It’s officially Christmas market season, and thankfully for us, they seem to be popping up left right and centre this year.
For those of you who don’t already know, GLOW wont be hosting their traditional Christmas stalls on the Grand Parade this winter for the second year in a row (thanks to Covid). Fortunatley, a bunch of alternatives have been coming our way these past few weeks.
So wrap up well and bring an empty stomach as you check out these three fantastic Cork Christmas markets:
Ballymaloe Craft Fair
Now in it’s tenth year, the Ballymaloe Craft Fair has a reputation as the pre-eminent craft show outside of Dublin. Ok, ok, so it’s not technically a Christmas Market, but it might as well be, because it has everything you’d find at a traditional Christmas market and so much more. The fair has a whopping 150 stalls selling everything from delicious artisan food, textiles, jewellery, artwork, hand-crafted gifts, and more. It’s only running for two weekends, and this weekend is the last one.
When: November 26th (5pm – 9pm) + 27th & 28th (10am – 5pm)
Where: Ballymaloe Grainstore
Nano Nagle Christmas Market
The first of three exciting Christmas markets is due to be launched at Nano Nagle Place this weekend. The market will host a different theme each weekend, the first being the Cork City Book Fair this Saturday November 27th. Book dealers will be setting up shop outside the building, offering a wide selection of books to suit every type of reader.
When: Saturday 27th November
Where: Nano Nagle Place, Douglas Street
Mardyke Christmas Market
The Mardyke Christmas Market has been massively hyped up since they announced their plans to open last month, and now the wait is finally over. The brand new market comes with an array of new and familiar food stalls to choose from, including the brand new (and cleverly named) Celia Yaks gluten free food vendor. The market also has a ‘Santas Sleigh Mobile’ complete with a retro chevy truck which has been specially repurposed into a photo booth. AND if that wasn’t enough, you can even book a slot for your dog to see Santa (which includes a photo and a doggie treat!)
When: Thursday – Sunday 12-7pm until December 23rd
Where: Mardyke Cricket Grounds