Step into the festive magic of Winterval, Ireland’s largest Christmas festival and the European City of Christmas, taking place in Waterford from November 21st to December 23rd.
Now in its 13th year, this award-winning celebration transforms Ireland’s oldest city into a sparkling winter wonderland filled with twinkling lights, live music, and holiday cheer.
Held every Thursday to Sunday across five weekends, Winterval welcomes more than 1.8 million visitors with a mix of free and ticketed attractions — from Santa’s Grotto and the riverside Ice Rink to dazzling light shows and festive markets along the River Suir.
Whether you’re planning a family day out, a romantic winter getaway, or a festive weekend with friends, Winterval Waterford promises one of the most magical Christmas experiences in Ireland — and plenty of reasons why it’s worth the visit.
⚠️ Note: These events and ticket prices are based on last year’s schedule and are subject to change. This year’s official dates and times will be updated when released, but this gives you an idea of what to expect for Christmas in Waterford. Always check the official Winterval website.
🎢 Top Attractions at Winterval Waterford
Dates: November 21 – December 23
Location: Waterford City Centre, Ireland
We’ve included some of Winterval’s biggest highlights below, but honestly, there’s far more happening than we could ever fit into one guide!
| Attraction | Location | Tickets / Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Waterford on Ice (Quayside Ice Rink) | The Quay, Waterford City | Child €18, Adult €20, Family 3 €48, Family 4 €64 (+ €1.50 booking fee) |
| Visit Santa at Winterval | Historic underground vaults, Medieval Museum | €26 per child (+ booking fee), 2 adults free per child ticket |
| Port of Waterford Eye (Ferris Wheel) | Quay, next to ice rink | Tickets at kiosk, no pre-booking needed |
| Winterval Light Shows & Illuminations | Cathedral Square & city landmarks | Free |
| The Winterval Circus (New for 2025) | Browns Lane (Apple Market) | €12 per person, Family 4 €40 (+ booking fee) |
| Christmas Market at Winterval | Waterford Cultural Quarter: Georges St, Gladstone St, O’Connell St, Arundel Sq, Michael St | Free entry |
*Always check official Winterval event pages for updates or changes to times, dates, or ticket prices.*
Beyond the main attractions, Winterval hosts over 40 additional festive events spread across Waterford’s historic streets and squares. Check out the full line-up on the official Winterval website — you’re in for an unforgettable Christmas celebration in Ireland’s oldest city.
1. Waterford on Ice (the Quayside Ice Rink)
- Dates & days: Runs from November 21 to January 4.
- Fees / Tickets:
- Children ticket: €18
- Adult ticket: €20
- Family of 3: €48
- Family of 4: €64
- Note: These exclude a booking fee of €1.50 per person.
- Location: The Quay, Waterford City.
- Highlights & tips:
- The rink is described as “the coolest attraction … the hottest ticket in town”.
- Penguin-skating aids are provided for younger/novice skaters.
- It’s strongly advised to pre-book online because it can sell out.
- Tip: Bring gloves and thick socks for extra comfort!
2. Visit Santa at Winterval
- Dates & days: Santa at Winterval runs from November 22 to December 23 (Thurs–Sun weekends).
- Tickets: Tickets are on sale online – €26 per child (+ online booking fee). Up to 2 adults free per child ticket.
- Location & setting: Set in Waterford’s historic underground vaults, beneath the city’s Medieval Museum (via the Mall)
- Highlights & tips:
- Children meet Santa, get photos, immersive festive wonderland with elves, decorations, scent of pine/cinnamon.
- Book your Santa at Winterval tickets early (very high demand). Choose a weekday slot if possible for a quieter experience. Arrive a little early so you aren’t rushed – factor in waiting time for photos.
- Sensory Santa sessions are also available – ideal for children with additional sensory needs.
3. Port of Waterford Eye (Ferris wheel)
- Dates: The Port of Waterford Eye will run from November 21 to January 4
- Location: The Winterval Ferris wheel is situated on the quay (next to the ice rink), and tickets can be purchased at the kiosk on site and does not require pre-booking.
- Highlights:
- Offers spectacular views over Winterval’s festivities and Waterford city as a whole.
- Tip: Go just after dusk for the lights switching on.
4. Winterval Light Shows & Illuminations
Includes:
- Winterval Illuminates – nightly light show at Cathedral Square and surrounding landmarks.
