A City Full of Christmas: Winterval Brings Festive Magic to Every Corner of Waterford

Waterford is getting ready to sparkle this Christmas as Winterval returns with six weeks of festive celebrations, transforming the city into a Christmas destination filled with twinkling lights, bustling markets, family adventures, live music and seasonal entertainment.

Now in its 14th year, Ireland’s largest Christmas festival takes place from November 13th to December 23rd, bringing together an extensive programme of free and ticketed events across Waterford’s historic streets, squares and venues. From the excitement of Santa’s arrival and magical family attractions to major concerts, Christmas shopping, festive food and spectacular illuminations, Winterval offers a complete Christmas experience, with plenty of reasons to visit and make a festive break of it.

The celebrations get underway on Friday, November 13th, with the official opening of Winterval and the much-anticipated switching on of Waterford’s Christmas lights. From 5.30pm, Broad Street and John Roberts Square will fill with music and entertainment ahead of the big switch-on at 6pm, 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. The free event is open to everyone, with no tickets required.

The opening night continues at 6.30 pm in Cathedral Square with the first screening of Winterval Illuminates. 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.

One of the most eagerly anticipated moments of opening weekend will be Santa’s spectacular arrival into Waterford on Sunday, November 15th, aboard his very own Christmas truck. At 5 pm, the truck will cross Rice Bridge, travel along the historic quays and make its way to Waterford Crystal on the Mall. Families are encouraged to gather along the quayside to watch Santa’s arrival before having the opportunity to step aboard, meet him and capture a special photograph. The event will also support LauraLynn, Ireland’s Children’s Hospice, with families invited to make a donation towards its work supporting children and families across Ireland.

The Winterval Christmas Market will be at the heart of the festivities, spreading throughout John Roberts Square, Arundel Square, Georges Street and O’Connell Street. Visitors can browse Christmas crafts, discover unique gifts and enjoy a tempting selection of seasonal food and drink from local, regional and national producers, making it an ideal place to pick up something special while enjoying the sights and sounds of the city.

There will be plenty to keep younger visitors entertained too. In the Apple Market, Santa’s Giant Disco Postbox returns with a funky new twist. Children can post their letters to the North Pole before the postbox transforms into a mini Christmas disco every half hour from 5pm. Complete with sparkling lights, smoke effects, moving spotlights and festive tunes, the ten-minute dancing sessions promise plenty of fun.

Little explorers can also set off on the free Viking Elf Fairy Door Trail, discovering twelve tiny doors hidden throughout the city. Created by the mischievous Viking Elves, the doors are tucked away amongst trees, Christmas decorations and unexpected corners, offering families a fun way to explore Waterford and see how many they can find.

For a little Christmas nostalgia, The Reg will host free screenings of the much-loved festive classic Home Alone throughout Winterval. Screenings take place on Fridays and Saturdays at 1pm and 3pm, and Sundays at 1pm, 3pm and 5pm, with popcorn, hot chocolate for younger moviegoers and a warming glass of Glühwein for the grown-ups.

Music will be a major part of Winterval 2026, with a programme spanning Irish rock legends, emerging bands, contemporary performances, classical concerts and traditional Christmas harmonies.

The Hive, Winterval’s new 1,000-capacity venue on Park Road beside the People’s Park, will welcome some major names this December. The High Kings take to the stage on December 18th, followed by the legendary Boomtown Rats on December 19th, while Oasis tribute act Mad Ferritt brings a dose of Britpop nostalgia on December 20th. Tickets are priced at €38.50, €45 and €30 respectively, plus booking fees.

The Hive will also host Blindboy on December 11th, bringing his distinctive blend of storytelling, humour and cultural commentary to Waterford. An award-winning author and documentary-maker, and creator of The Blindboy Podcast, which has amassed more than 90 million listens worldwide, he promises an entertaining and thought-provoking evening. Doors open at 7pm for an 8pm show, with tickets priced at €35 plus booking fee.

Families can look forward to K-POP Superslayers Live! A Very K-POP Christmas on Saturday, December 12th. Inspired by the global phenomenon of K-Pop Demon Hunters, the high-energy production combines K-pop anthems, Christmas classics and princess favourites, featuring music from BTS, BLACKPINK, Jungkook, HUNTR/X, KATSEYE and SAJABOYS. With live vocals, elite dancers, explosive choreography and dazzling costume changes, the show begins at 2pm, with doors opening at 1.30pm. Tickets are €25 plus booking fee.

The Reg Venue will also be part of the live music programme, with Out On Bale performing on Friday, November 13th, from 9pm to 11pm. One of Ireland’s exciting emerging folk bands, the group brings youthful energy and a contemporary edge to the Irish music scene, blending traditional favourites with modern folk and lively crowd-pleasers. Following a standout appearance at Electric Picnic’s Trailer Park stage, the band has built a reputation for energetic performances and infectious live shows. Tickets and further information are available at thereg.ie.

For those who enjoy classical music and Christmas harmonies, the festival’s choral programme offers a series of seasonal highlights. Bach’s Christmas Oratorio takes place at St John’s Church on Parnell Street on December 6th, featuring Waterford’s Notable Works Choir, Wexford Festival Singers, soloists and the Waterford Concert Orchestra. Tickets are €27 for adults and €25 for students, OAPs, unwaged visitors and children under 12, including booking fees.

The Winterval Massed Choirs Concert will bring Ad Hoc Chorale and local choirs together at the Cathedral of the Most Holy Trinity on November 28th, with tickets priced at €15. The Cathedral will also host a free Christmas Carol Concert on December 12th, while the Winterval Olde Worlde Choir will perform along the Winterval Trail from December 5th to 20th, filling the city with traditional Christmas favourites. The Lumina Christmas Concert at the Franciscan Friary on December 23rd will bring the festival’s music programme to a close, with tickets priced at €10 for general admission and €6 for students and OAPs.

There will be plenty of free live music to enjoy along the way, with Sounds of the Season, sponsored by WAMA (Waterford Academy of Music & Arts), bringing local choirs, brass bands, pipe bands, stage schools and musicians to the Apple Market on Saturdays and Sundays from 1pm to 4pm. Running from November 13th to December 20th, the programme celebrates the wealth of musical talent across Waterford. Buskaid will add an international dimension with a free performance in John Roberts Square on December 20th.

Beyond the individual events, Winterval is an opportunity to enjoy Waterford at one of the most beautiful times of the year. Visitors can wander through the Christmas markets, browse the city’s shops, stop for a seasonal treat in one of its cafés, restaurants or bars, and discover the historic streets and attractions dressed for the festive season. With entertainment and activities spread throughout the city, visitors can build their own Winterval experience, whether that means a family day out, an evening concert or a weekend away.

With its combination of festive markets, spectacular lights, family attractions, live entertainment, music and seasonal experiences, Winterval brings the magic of Christmas to every corner of Waterford. It is a chance to enjoy the simple pleasures of the season, discover something new and make memories with family and friends.

Winterval runs throughout Waterford City on weekends and selected dates from November 13th to December 23rd. With a wide choice of accommodation and dining options across Waterford City and County, visitors can make a festive break out of their visit. For the full programme, event details and ticket information, see www.winterval.ie