun fill the air and ignite the lights at SOLAS, an interactive lighting and sound experience also open each day from 4pm to 11pm.

A weekend of Christmassy fun 

This weekend marks the start of live music, festive entertainment and street performers on the Corkmas Stage at Emmet Place as stilt walkers run amok through Emmet Place bringing festive cheer to Christmas shoppers from 4pm to 7pm on Saturday and Sunday.

SOLAS is open this evening until 11pm.

It is also open every day next week from 4pm to 11pm.

Call to SOLAS if you are in Cork as the colours are really beautiful this evening at Emmet Place.

No booking required! #Corkmas pic.twitter.com/EOPcVN0WTV

— Corkmas (@Corkmas_Cork) November 19, 2023

Live music will begin on Friday evening at Emmet Place from 6pm with The Songstress Quartet who will perform a selection of well-known classic pop, soul, and jazz hits across all genres, with a swingy Christmas twist.

The show continues on Saturday as Violini, a violin duo from Cork use their considerable talents and ethereal strings to create a symphony of light in the canopy overhead. From 5pm to 7pm, they will perform a selection of contemporary and vintage pop and rock, jazz, swing, Irish, and classical favourites. The chill vibes will continue into the night as globe-trotting DJ Kelsey weaves an operatic theme through her unique brand of eclectic electronic music.

On Sunday the day will start at 4pm with a bang as renowned DJ Will Softly brings joy with his fun and energetic Kids Disco. Playing all the party and Christmas classics and presiding over dance competitions and plenty of family fun, this is one for kids aged one to 101.

The weekend will come to a close with a spectacular Operatic Showcase concert from 5pm to 7pm featuring a medley of operatic classics, including all your Christmas favourites. Jean Elliot, Dan Twomey, Kenneth Speight and Julie O Neill Nicholson will present a two-hour concert of operatic solos, duets and medleys for the whole family to enjoy and sing along to while the lights of the Solas installation glow and sparkle in time overhead.

No booking is required for SOLAS, just wrap up warm and head along.