From artisan gifts and handmade crafts to festive food, ice skating, Santa experiences, snow play and headline music acts, Winterval is back with more than 60 events and attractions plus 150 crafters and creators transforming Waterford into Ireland’s biggest Christmas festival.
Waterford is getting ready for a spectacular start to the Christmas season as Winterval 2026 opens today, Friday, November 13th, with more than 150 crafters and creators bringing an extraordinary festive market experience to the heart of Ireland’s oldest city.
The Winterval Christmas Markets open at 2 pm today, offering visitors an incredible choice of artisan gifts, handmade crafts, independent Irish businesses, seasonal food and festive treats. Spanning Waterford’s historic squares and streets, the markets will bring a wonderful festive buzz to the city, with an eclectic mix of handmade jewellery, artwork, pottery, crochet, knitwear, Christmas decorations and gifts, alongside artisan cookies, crepes, churros, chimney cakes, mulled wine, hot chocolate and plenty of other seasonal favourites.
Among the local and regional businesses taking part are The Seaweed Artist, Ben O’Sullivan Christmas Wreaths, The Olive Cafe, Crave Cookie, Dunhill Gourmet Fungi, Campill Organic Farm, Geena Mae Jewellery, WR Imperfect Art, Joey’s Woodcrafts, Lismore Candle Company and Old Cottage Honey, alongside a diverse selection of independent crafters and creators travelling from across Ireland.
The festive shopping experience extends throughout the city, with the Waterford Cultural Quarter hosting its own market along O’Connell Street, showcasing a further collection of independent makers, artists and small businesses from all over the world. The much-loved Garter Lane Waterford Craft Market will also add to the offering, giving visitors even more opportunities to discover unique, handmade gifts and support local creativity.
The official opening of Winterval takes place this evening from 5.30 pm, as the opening ceremony gets underway with Santa Claus and the Mayor of Waterford, Cllr Liam Brazil, joining the celebrations for the switching on of Waterford’s Christmas lights. The much-anticipated occasion will officially usher in weeks of festive celebrations, as the city lights up and welcomes visitors to experience the magic of Winterval 2026.
Speaking ahead of the opening, Winterval Director Trevor Darmody says, “Winterval is about creating a magical Christmas experience for everyone who visits Waterford, and our markets are a huge part of that. This year, we’re welcoming more than 150 crafters and creators, each bringing something special to the city. From the incredible talent of our independent makers to the delicious festive food and the atmosphere across our historic squares, there is so much to discover. We want people to come, take their time, explore the city, support our makers and enjoy everything that makes Winterval such a special Christmas celebration.”
But Winterval is about so much more than the Christmas markets. Now in its 14th year, Ireland’s largest Christmas festival will once again transform Waterford into a spectacular festive wonderland, with more than 60 events and attractions offering something for every age and interest.
Families can look forward to a magical festive adventure, from meeting Santa in his enchanting grotto beneath Waterford’s Medieval Museum to taking to the ice at Winterval On Ice, enjoying snow play and snowball fun, exploring the Winterval Illuminates light show, hopping aboard the Winterval Mini Express train and experiencing the many fairground attractions and festive trails throughout the city.
There is plenty for little ones to get creative too, with The Elves Workshop, festive LEGO activities, Christmas craft experiences and much more adding to the family programme. And it is not just for the children. Winterval’s entertainment programme has something for grown-ups too, with the new Hive venue bringing a major live music line-up to Waterford this Christmas. Music fans can look forward to Bob Geldof and The Boomtown Rats, The High Kings, Blindboy, Oasis tribute act Mad Ferritt and K-Pop performances, and BEAT’s BIG Christmas Party alongside a host of other entertainment and events. From festive family days out to great nights of live music, Winterval offers plenty of reasons to make a trip to Waterford this Christmas.
Winterval runs on selected dates from November 13th, with activities and attractions taking place every weekend through to December 23rd. Many events are free to enjoy, while others require booking. For the full programme, event schedules, market opening times and ticket information, see www.winterval.ie. Winterval is supported by Waterford City and County Council.
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