Corkmas Parade and Christmas Lights Switch-On

What to Expect

The Corkmas Parade is Cork City Council’s official opener for the Christmas season, and it marks the switching on of the city’s Christmas lights each year. Dancers, marching bands and performers make their way through the city centre streets alongside Santa Claus, with the parade timed to lead into the moment the lights come on, turning the city centre into what the council calls a “sparkling winter wonderland” for the evening. It draws large crowds of families along the route each year and is treated as the traditional start of Cork’s Corkmas festive programme, which continues through the following weeks with a Christmas market, Santa experience and festive attractions around the city centre.

As an annual civic event, the exact route and staging details are confirmed closer to the date each year, but the format has stayed consistent: a family friendly evening parade through the main streets, ending with the lights switch-on. Families are advised to arrive early for a good view along the route given the crowds it typically draws.

Good to Know

• Friday 13 November 2026, from 7:00pm to 8:00pm.
• Parade runs through Cork City centre, with the lights switch-on as its centrepiece.
• Free to attend, no ticket required.
• Marks the start of Cork City Council’s wider Corkmas festive programme.
• Arrive early for road closures and to get a good view of the parade route.

Getting There

The parade runs through Cork City centre, taking in streets around Grand Parade and Patrick Street. It is best reached on foot or by bus given road closures along the route on the night; city centre car parks such as those on the South Mall and Grand Parade are within walking distance but may be busy given the crowds the event draws.