The Christmas lights will be switched on at The Lough crib tonight

It’s one of those nostalgic Cork scenes.
In a sight that will take you right back to your Leeside childhood, the Christmas lights at The Lough will be officially switched on this evening, Monday, December 1st, 2025.
The fun begins after dark at 7pm, when you can wrap up warm and stroll down to the waterside to watch the lights begin a-twinkling. Mince pies will be served and there might even be a visit from Santa.
The Crib will be lit up every evening until January 6th, renewing a tradition that’s become an integral part of the Christmas festivities in the city.
A protected wildlife and bird sanctuary, The Lough’s crib is on an island in the middle of the water, which means visitors don’t infringe on the daily routines of the many animals that call it home.
This year, families visiting The Lough are advised to avoid contact with sick or dead wild birds, after two swans and a duck were found deceased there last week. Officials are awaiting the results of tests for Avian flu, after a case was detected there in September.