- Sky Spectacular Drone Show – lighting up the Waterford sky on November 22.
Tickets: Free
Highlights:- Perfect for family photos and festive strolls.
- Tip: Arrive early for best vantage points. Wrap up warm and enjoy a hot drink afterwards.
5. The Winterval Circus
- Dates & Days: December 11 – December 21.
- Location: Browns Lane (off the Apple Market), Waterford City – this is where the Winterval Christmas Big Top is set up.
- Tickets: Tickets are just €12 per person (plus booking fee), Family of 4 for only €40!
- Highlights:
- Magical festive circus with acrobatics, live music, and Christmas-themed entertainment for all ages.
- Book in advance to secure entry to The Winterval Circus – a highlight of this year’s festival.
6. Christmas Market at Winterval
- Dates & Days: November 21 – December 23.
- Location: Waterford Cultural Quarter: Georges Street, Gladstone Street, O’Connell Street, Arundel Square, Michael Street
- Tickets: Free entry
- Highlights:
- Stroll through Ireland’s finest traditional Christmas Market at the heart of Waterford City for the centrepiece of Ireland’s largest Christmas Festival.
- Dozens of artisan stalls offering Irish crafts, seasonal treats, and festive gifts.
- Tip: Visit weekends for live entertainment, and weekday mornings if you prefer a quieter shopping experience.
👉 If you are travelling around Ireland in December, make sure to check out our full festive guide to all the best Christmas Markets in Ireland!
7. Winterval Christmas Concerts & Choirs
Dates & Locations:
- Frances Black – Dec 5, Christ Church Cathedral
- Pa Sheehy (Acoustic) – Dec 6, Christ Church Cathedral
- Susan O’Neil – Dec 19, Christ Church Cathedral
- Massed Choirs Concert – Nov 29, Cathedral of the Most Holy Trinity
Tickets: Ticketed, book early
Highlights:- Perfect for adult visitors or families with older children.
- Tip: Check seating arrangements, age restrictions, and concert start times.
8. Winterval Christmas Pantomimes & Theatre
Shows & Dates:
- Cinderella – Theatre Royal, Dec 4–30
- Jack & The Beanstalk – SETU Arena, Dec 17–30
Tickets: Ticketed
Highlights: Classic festive pantomimes for the whole family. - Tip: Early booking recommended; check age suitability and session times.
9. Winterval Family Fun & Workshops
Ticketed Winterval Workshops Include:
- Gingerbread Making Workshops – Hanover Street
- The Elves Workshop – City Hall, The Mall
- Viking Storytelling – Bailey’s New Street
- Festive Wreath Making Workshops – Waterford Cultural Quarter
- Winterval Mini Express Train – John Roberts Square
- Viking Elf Trail – A mini scavenger hunt inside George’s Court Shopping Centre.
Highlights & Tips:- Hands-on, interactive experiences ideal for children and families.
- Tip: Book workshops in advance; arrive 10–15 minutes early to settle in.
10. Winterval Cultural & Artisan Highlights
Includes:
- Garter Lane Craft Fair
- Polish Christmas Village – Waterford Cultural Quarter
- Tasteful Tours – William Wallace Plaza
- Tickets: Free entry for most activities; some experiences, such as Tasteful Tours, are ticketed.
Highlights:- Explore Irish craftsmanship, local cuisine, and festive culture.
- Tip: Perfect for browsing or Irish souvenir shopping between main attractions.
11. More Free & Quirky Fun at Winterval
Highlights Include:
- Santa’s Giant Disco Postbox – Arundel Square
- Mirror Magic – The Apple Market
- Christmas Churchyard Sessions – Bailey’s New Street
- Rotary Club Memorial Christmas Tree – John Roberts Square
Tickets: Free
Tips: Great for families with younger children or quick festive photo stops.
Winterval Overview
Winterval offers a mix of free family fun and ticketed experiences — here’s a quick overview of what’s on.
