Don’t panic if your smallies haven’t seen Santa yet, we’ve got you covered
11:44, 18 Dec 2025
Ellie Hogan from Macroom with Santa at Santa’s Magical Market(Image: Darragh Kane)
With only a week left until Christmas, there can be plenty of last-minute things to take care of – including taking the smallies to see the big man himself.
But don’t worry, while there are plenty of Christmas grottos that are fully booked across Cork, there are also many great Santa experiences still taking bookings and walk-in visits ahead of the big day.
Here are three Santa’s Grottos across Cork that still have availability for festive experiences:
Santa’s Magical Market
Mr Claus made a grand entrance at the Marina Market last month when he arrived on a sleigh pulled by real reindeer. He then transformed the beloved spot into a snow-dusted Scandinavian-inspired winter wonderland with icy forests, twinkling lights, and festive magic.
Visitors step through a magical cave portal into Santa’s world and wander through the enchanted forest, complete with projections, elves, and even an animatronic polar bear.
Santa’s Magical Market(Image: Darragh Kane)
From there, families enter the gates of Santa’s Village and can enjoy fun sleigh photo moments, candyfloss and make a donation at the Enable Ireland Giving Tree if they wish, before meeting Santa in his cosy log cabin, where he will gift all the boys and girls who make the Nice List.
Santa Paws is also on hand to greet Cork’s most pampered pooches, giving families the chance to include their pets in the holiday tradition.
Tickets start from €12.00 for adults and €15.00 for children. There are limited spots left before the experience wraps up on December 23, so get your bookings in!
Santa at Mahon Point
Here’s one that is always a family favourite – no booking in advance or tickets needed, just a great moment, free of charge.
While there may be queues, you can come and meet Santa at his Mahon Point Shopping Centre grotto right up to Christmas Eve. If you stop by over the weekend, you might even bump into Mrs Claus.
No booking is required, but the elves have warned shoppers that during busier times, there may be queues. You will need to take your own photo, and no gifts are supplied at the free visit.
Here are the times that Santa will be sitting upon his throne:
- Friday, December 19, at 1 pm – 6 pm
- Saturday, December 20, at 12 pm – 6 pm
- Monday, December 22nd, at 12 pm – 6 pm
- Tuesday, December 23rd, at 12 pm – 6 pm
- Wednesday, December 24th, at 10 am – 2 pm
Santa’s Magical Cabin on Patrick Street
Santa’s Magical Cabin
This award-winning Christmas experience is in Merchant’s Quay, and families can meet an elf guide who will take them directly to Santa’s house for a private visit.
Santa will know something special about each child and give them an age-appropriate gift, and a professional photographer will be there to capture beautiful memories.
Tickets start from €7.00 for adults and €14.00 for children, including a gift. There are limited slots available, so book now before Santa’s schedule fills up.
