Winterval, Ireland’s largest Christmas festival, returns to Waterford from today, running weekly each Thursday to Sunday until December 23rd.
The festivities begin later this afternoon, when Winterval officially opens in John Roberts Square.
From 5:30 pm, visitors can enjoy live entertainment broadcast by WLR FM ahead of the Christmas lights switch-on at 6:00 pm.
Mayor Cllr. Séamus Ryan will join Santa Claus for the countdown, with a special musical performance by Glenn Murphy to launch the season in style.
Winterval 2025 offers more than 50 festive events and attractions designed to delight families and visitors of all ages.
Highlights include the Winterval Christmas Markets with over 100,000 sparkling lights, the Winterval Circus, Port of Waterford Eye, Santa’s Grotto in the 12th-century underground caverns beneath the Medieval Museum, the Glow Fairylight Garden powered by Encon, the Winterval Fairground, the Winterval Cruises on the River Suir, and a host of new experiences such as the indoor Snowball Play Fun dome, Concious Crafting Workshops and Gingerbread Making Workshops.
Winterval Illuminates, sponsored by Bausch & Lomb, will run nightly in Cathedral Square, transforming the Silver Museum façade into a dazzling light and music spectacle. Throughout the city, families can enjoy performances, festive food, and immersive experiences that celebrate the warmth and wonder of the Christmas season.
Director of Winterval Trevor Darmody says, “We are hugely excited to welcome everyone back for the 13th annual Winterval Festival, a truly magical celebration that brings the spirit of Christmas to life across Waterford. This year’s festival promises to be our biggest and brightest yet, with an incredible lineup of events, live music, and festive experiences for families and visitors of all ages. From dazzling light shows to a spectacular Drone show to enchanting performances and hands-on workshops, Winterval 2025 offers something special for everyone. We invite you to join us in Ireland’s oldest city to share in the joy, warmth, and wonder of the season, where we know you will make unforgettable memories together.”
Winterval 2025 is proudly supported by Waterford City and County Council, local businesses and key festival partners including Volkswagen, Tesco, The Granville Hotel, Fitzwilton Hotel, Travelodge Waterford, House of Waterford, Parker Law, Expressway, Rapid Cabs, City Square Waterford, Bausch + Lomb, Guinness/Rockshore, Zinnia, Encon, Port of Waterford, LEO Waterford, Journi Credit Union, WAMA and WLR.
The full schedule of festive festival events is available at www.winterval.ie.
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