The excitement begins on Friday, November 13th, as families and friends gather in the heart of Waterford for the Winterval Light Up Ceremony for the official opening of Ireland’s largest Christmas festival.
Now in its 14th year, Winterval promises a wonderful programme of family entertainment, seasonal experiences and free events, beginning with a spectacular opening weekend featuring the switching on of the city’s Christmas lights, the return of the much-loved Winterval favourites, new events and the arrival of Santa’s very own Christmas truck.
From 5.30pm on November 13th, Broad Street and John Roberts Square will fill with music and entertainment ahead of the big switch-on at 6 pm, when the Mayor of Waterford City and County Cllr Liam Brazil, alongside Santa Claus himself, illuminates the city. With Santa rumoured to have been brushing up on his singing and dancing skills, there may be a few surprises in store. This free event is open to everyone, with no tickets required.
As the city lights up, the first screening of Winterval Illuminates takes place at 6.30 pm in Cathedral Square. Sponsored by Bausch + Lomb, the festival’s flagship light show returns with a brand-new animation, transforming the façade of the Silver Museum through spectacular projection mapping, music, sound and special effects. A firm favourite with audiences, the free show will take place each evening throughout Winterval.
Across the festival weekends, alongside the ticketed events, there is a vast array of free activities and events. Waterford’s streets and squares will become a playground for visitors of all ages. The Winterval Christmas Market will spread throughout John Roberts Square, Arundel Square, Georges Street and O’Connell Street, inviting visitors to browse Christmas crafts, discover unique gifts and enjoy the flavours of local, regional and national food producers and makers.
In the Apple Market, one of Winterval’s most popular free attractions returns with a funky new twist. Santa’s Giant Disco Postbox will be bopping every half hour from 5 pm, transforming into a mini disco complete with sparkling lights, smoke effects, moving spotlights and Christmas tunes. Children can post their letters to the North Pole at any time, with the disco bringing ten minutes of dancing, laughter and fun to the heart of the city.
Little explorers can set off on the free Viking Elf Fairy Door Trail, discovering twelve tiny doors hidden throughout Waterford. Created by the mischievous Viking Elves, the doors are tucked away amongst trees, city decorations and unexpected corners, offering families a lovely way to explore and see how many they can find.
The Apple Market will also host Sounds of the Season every Saturday and Sunday from 1 pm to 4 pm. Sponsored by WAMA (Waterford Academy of Music & Arts), this celebration of local talent brings together choirs, brass bands, pipe bands, stage schools, music schools and performers from across Waterford. Visitors can enjoy the sounds of the season while supporting the city’s vibrant community of musicians and performers.
For those who love a little Christmas nostalgia, The Reg will host free screenings of the much-loved classic Home Alone throughout Winterval. With screenings on Friday and Saturday at 1 pm and 3 pm, and Sunday at 1 pm, 3 pm and 5 pm, families can settle in for a cosy cinema experience, complete with popcorn, hot chocolate for the little ones and a warming glass of Glühwein for the grown-ups.
But one of the most eagerly anticipated moments of the opening weekend will arrive on Sunday, November 15th, when Santa makes a spectacular entrance into Waterford aboard his very own Christmas truck. At 5pm, the Santa Truck will cross Rice Bridge, travel along Waterford’s historic quays and make its way to Waterford Crystal on the Mall. Families are encouraged to gather along the quayside for the best views as Santa makes his journey into the city, bringing a little extra wonder to Waterford’s streets.
Once the truck parks up, children will have the chance to step aboard, meet Santa and capture a special photograph. The event will also support LauraLynn, Ireland’s Children’s Hospice, with families invited to make a donation to help raise vital funds for children and families across Ireland.
From the excitement of the city’s Christmas lights switch-on to Santa’s spectacular arrival, Winterval’s opening weekend promises a wonderful celebration of the season. With an abundance of free entertainment, live music, magical trails, dazzling light displays and plenty of opportunities to make memories together, Waterford is the perfect place to embrace the spirit of Christmas. Winterval runs throughout Waterford City on weekends and select dates from November 13th to December 23rd, with a packed programme of events, attractions and experiences for all ages. For the full programme of events and further information, see www.winterval.ie
