The magic is stirring once again beneath the streets of Waterford this Christmas, as Santa prepares to return to one of Ireland’s most enchanting festive settings, Winterval.

For Winterval 2026, Santa’s Grotto returns to the atmospheric 12th-century underground caverns beneath Waterford’s Medieval Museum, where ancient stone walls, twinkling Christmas magic and the spirit of Santa come together to create an unforgettable festive adventure.

Tickets for Santa @ Winterval are now on sale at winterval.ie, inviting families to journey beneath the heart of Ireland’s oldest city and discover a Christmas wonderland hidden beneath its medieval streets..

The magical experience begins as families make their way into the historic caverns, where children can enjoy festive games and activities before their very special meeting with Santa Claus. Then, surrounded by centuries of history and Christmas magic, they will have the chance to meet Santa, tell him their Christmas wishes and receive a special gift to take home.

And there will be a little Winterval magic to treasure forever, with every family receiving a printed photograph of their visit as a special keepsake.

Santa himself is already looking forward to his return to Waterford. “I’m absolutely delighted to be coming back to Ireland’s biggest Christmas festival, once again. It is one of the most magical places to celebrate Christmas, and I simply cannot wait to welcome all the boys and girls into my grotto beneath the city. My elves are already getting everything ready, and I have a feeling this Christmas is going to be very special indeed!” said Santa Claus.

Tickets are €26 per child, with up to two adults admitted free of charge per child. Places are limited, and families are advised to book early when tickets go on sale.

But the magic of Santa is only the beginning of Winterval. During weekends from November 13 to December 23, Waterford will once again become a spectacular Christmas destination, with sparkling lights, festive markets, food, culture, family experiences and live entertainment filling the historic city centre throughout the festival.

The Christmas market will bring artisan gifts, seasonal food and festive treats to Waterford’s historic squares, while families can enjoy Winterval on Ice, the famous lightshow, festive trails, the fairground, Panto and a host of other Christmas experiences.

And Winterval is every bit as much for adults as it is for children. As night falls, the city takes on a different kind of sparkle, with restaurants, cafés, shopping, festive food and a major programme of live music creating the perfect atmosphere for couples, friends and groups looking to make a weekend of it.

The brand-new Hive will be a major new addition to the 2026 festival, bringing a spectacular programme of live entertainment to its new 1,200-capacity venue. The High Kings perform on December 18 as they launch their nationwide Power of the People Tour 2027, while Bob Geldof and The Boomtown Rats will bring their legendary live show to Winterval. Ireland’s original Oasis tribute act, Mad Ferritt, will also take to the stage with a celebration of the band’s biggest anthems. With further acts to be announced, The Hive adds a major new reason to stay into the evening – explore the Christmas markets and city by day, then enjoy live music after dark.

From a magical meeting with Santa beneath Waterford’s medieval streets to sparkling Christmas markets and headline live music, Winterval offers a festive experience for all ages and makes Waterford the perfect destination for a Christmas day out, night away or weekend escape.

Winterval 2026 runs every weekend from November 13 to December 23. For Santa tickets, the full Winterval programme, event information and accommodation offers, visit www.winterval.ie