15 November 2026
By Mary Bermingham
mary@TheCork.ie
- Wonderlights unveils enchanting new ‘Once Upon a Glow’ theme as Fota House transforms into a magical storybook world
- More than 150,000 visitors have experienced Wonderlights in Cork since its debut in 2024
- Ticket sales surge 77% ahead of the new theme reveal as Wonderlights returns for its third season
- 150 local people recruited to bring this year’s spectacular winter experience to life
Fota House is getting a fairytale glow-up as Wonderlights returns to Cork, unveiling its brand-new theme, Once Upon a Glow, following a surge in advance ticket sales and the recruitment of 150 local people to bring this years’ experience to life
Now in its third year at Fota House, Wonderlights has become a firm favourite on the county’s winter calendar, welcoming more than 150,000 visitors since its Cork debut in 2024. Demand shows no signs of slowing, with advance ticket sales already 77% ahead of the same time last year, even before this year’s
theme was revealed.
With demand continuing to grow, organisers have also released a new selection of 7pm open-dated tickets, following the sell-out of the initial allocation in August, offering visitors greater flexibility to plan their visit.
This year’s Once Upon a Glow theme will transform the historic grounds of Fota House into an illuminated storybook world, inviting visitors to journey through glowing forests and fields of flowers, wander beneath a spectacular colourful Cathedral Tunnel and
encounter magical unicorns, shimmering peacocks and thousands of dazzling lights.
The much-loved Talking Tree also returns, while a brand-new projection brings Fota House itself to life in a spectacular display of colour and light.
Commenting on the opening, Jessica Fagan, Marketing Director at Follow Fox Events, said: “There’s something special about stepping into a storybook world, no matter what age you are, and that’s what we wanted to bring to life with Once Upon a Glow. This years’
experience is all about sparking imagination and creating those moments of wonder, with magical creatures, spectacular light displays and surprises around every corner.
“Cork has really taken Wonderlights to its heart since we first arrived, and it’s been lovely to see it become part of so many families’ winter traditions. We’re also delighted to have recruited 150 local people to help bring this year’s experience to life,
making it an exciting time for the whole team as we welcome visitors back to Fota House.”
Combining large-scale light installations, immersive projections and specially composed music, Wonderlights offers a fully accessible outdoor walking trail designed for all ages, from families and couples to groups of friends.
Visitors can also enjoy the Alpine Food & Drinks Village, serving hot food, festive treats and winter warmers, while a new Memory Capture experience offers the opportunity to purchase professional photographs taken against the illuminated backdrop.
Created by Follow Fox Events, Wonderlights is Ireland’s largest immersive light show experience, having welcomed more than 650,000 visitors nationwide since launching in 2019.
Wonderlights at Fota House runs on selected dates from 5th November until 29th December 2026. Tickets start from €19.75 for adults and €17.50 for children, plus booking fee, with a selection of 7.30pm open-dated tickets also available.
The fully accessible trail takes approximately 60 minutes to complete, with visitors encouraged to allow at least 90 minutes to enjoy the full experience.
Tickets and further information are available at www.wonderlights.ie
ENDS
For further press information please contact Aisling White at Legacy Communications on
aislingwh@legacycommunications.com
Notes to Editor
IMAGE CAPTION:
CORK GETS A MAGICAL GLOW-UP AS WONDERLIGHTS RETURNS
A fairytale glow-up is lighting up Fota House, Cork, as visitors enjoy the return of Wonderlights and its enchanting new theme, Once Upon a Glow. From glowing forests and magical creatures to dazzling light tunnels and spectacular
projections, the much-loved winter experience is back to light up little faces and big imaginations. Wonderlights is now open and running on selected dates until 29th December. Tickets at
www.wonderlights.ie
Images: David Clynch Photography
About Follow Fox Events
Since 2014, Follow Fox Events has been a leader in creating extraordinary, immersive experiences for the Irish public. With a trusted reputation for memory-making, the Follow Fox team bring spectacular events to life across Ireland’s most prestigious venues.
Their diverse portfolio spans seasonal highlights, including summer staples like ‘At The Castle’, Malahide and ‘At The Manor’, Kildare. Autumn welcomes the spooktacular ‘Haunted Trail’ while winter sees Follow Fox Events as the creative force behind Ireland’s
premier winter attractions. This includes the country’s top Santa experience, ‘Santa’s House Express’, the beloved ‘Santa at Malahide Castle’, and ‘Wonderlights’—Ireland’s largest, award-winning light show experience. For more information, visit