Winterval is now open every day until Christmas, with Waterford’s award-winning festival entering its final and most atmospheric week. The city comes alive daily as Winterval builds toward its festive finale, offering six last days of music, performance, markets, light installations and family experiences in the heart of Ireland’s oldest city.
As Christmas approaches, Waterford’s streets, squares and historic spaces are filled with a sense of celebration and anticipation. The festival, which runs daily until 8 pm on December 23rd, is now in its final stretch, giving visitors one last chance to soak up the magic before Christmas.
Family entertainment continues across the city, with the opening of the festive pantomime “Jack and the Beanstalk” at the SETU Arena, running through the Christmas period until December 30th. The production brings large-scale spectacle, laughter and seasonal fun to Waterford audiences, adding to the city’s packed programme of Christmas entertainment with a star-filled cast, including Danny O’Carroll as the uproarious Dame Mother Hen, Evan O’Hanlon as Jack, Sharon Clancy as the villainous Baroness Felicia, Holly Ryan as the enchanting Magical Fairy and Waterford’s own Richie Hayes as Buttons.
Community spirit shines brightly on Monday, the 22nd of December, when BuskAid returns, filling the city centre with live music in support of Tinteán Housing. From afternoon performances across the streets to the Big Busk finale at the Apple Market, the event captures the generosity and warmth that define Winterval.
Under the Big Top on Park Road, the Winterval Circus continues to delight families with its cosy, one-hour shows, while the Olde Worlde Choir prepares for its final performances, adding a traditional soundtrack to the festive streets.
Winterval concludes on Tuesday, the 23rd of December, with Lumina: A Christmas Concert at the Franciscan Friary. This closing event offers a reflective and uplifting finale, bringing together choral music, young talent and returning alumni for an evening of seasonal celebration.
Beyond headline events, the festival atmosphere continues right across the city. The Christmas Market trail winds from Michael Street through to Hanover Street and surrounding squares, while Glow in New Street Gardens offers a calm, sensory-friendly light experience each evening. Winterval Illuminates, the funfair, Magic Mirrors, Waterford On Ice and the Port of Waterford Eye all continue to add sparkle to the city, with skating and rides running into early January.
Speaking ahead of the final weekend, the Winterval Festival Director, Trevor Darmody, said they were delighted with the response to the 2025 festival. “To date, almost 800,000 people have enjoyed Winterval this year, and we are thrilled to welcome even more visitors over the remaining six days as we lead into Christmas. The support for the festival, the city and our local businesses has been phenomenal, and we look forward to finishing Winterval 2025 on a real high.”
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