November 17th sees Winterval, one of Ireland’s biggest Christmas festivals, come to Waterford!

Renowned for breathing Christmas into Ireland’s oldest city, Winterval brings a host of winter activities to the city. The month long festival brings an eclectic mix to the city while maintaining a traditional feeling for visitors. A mixture of free and ticketed events, there is something on offer for all in Waterford this winter !We go through some of our favourite highlights of the festival as well as a few new additions we’re looking forward to!

Waterford Illuminates

Waterford Illuminate sees Cathedral Square lit up with a themed light show for the whole family. The specially designed light show is projected on a building in the square,  and set to a Christmas soundtrack. This free event is always a highlight of Winterval and is best enjoyed with the whole family over a belgian hot chocolate from a vendor in Cathedral Square.

Times – Nov. 17-19, 24-26, Dec. 1-3, 8-10, 15 – 23

Nightly every thirty minutes 5pm, 5.30pm, 6pm, 6.30pm, 7pm, 7.30pm, 8pm

Cathedral Square

Polish Christmas Craft Market

As part of Polish Christmas at Winterval you can visit the Christmas craft market on O’Connell St. The market offers an array of traditional and hand made polish crafts made by local polish artists and craftspeople. The also hold workshops making crafts and delicious  gingerbread men!

For more information or to book a space visit the Winterval website here!

Times – Nov. 17-20, 24-26, Dec 1-2, 7-10, 14-23

Mon-Fri 15:00-18:00

Sat 13:00-18:00

Sun 12:00-18:00

17-18 O’Connell Street

Winterval Christmas Market

Waterfords streets become a Christmas marketplace with the Winterval Christmas Market!

Pick up a delicious hot dog or tasty hot chocolate while wandering the streets, and browse the stalls for some unique gifts! A unique atmospheric experience around the city on a winter evening!

Visit the website here for opening times for the markets in Cathedral Square, Arundal Square or Palace Square.

All That Glistens – The Mall with Spraoi

This year Winterval brings Spraoi to the Mall for two nights of interactive magic with light, sound, imagery and performance. This is one of the festivals new additions and we’re excited to see what Spraoi are bringing to the Mall!

Time – Dec. 9, 10

The Mall

For more events at Winterval including fantastic live music, selfie stations , a teddy bear tea party, Winterval on Ice, Sleigh Rides, and the Apple Market Winter Village visit the website here.