Winterval, Ireland’s largest Christmas festival, returns to Waterford on November 21st, and will run every Thursday to Sunday until December 23rd.
This year’s festival will transforming Ireland’s oldest city into a magical winter wonderland.
Winterval 2025 has over 50 festive events and attractions, including the enchanting Winterval Christmas Markets illuminated by over 100,000 twinkling lights, the Winterval Circus, the Port of Waterford Eye, and Santa’s Grotto nestled in the 12th-century underground caverns beneath the Medieval Museum.
Ireland’s Largest Christmas Festival Returns: Winterval 2025 Officially Opens in Waterford. Pic: Supplied
New additions this year include the indoor Snowball Play Fun Dome, Conscious Crafting Workshops, and Gingerbread Making Workshops. Visitors can also explore the Glow Fairylight Garden powered by Encon, enjoy Winterval Cruises on the River Suir, and experience the thrills of the Winterval Fairground.
Waterford City was jam-packed and shining brightly over the weekend as tens of thousands of festivalgoers enjoyed the official opening of the Winterval Festival. Pic: Patrick Browne
A standout feature of the festival is Winterval Illuminates, which will light up Cathedral Square nightly with a light and music show projected onto the Silver Museum façade.
Throughout the city, families can immerse themselves in festive performances, delicious seasonal treats, and heartwarming experiences that capture the magic of Christmas.