The Waterford Winterval

Every year, Waterford celebrates Christmas in style! And this year, the town is doing it again with the Waterford Winterval! This not-to-be-missed event is inspired by the great European Christmas markets, and offers a host of activities to celebrate winter and the festive season! In fact, the organizers have set the bar very high, promising that this will be “its biggest and most festive program to date”.

Take part in the Waterford Winterval

100% family-friendly festivities to celebrate Christmas in Ireland!

The Waterford Winterval usually takes place from November to December. There’s plenty of entertainment all over town! Decorations and lights will magnify Waterford, and the program will combine workshops, toys, songs, music, markets, Christmas trees and local Irish gastronomy!

Elf workshop, Viking village, ice rink, horse-drawn carriage rides, funfair-style entertainment… In Waterford, you won’t know where to turn: the magic of Christmas is everywhere!

Waterford’s merchants’ stalls offer a wealth of products and crafts to remind you of the magic of Christmas. These include wooden toys, scented candles, tableware, scarves, traditional puppets and tree decorations!

And let’s not forget the gastronomy! Numerous chalets will tempt you with tempting specialities, such as foie gras, cheese, sausages, prepared hot dishes, pastries, or the ever-popular mulled wines, chocolates and ciders to enjoy with friends!

The market also boasts a wooden merry-go-round that’s sure to appeal to children, as well as Santa’s Grotto, where you can meet Santa and leave him your gift list!

Not to be missed:

Santa’s arrival in Waterford, to kick off the festivities. Thousands of spectators attend his arrival, and the city lights up with a thousand lights!
the Waterford Eye: a Ferris wheel that gives you a bird’s eye view of Waterford. A wonderful experience by night!
The Winterval Express train and carousel: a Christmas attraction that lets you discover the town of Waterford on board a train specially designed for Christmas! It leaves every 30 minutes and runs along the mall, past Winterval on Ice, through Applemarket and on to JR Square.
a craft and food market: as with all Christmas events, there will of course be a real Christmas market, offering sweets, hot drinks and gift ideas.