| If you want to get into the festive spirit then a | | | | from food to crafts can be purchased (it's a |
| visit to Cork city is a must! With some cheap | | | | great place to pick up a few stocking fillers!). |
| direct flights from cities like Dublin, Belfast, | | | | There will also be plenty of entertainment in the |
| London, Manchester and lots more UK and | | | | form of carol singers and bands playing Christmas |
| European destinations, there really is no excuse | | | | songs to get you in the festive mood. The |
| for you not to come and visit for a while. The | | | | Christmas Celebration on Grand Parade will take |
| Christmas in Cork Festival is jammed packed with | | | | place on the Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays of |
| festive events this year so let's take a closer look | | | | each weekend in the run up to Christmas, |
| at what you can expect. | | | | beginning on November 27th. |
| One of the highlights of the festive season in | | | | Of course, Christmas would not be the same |
| Cork each year is Cork On Ice. It takes place at | | | | without Christmas Pantomimes! Cork has not one |
| the Marquee in the Cork Docklands (near Pairc Ui | | | | but two pantomimes taking place. Aladdin takes |
| Chaoimh) and runs from the 13th December to | | | | place at the Everyman Palace Cork from |
| the 17th January 2010. New to the ice rink this | | | | Saturday 5th of December to Sunday 10th |
| year is ice-curling - it's similar to 'bowls on ice' but | | | | January. However if you prefer 'Jack And The |
| just lots more fun! Check out the Cork On Ice | | | | Beanstalk', head for the Cork Opera House where |
| website for more. | | | | it's showing from the 12th of December to the |
| The Christmas lights will be officially turned on at | | | | 10th of January. |
| Bishop Lucey Park on the 29th of November. For | | | | 'Hunting for the Wren' is a dying tradition in |
| the festival, Grand Parade will be transformed into | | | | Ireland...well almost! In the little town of Carrigaline |
| a wonderful haven of Christmas markets and | | | | just south of Cork city, this age-old tradition is still |
| stalls while Bishop Lucey Park will be magically lit | | | | alive and well. It takes place each year on St. |
| up and called the "Park of Dreams". The park will | | | | Stephen's Day and is a great family day out with |
| be created by Peter Kelly from Brides of Franc, | | | | a street carnival, traditional music and dance. For |
| so it's bound to be something spectacular! | | | | more on this festival visit the website of the |
| 'A Christmas Celebration on Grand Parade' will | | | | Owenabue Valley Traditional Group. |
| feature Christmas markets where everything | | | | |