Your guide to Winterval 2019

You Know It's Christmas In Waterford..

When you see little glimpses of Winterval appearing around the city!

The 8th annual Winterval festival begins its jam packed programme of over 60 ticketed and free events on Saturday November 23rd, running right up to December 23rd.

Ollie and Mary from The Big Breakfast Blaa are this year's Winterval Correspondents and they'll be keeping you up to date on all that's going on, including checking out some of the attractions and events and much more'

They will also have a much sought after Winterval Golden Ticket up for grabs every Friday on the show. These are literally like gold dust!

Some of the highlights of this year's festival include Spraoi Na Nollag where Sproai will transform Constitution Square into a festive wonderland. The Iconic Waterford Eye is back and will be towering over the city on Merchants Quay and what is a better way to celebrate Christmas than the magic and wizardry of Winterval's newest addition; Wizards and Dragons! Visitors of all ages will be immersed in the tales of dragons in an interactive and full sensory experience. It’s a spectacular exhibit and it’s not to be missed!

One thing is for sure for all children and that is the importance of visiting Santa. He will be in Choristers Hall along with Mrs. Claus and the elves with lots of games, story telling and getting organised for the big day! Thursday, 12^th of December will be dedicated to an autism friendly and sensory evening when the Grotto will be transformed into a calm and relaxing environment for a stress free evening for all guests.

Winterval 2019 also champions charitable events, with the Rotary Club Memorial Christmas Tree, in support of Waterford Hospice, at John Roberts Square. The Cartamundi Giving Tree at Georges Court Shopping Centre will donate a toy to St Vincent de Paul for every decoration made, while Christmas Busk Aid takes place in various locations across Waterford city, donating all proceeds to Tinteán Housing Association to help raise awareness of homelessness.

There is LOTS going on!

Check out what our Winterval Correspondents got up to on their travels around Winterval's most loved attractions..

Spraoi na Nollag (Constitution Square)

Santa’s Grotto: Santa’s Medieval Chambers (Choristers Hall)

Winterval 2019 sees Santa returning to his Medieval Chambers beneath City Hall, The Mall in the heart of Waterford's Viking Triangle.

Ollie and Mary headed along to meet Mrs. Claus and found out if they made it onto the naughty or nice list!

Waterford Eye, The Winterval Express Train, Winterval Illuminates, Christmas Markets

Ollie and Mary are back out in the gorgeous Winterval celebrating Santa's arrival! The lights are turned on and we can officially start celebrating all things Winterval! Winterval dates are every Friday, Saturday and Sunday and extra dates are Wednesday December 18^th, Thursday December 19^th and Monday December 23^rd.

Listen in to hear all about The Winterval Express Train, Waterford Eye, horse-drawn sleigh, and Winterval Illuminates in Cathedral Square. Christmas Markets in Cathedral Square and Arundel Square throughout Winterval dates so don't forget to pick up some yummy treats and perfect presents as you stroll!

Winterval on Ice (Bolton Street Car Park)

Winterval on Ice takes place this year at the Bolton Street Car Park and runs up until January 5th.

With 600sqm of real ice, there's a large main rink and a separate smaller rink with skating aids to help our younger visitors find their ice legs. There's also a schools skate offer, student skate deals, group and midweek offers, special events and tasty festive food!

Ollie and Mary donned their winter woolies and went to meet some budding skaters and find out more info.

Wizards + Dragons (City Hall)

The Wizards and Dragons exhibit celebrates the wonder of dragons and gives visitors of all ages the thrill of seeing them brought to life!

Visitors will be immersed in the tales of dragons, which appear in the folklore and history of nearly every region and culture, from the Welsh valleys to the Saharan plains. Interactive displays offer a full sensory experience.

Ollie and Mary met Laura, who gave them more details!

Events

Winterval runs from Friday to Sunday from November 23rd and from December 18th-23rd and some events run on non-Winterval dates and beyond Dec 23rd until Jan 5th.

Please check individual events for full details, dates and times when planning your visit.

These are just a few of the attractions and fun Winterval has to offer this year.

Check out our list of free and ticketed events below and also on winterval.ie.

Grab your diary and tickets and get ready for Ireland's Christmas capital in Waterford!