Christmas is coming to Cork. 6 things to do this weekend to get you in the spirit

Magical Midleton   

welcome Santa to Midleton and Shine a light on the festive season.  We were at this last year as it is local to us and there is always a lovely vibe around town.  Sage Restaurant Courtyard also has a lovely christmas market on with a colouring corner for the kids while the adults look around the market and enjoy the mulled wine.Timetable of Events:
1.15pm – Santa Express leaves Cork (book tickets on www.irishrail.ie)
1.40pm – Santa and his helpers from Leahy’s farm arrive in Midleton Train Station (www.leahysopenfarm.ie)
2.15pm – Santa arrives at Midleton Farmers Market
2.15 – 3.15pm – Santa will available to meet Children at the farmers market.
2.30-5.30pm – Join Mrs Claus, & the elves on Mackey Coaches Magical
Midleton Bus tour from the farmers Market. (www.mackeycoaches.ie)
5-5.30pm – Santa will arrive back at the farmers market.
6pm – Aaron McMahon will switch on the Christmas lights at the Courthouse

Ballymaloe Craft Fair 

It is the season for making a list, checking it twice, and scrambling to find the perfect gifts for family and friends. The Ballymaloe Craft Fair, a curated gathering of the designers, makers, doers, and dreamers who define craft and design communities across Ireland, is a stress-free, one-stop shopping weekend.   Over the past eight years it has earned a reputation as a pre-eminent Irish Christmas shopping experience.  It returns to Ballymaloe Grainstore on the grounds of Ballymaloe House in Shanagarry, County Cork on Friday 16, Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 November.   Saturday and Sunday hours are 10am until 6pm.  There is far more to the Ballymaloe Craft Fair than over 100 of Ireland’s finest crafters and makers:  Expect artisanal food and libations, lively music, and a festive atmosphere.  There is a plethora of hands-on activity for both adults and children as part of the first-ever Sustainable Living Fringe.  Workshops include make your own blissful body butter; DIY origami; challah bread design; compose a succulent terrarium; learn the art of bookbinding; sustainable yoga; grown your own first aid kit; and create Christmas decorations and gifts with a treasure trove of recycled and natural materials.   Advance booking is advise on xSmall hands will be kept contentedly crafty with activities all weekend in a creative play space.  They can feeding the friendly Compost Monster to learn the who, what, how, when and whys of waste disposal, or get down to earth and pot a seedling to plant at home.  Children can work alongside local artists to create creatures out of recycled materials, and take a turn on the tower slide!

Creature Kingdom – craft workshops & creative play photo booth – Free event – 

Kids Slide – 3 slides for €2

Kiddies Cups Carousel €1 per ride.

Face Painting

Candle Making Workshop – €5  

Compost Graveyard – wedding lawn

The friendly Compost Monster Workshops – Learn the who, what, how, when and why’s of waste disposal.. Then get down to earth and pot your very own take home seedling of garlic – Free event

Admission to the Ballymaloe Craft Fair is €5.  Children under age 16 are free.  Parking is free.   Advance booking is advised for the Sustainable Living Fringe workshops.  Tickets for workshops start at €15.  For more information and to book see www.ballymaloefestivals.ie.

Cork lights go on Sunday 18th

CHRISTMAS LIGHTS TO BE SWITCHED ON THIS SUNDAY NOVEMBER 18^TH

Organised by Cork City Council, the countdown to Christmas has truly begun with the announcement that the switching on of the Cork City Christmas Lights will take place on Patrick’s Street this Sunday November 18th.  The Christmas Lights will be switched on by the Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr. Mick Finn and there is a rumored appearance of Santa!

The Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr. Mick Finn said

“Cork’s Christmas starts here! The Switching on of the Christmas City Lights officially marks the start of the countdown to Christmas in Cork. The Switch on will take place at approximately 7.15pm and I would encourage people to come into the city to experience this wonderful free family festive event. I would also encourage people to shop local for Christmas and help keep jobs and shops alive in Cork.”

Beginning at 6.30pm on Patrick’s Street, the Switch on Party will be hosted by KC and Ros Browne from Cork’s 96FM.

Ireland’s leading pop music school, The Academy of Popular Music will perform a selection of much-loved Christmas songs including All I want for Christmas, Merry Christmas Everyone and Fairytale of New York. Students from The Academy of Popular Music, have previously performed on the Late Late Toy Show, the Voice of Ireland, and Cork’s Got Talent.

They will be joined on stage by the Cork Deaf Choir who will sign and sing a selection of Christmas Songs, and they invite everyone to ‘Sign Along’ by learning the chorus of Santa Claus is Coming to Town which you can find  here: https://youtu.be/UfQOqkk5jPU

Griffins Garden Centre Lighting Ceremony

The Countdown for Christmas is Definitely on as Griffins lights up their Christmas Lights Sunday the 18th  November .The festivities begin at 4pm with Lights been switched on at5pm.  Join us at Griffins for this Festive Free event.   Wonderful Carol Singing by the Magical Macroom Choir.   Meet Sanita Puspure ( World rowing Champion) and the Cobh Animation Team.   Shhhh Don’t tell anyone but Minnie & Mickey Mouse will there to meet all the wonderful kids.   Carol Singing at 4pm. Switching on lights at 5pm sharp.

A Family tradition that marks the beginning of Christmas 2018 .  All In aid of Macroom Community Hospice.

Dunnes Bishopstowncourt is launching new store

The revamped Dunnes Stores Bishopstown Court is holding a huge launch this coming weekend November 16th – 18th!

The store has undergone a huge transformation including a brand new food hall including Sheridan’s Cheesemongers, K O’Connell Fishmongers, Alternative Bread Company, James Whelan Butchers and Baxter & Greene Market Cafe & Deli. Over the weekend there will be multiple food demos to showcase their products as well as sampling and talks on nutrition and skincare.

As well as all that, some of the most recognisable designers in Dunnes Stores will be making an appearance at the launch.

Brendan Courtney & Sonya Lennon will be showcasing an exclusive sneak preview of their Christmas Collection as well as giving styling tips on how to get Christmas party ready.

Paul Costelloe will be in conversation with Brendan Courtney, talking about his collection and meeting his many Cork customers.

Francis Brennan will be doing a special talk on ‘Top Tips for Christmas Entertaining’ as well as signing his latest book A Gentleman Abroad.

Paul Galvin will be showcasing his latest fashion collection.

Carolyn Donnelly will be in the store to chat one to one with customers about her latest collections in fashion, homeware and gifts.

Michael Mortell will be giving a talk on the Changing Trends in Modern Home Furniture, and showcasing his new furniture collection, which is exclusive to Dunnes Stores.

Leigh Tucker will be also be in store, meeting shoppers and discussing her latest collection (in store at present).

Peter O’Brien will be exclusively unveiling his latest design – a black silk dress – and will be chatting to customers about fashion trends for 2019.

There will be plenty happening for all the family including a special visit from Santa Claus and his elves on Saturday!

6. Closing Event for Cork Science Festival

If you want to stay away from Christmas zone altogether if you think its all a bit too early!  We went to the opening event of this last wekend and it was great and the girls really enjoyed it.  Check out the full details on their facebook or webpage.