Wondering what’s happening in your area this month? We’re looking at everything from ice-skating to Christmas-themed tours around a 16th century castle in this month’s At a Glance with Glenveagh as we take a whistle-stop tour of what’s happening in Cork city.

Corkmas Christmas Market

Cork’s premier Christmas festival runs until the end of the year, with such delights on offer as a ferris wheel that offers panoramic views of the city and a Christmas market at Emmet Place. The traditional market is stocked with plenty of wooden chalets selling clothes, crafts, gifts and food, while the atmosphere is created by Christmas characters, roving musicians and more.

Few cities commit to Christmas the way Cork does, and there are other Christmas markets in the Rebel Count this year including at Nano Nagle on Douglas Street and St. Peter's Cork on North Main Street, both of which will raise funds for Cork Cancer Support.

Solas Light Show at Grand Parade

One of the most exciting additions to Cork’s Christmas offerings this year is the Solas light show instalment at Grand Parade. The lights are switched on between 4pm and 10pm daily and offer visitors an immersive visual experience and no shortage of opportunities for Instagrammable shots. The light show is accompanied by music and offers an idyllic and relaxing opportunity to step into the magic this Christmas. Solas runs until the 22nd December

Winterlee, Páirc Uí Chaoimh

Set against the iconic backdrop of Páirc Uí Chaoimh, the Winterlee Festive Wonderland is the perfect day out for the family, with the highlight being the Alpine Skate Trail ice rink. Get your skates on, literally, and explore the beautifully decorated trail which winds through the stadium's North Stand.

Of course, no skating experience would be complete without a hot chocolate or a mulled wine (depending on your preference) and both will be available to warm you up. After you’re finished on the rink, Winterlee offers an apres-ski experience that includes “roaring fire pits, live entertainment, and mouth-watering winter treats”. The fun doesn’t stop there, and the Winterlee Christmas village has plenty to keep everyone entertained, with carousels, bumper cars, rollercoasters and more - with food provided by the likes of O'Flynn's Gourmet Sausage Company, Pitt Bros BBQ and Burritos & Blues. You don’t want to miss it. Winterlee runs until 19th January.

Festive Evenings at Blackrock Castle

Festive Evenings at Blackrock Castle is the perfect atmospheric night out to get you in the festive spirit. The experience lasts for one hour to ninety minutes, so you don’t need to worry about having the kids out too late, and your ticket includes a 25-minute Star Show in the theatre, a special message from Santa, Santa's Workshop Activities where children can write and post letters to Santa and enjoy holiday crafts, and access to the Christmas Round Room and Lower Roof Terrace, complete with reindeer, Christmas trees, and festive decor. Festive Evenings at Blackrock runs every weekend in the run up to Christmas, until 22nd December.