Cork City is set to sparkle once again as Corkmas 2025 kicks off this Friday, 14 November, with the magical Corkmas Parade lighting up the city from 7pm-8pm. The parade marks the official start of the festive season and the traditional switching on of Cork’s Christmas lights.

Corkmas will transform the city over the coming weeks and the celebrations will include the Christmas Markets and Santa Experience at Emmett Place, as well as the return of the iconic Ferris Wheel and vintage carousel on Grand Parade.

The 2026 Eurochambres Economic Survey, based on responses from over 41,000 businesses across Europe, reveals that businesses are striving to get back on a growth trajectory after several challenging years. 

While the Irish results indicate a degree of optimism, the top three challenges they identified looking ahead to 2026 are: labour costs (63%), a lack of skilled workers (48%) and regulatory burdens (43%). View the full EES2026 Report HERE. 

The Department of Social Protection will host a webinar to employers on MyFutureFund, the new auto-enrolment retirement savings schemes, on Wednesday, 26th November.

The webinar will provide an overview of the new system and provide an opportunity for employers to ask questions about the new scheme. 

The Enterprise Europe Network (EEN) at Cork Chamber would like to share an exciting international opportunity. A German art studio and online retailer for sustainable home and lifestyle articles is looking for wholesalers and other distributors. 

To find out more on how to connect with this company, contact monica@corkchamber.ie.

Are you an SME trading across the EU? The new SME VAT Scheme simplifies VAT registration and reporting, offering VAT exemptions and reduced compliance for small businesses with an annual EU turnover under €100,000.

This initiative makes it easier to expand cross-border without added administrative burdens.

Mon 17th Nov | 2pm-4.30am | 2 Sessions | Online

This hands on course will demonstrate to participants how they can utilise AI tools, such as ChatGPT, to support their business strategy, operations, marketing and communications. .

Tues 25th November | 9.30am-11am | Online

With clear priorities, renewed energy, and the right strategies, individuals and teams can maximise their performance while setting the stage for a strong year ahead.

Step into the spirit of the season and discover the very best that Cork has to offer. From thoughtful gifts and festive treats to unforgettable experiences, our Christmas Gift Guide showcases the creativity and quality of local businesses across the region. By choosing local this Christmas, you’re helping our community thrive, supporting jobs, talent and the vibrant heartbeat of Cork. 

• Give the Gift of Getaways This Christmas with Leonardo Hotels
• Gift St. Patrick’s Distillery Ltd award-winning whiskey with your company’s custom label free this Christmas
• Christmas at Triskel – experience the magic of music, art, and cinema with those you love
• Treat your loved ones to the gift of entertainment this Christmas at The Mardyke Entertainment Complex
• Last minute Christmas Party night with Talbot Hotel Midleton
• Share the magic of home this Christmas with 10% off Sue Nelson’s beautiful Irish-inspired artworks
• Reward your team this Christmas with endless options — give a Mahon Point Gift Card
• Save the Date - Celebrate the Season at Celtic Interiors 27 Nov 2025 
• Whether you're planning a group celebration or simply want a special night out this Christmas, join us at Dripsey Castle Estate for an evening of great food, good company and seasonal cheer

• Guaranteed Irish supporting Cork Businesses – creating local jobs and strengthening supply chains
• Crowleys DFK Announces Latest Promotions
• Munster Drone Services Scoops IRD Duhallow Large Business of the Year Award
• Sue Nelson Designs captures the Spirit of the City as This Year’s Holly Bough Cover Artist
• SERVE Presents: Rapunzel – A Cork Christmas Untangled! A Magical Panto with Purpose
• Focus Ireland's - Sponsor A Star Campaign

This year, Organisations with 50 Employees or more fall under the scope of the gender pay gap reporting regulations. Organisations reporting for the first time this year will not only have to process the pay data, the regulations also require relevant Employers to set out in the Employer’s opinion, the reasons for any gender pay gaps in the Organisation, and the measures (if any) being taken, or proposed to be taken, by the Employer to eliminate or reduce such gender pay gaps.

• Sponsorship opportunity for 1 month (4 weeks) on Cork's 96FM & C103 encouraging people to shop local in Cork city and county - Station Promotion valued at €17,958 + VAT offered for €6,500 + VAT
• Acorn Business Centre - offer 10% off your rent on top of any existing offers
• Bring Your Event to Life – 20% Off for Cork Chamber Members with Amphibian

• Ballymaloe Craft Fair 2025 – 14-16^th and 21^st-23^rd November
• BHAA (Celebration of Life) 5K Road Race hosted in partnership with staff from Clearstream/Deutsche Börse – Sunday 16^th November
• Osborne Talent Series Webinar - Irish Employment Law Update 2025/2026: Key Developments & the Introduction of Auto-Enrolment – Wednesday 19^th November
• Charity Afternoon Tea at Hayfield Manor in support of our official charity partner, Breakthrough Cancer Research– Thursday 20^th November
• Pathway to Innovate Clinic at Republic of Work – Thursday 20^th November
• Iarla Ó Lionáird returns to Triskel for what promises to be another glorious night of music – Friday 21^st November
• Oaktree Financial to Host Black-Tie Charity Gala and Celebrating 15 Years in Business – Saturday 22^nd November
• Veronica Dunne International Singing Competition presents: Opera at Griffith College Cork – Saturday 29th November
• Christmas wreath workshop - Dripsey Castle Saturday 29th November - morning or afternoon