Christmas in Cobh – Santa Claus arrives 5th December

Santa Claus will arrive in Cobh on Saturday 5th December in a uniquely Cobh way as he steps off a red and white boat onto Kennedy Pier at 12 noon. He will then walk along the town to his *NEW* magical grotto in Club C in the Commodore Hotel. This is the eight year that Santa has been arriving in Cobh and welcoming children to his grotto since See You in Cobh was formed in 2008. Children can visit him from 12.15 pm to 4.30 pm for just €5 (accompanying parents are free!) and each child will receive a parcel. Entrance will be via the Club C door only. People can choose to have a professional photograph taken and printed on the spot for €5.

Earlier in the morning Cobh Library will have colouring and art activities from 10 am until 11.30 am. There will be Christmas story time at 11 am, allowing children time to make their way to the pier in time for Santa’s arrival at 12 noon.

A free Arts and Crafts workshop with Gloria will take place all afternoon in Club C where children can make and decorate their own lantern or colour and draw while waiting to see Santa. Children and their parents are also welcome to pop in at any time. All materials will be provided.

The Commodore Male Voice Choir will perform seasonal favourites in Cobh Heritage Centre at 4.15 pm.

Near Casement Square, Cobh Confraternity Band will add plenty of Festive Cheer from 4.15 pm, while complimentary Hot Chocolate will be available for children courtesy of the Cobh branch of AIB Bank.

The children’s torch lit procession has become a huge favourite and it will leave from Cobh Heritage Centre for the Christmas tree at 5 pm, where the lights will be switched on by one lucky child. Darragh McGann will join with Sinead Sheppard’s dancers for rousing renditions of some childrens’ favourite Christmas songs. The child to switch on the lights will be from a family that will be chosen via a “Like and Share” competition that will run on the Cobh Tourism Facebook page until Thursday 3rd December. The winning family will then enjoy a family meal in SuperMacs.

The whole day’s activities are a coming together of community and businesses to show Cobh at its best. The Christmas Lights are erected by Cobh and Harbour Chamber with assistance from the Cobh Municipal District and local business contributions. The Christmas in Cobh Event is organised by See You in Cobh with the assistance of Cobh Tourism, Marine Transport Services, the Commodore Hotel, Gloria’s Arts and Crafts, Cobh Heritage Centre, SuperMacs and AIB. Entertainment will be provided by Cobh Library, the Commodore Choir, Cobh Confraternity Band, Darragh McGann and Sinead Sheppard.

Saturday 5th December promises to be a fantastic festive Community day out in the centre of Cobh and the official start of Christmas in Cobh.