Ireland’s Christmas Festival is in celebratory mode having just been announced as the ‘European City of Christmas for 2024’ – Winterval in Waterford is now open daily until December 23rd.
Filled with festive events and fun for everyone, some of the highlights are even on offer right up until children return to school in January.
The City has been transformed into a land of magical festive entertainment with a festive Fairground and Winterval on Ice, a Gerbola Christmas Circus, A Narnia Christmas Show, the magical Winterval Illuminates light show, a Viking Yule Settlement where you can hark back to how Christmas was celebrated in the Viking City and lots more.
You can enjoy the Port of Waterford Eye, the Winterval Mini Express train, Glow Gardens, a virtual ride in Santa’s sleigh, a miniature model Circus showcase and of course, Santa Claus and his elves are at the Gingerbread House in the City centre and there is even still time to meet the gigantic talking postbox at The Apple Market.
An abundant programme of music and theatre events and live performances are on the main stage daily which is right in the heart of the Glenveagh Winterval Food & Craft Market which features over 100 food and craft producers.
A variety of one-off events are also on offer including the Winterval Jingle Bells cycle on December 15th, where locals and visitors alike are invited to join the Winterval team on their bicycles as they take to the streets from 7.30 pm for the Jingle Bells Cycle beneath the twinkling lights of the City.
On December 22nd BuskAid will fill the streets with music and song to raise much-needed funds for Tinteán Housing, a Waterford-based homeless charity. BuskAid is Ireland's city-wide busk for charity in aid of the homeless.
Based in Waterford City, it aims to raise funds and awareness for local homelessness charity Tinteán Housing, through music and volunteering.
Donation buckets will be all around Winterval on the day. Special guests will appear throughout the day, building into a giant 'Big Busk' at the end, followed by an uplifting performance by the High Hopes choir.
There are over 40 events and over half of those are free - check out the full Winterval Festival programme of events at www.winterval.ie
