Winterval Festival
Waterford transforms into a holiday wonderland featuring over 60 events and attractions spread across the city. Visitors can browse handcrafted gifts and artisan foods at the Christmas Market, skate on the ice rink, and view projection mapping lightshows. The festival also offers live music performances, parades, funfair rides, and festive workshops for all ages.
What to Expect
Ireland's largest Christmas festival and the European City of Christmas.
Event Details
Ages
All ages
Neighborhood
Waterford City
Organizer
Winterval Waterford
Food & Drink
The Christmas Market features artisan food products, and hot food and drink traders are invited to apply.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families and visitors of all ages
Vibe
Festive and lively
Energy Level
Moderate
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
Moderate
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: The festival offers a variety of free and ticketed events.
- Parking: City car parks include Merchants Quay, Clock Tower, City Square and RSC, which is free.
Tips & Advice
- Winterval runs on weekends between mid-November and December 23, so plan your trip for a festival weekend to catch the market, rink and fairground.
- Book ticketed events like Visit Santa, Winterval On Ice and the Gingerbread Making Workshops online before you travel rather than hoping for space on the day.
- Use the RSC car park if you want free parking, or Merchants Quay and Clock Tower car parks to stay closer to the quays.
- Mix in free events such as Winterval Illuminates, Santa's Giant Disco Postbox, Movies @ The Reg and the Viking Elf Trail to fill a day.
- Dress warmly for an evening outdoors, because the market, ice rink, fairground and lightshows are all spread across the city's streets and squares.
Special Events & Promotions
- Winterval Light Up Ceremony, the official opening, on Broad Street on Nov 13
- New concerts on Park Road beside The People's Park: The High Kings (Dec 18), The Boomtown Rats (Dec 19) and Oasis tribute Mad Ferritt (Dec 20), tickets booked separately
- Blue Light Parade & Showcase (Nov 28) and Truck & Tractor Parade (Dec 6), both free
- Jingle Bells Cycle from Hanover Street on Dec 10
- New this year: Snowball Fighting on Michael Street on Winterval dates
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is there to do at Winterval?
There's the Christmas Market on John Roberts Square and Winterval On Ice on The Quay. You'll also find the Winterval Fairground, the Waterford Eye on Merchants Quay, the Mini Express Train on Gladstone Street, Winterval Illuminates on Cathedral Square, and Santa at the Medieval Museum. There are more than 60 attractions and events in all.
Who is the festival for?
All ages. The programme mixes family attractions, children's activities, parades, concerts and workshops.
Which attractions need booking?
Ticketed events are booked online. These include Visit Santa at Winterval, Winterval On Ice, the Gingerbread Making Workshops, the Waterford Treasures Children's Christmas Trail and the concerts. Many others are free, such as the Christmas Market, Winterval Illuminates and Santa's Giant Disco Postbox.
What's new this year?
New this year are concerts by The High Kings, The Boomtown Rats and the Oasis tribute Mad Ferritt on Park Road. There's also The Winterval Circus, Sleeping Beauty at the Theatre Royal, Snow White at SETU Arena, Snowball Fighting on Michael Street, Tasteful Tours, the Massed Choirs Concert and Victorian Christmas at the Bishop's Palace.
How can I trade at the Christmas Market?
Trader applications are open. One form covers art, craft makers and food producers who don't cook on site, and a separate form covers hot food and drink. For trading, events or sponsorship, email hello@winterval.ie.
More Christmas Events Near Waterford
More Christmas Events near Waterford
Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.