Santa Claus is Coming to Town: ‘Christmas in Cork’ Parade Set to Light Up Leeside
Sunday 15th November 2026, 18:30 – 19:30
The magic of Christmas officially begins in Cork City this Sunday, 15th November, as Cork City Council’s Christmas in Cork Parade lights up Leeside, with the official switching on of the city’s Christmas lights.
From 6.30pm–7.30pm, Cork’s streets will transform into a winter wonderland as performers, dancers and bands make their way throughout the city, alongside a very special guest.
Adding an extra touch of magic this year will be French street theatre company Compagnie eliXir, making their first appearance in Cork in more than two decades. Known for their spectacular street performances, the company blends circus, hip-hop and fairground cabaret to delight audiences of all ages.
The parade will feature a fantastic line-up of performers and familiar Cork favourites. Dancers from the Joan Denise Moriarty School of Dance and Trish McCarthy’s School of Dance will bring plenty of festive energy to the streets, while lively music provided by the Cork Butter Exchange Band and the Cork Barrack Street Band will be sure to keep the celebrations in full swing. Adding to the festive atmosphere, The Everyman will be getting into the spirit of the occasion with a special welcome for Santa by this year’s panto characters, Jack and the Beanstalk at MacCurtain Street.
And, of course, no Christmas parade would be complete with Santa Claus himself. With a little help from the elves at Cork City Fire Brigade, Santa will make his traditional arrival, switching on the city’s Christmas lights and officially opening the festive season. Families are invited to come early, soak up the atmosphere, and be ready to help Santa light up Cork for Christmas.
Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr Damian Boylan, said:
“The Christmas Parade marks the beginning of a special time of year in the City. It is an opportunity for families, friends and visitors to come together and enjoy the magic, excitement and community spirit that make Christmas in Cork so unique. With fantastic local performers, the spectacular Compagnie eliXir and, of course, Santa Claus himself arriving to switch on the city lights, this year’s parade promises to be a memorable celebration for all. I encourage everyone to come along and help us light up Cork for Christmas.”
The Chief Executive of Cork City Council Valerie O’Sullivan said:
“Christmas is a very special time of the year in Cork, and our teams across Cork City Council have been working tirelessly to ensure the city looks its very best, from festive lighting and the various activations in the city centre itself to maintaining our streets and public spaces, and to organising the showcase event this Sunday which marks the start of Christmas in Cork, the Christmas parade.
We are proud to play our part in creating a welcoming, vibrant atmosphere for residents, visitors and businesses alike. We look forward to seeing people from across Cork and beyond come into the city centre over the weeks ahead for our Christmas in Cork activations, and to enjoy everything the season has to offer and to support the local traders, cafés, restaurants and attractions that make Cork such a wonderful place to celebrate Christmas.”
The parade route: The Christmas in Cork Parade begins on North Main Street, continuing along Washington Street, winding down St. Patrick’s Street, across St. Patrick’s Bridge, and will come to a rousing close on MacCurtain Street.
To ensure everyone’s safety during the parade, a number of road closures and traffic diversions will be in place across the city centre on Sunday evening. Motorists are advised to plan ahead, allow extra time for travel and make use of the city’s Park and Ride service where possible. See the Travel Information tab ChristmasInCork.ie for full information on road closures, diversions (including buses) and parking restrictions.
The Christmas in Cork parade marks the beginning of a packed festive calendar for the city. From the Christmas markets at Bishop Lucey Park running Wednesday – Sunday from 20th November to jam-packed weekends at the Family Festive Hub at Counting House Plaza from 28th November, there will be plenty for the whole family to enjoy. The iconic Ferris Wheel returns to Grand Parade from 27th November while a special new addition to the programme this year is The Promise of Christmas, an immersive light and sound experience, presented by St Fin Barre’s Cathedral and supported by Cork City Council, running from 9th – 19th December.
For full programme details, visit ChristmasInCork.ie and follow Christmas in Cork on social media.
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