Free Family Fun at Winterval:
- Winterval Illuminates & Sky Spectacular Drone Show
- Christmas Market
- Snowball Play Fun
- Santa’s Disco Postbox
- Choirs & Churchyard Sessions
- Viking Elf Trail
- Photo Orienteering
- Craft Fairs & Polish Christmas Village
Ticketed Experiences at Winterval:
- Santa at Winterval (including Sensory Sessions)
- Ice Rink & Ferris Wheel
- Winterval Circus & Mini Express Train
- Pantomimes: Cinderella, Jack & The Beanstalk
- Concerts & Choirs: Christ Church LIVE, Lumina, Massed Choirs
- Workshops & Family Activities: Gingerbread Making, Elves Workshop, Crafting, Wreath Making
- Special Experiences: Fairground rides, VR Sleigh Ride, Cruises, Tasteful Tours, Bishop’s Palace
✨ See – we told you a lot was happening during Winterval! For the full line-up, tickets, and daily schedules, visit the Winterval official website.
🏨 Where to Stay: Top Hotels for All Budgets
Waterford offers a variety of family-friendly accommodations suitable for all budgets. Staying near the city centre ensures you’re close to Winterval’s main attractions and festive hub.
- Dooley’s Hotel: Traditional Irish hospitality on The Quay, close to the Viking Triangle. Ideal for families seeking comfort and convenience.
- Granville Hotel: Overlooking the waterfront, this Waterford hotel combines luxury with a central location, near the railway station, for shopping and Winterval attractions.
- Fitzwilton Hotel: Boutique hotel of the year Munster 2024, perfect for travelers who want style and a central location.
- Tower Hotel & Leisure Centre: Offers modern amenities, leisure facilities, and easy access to Winterval events.
- Waterfod Viking Hotel: Great value for families and groups, combining comfort and central location.
⭐ Looking for the perfect festive getaway with the kids? These family Christmas hotel breaks in Ireland offer unforgettable holiday experiences for families of all sizes.
🚗 How to Get to Winterval
- By Car: Accessible via the M9 motorway from Dublin and the N25 from Cork. City centre parking is available – find available car parks here.
- By Train: Irish Rail operates services from Dublin, Cork, and other major cities directly to Waterford.
- By Bus: Bus Éireann and private operators provide routes to Waterford from across Ireland.
🧭 Best Tours While Attending Winterval
Enhance your Winterval experience with these top-rated Waterford tours:
- Viking Triangle Walking Tour: Explore Waterford’s Viking and Victorian history in a guided, family-friendly walking tour.
- House of Waterford Crystal Guided Factory Tour: Go behind the scenes to see world-famous crystal being crafted.
- Waterford City Highlights Walking Tour: See the top sights of Waterford on this informative walking tour. Pass highlights including Reginald’s Tower, Bishop’s Palace, and the 10th-century Viking Quarter
Ireland Travel Tools
If you are planning a trip to Ireland at Christmas, these top-recommended links below feature some of the best deals and trusted options out there – from transportation to hotels and more.
Let’s be honest, Ireland is expensive enough (have you seen the price of a pint?), so let’s save where we can and spend more on the fun stuff!
- Flights to Ireland: Compare on Trip.com
- Hotels in Ireland: Book on Trip.com
- Car Rentals: Search deals on DiscoverCars
- eSIM for Ireland: Buy with Drimsim – a virtual eSIM delivered within minutes
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- Discover affordable Irish tours: some are a LOT more affordable than others, so choose wisely.
📸 Tips for Visiting Winterval Christmas Festival
- Arrive early to popular attractions like the Port of Waterford Eye and Santa’s Grotto to avoid queues.
- Dress in layers: winter in Ireland can get chilly, especially along the River Suir, so wrap up!
- Check winterval.ie for updates on schedule changes and ticketed events.
- Take time to explore Waterford city beyond Winterval — historic Reginald’s Tower and the Waterford Greenway are must-sees.
- Plan your journey: Waterford City & County Council has temporary road closures during Winterval (Nov 21–Dec 23) in areas like Arundel Square, Michael Street, Peter Street, and the Viking Triangle. Follow signage and diversions, and allow extra travel time.
👉 If you are venturing further afield, don’t forget to check out the best Christmas Markets in Europe and all-out best European winter festivals.
❓ FAQ About Winterval Festival
1. Is Winterval Festival worth visiting?
Absolutely. As Ireland’s largest Christmas festival, Winterval in Waterford offers family-friendly attractions, festive food, interactive experiences, and cultural events, making it a must-visit this Christmas season.
2. When does Winterval run and what are the opening days?
Winterval runs from November 21 to December 23, mainly on Thursdays to Sundays, with some events scheduled daily.
3. How much are tickets for Santa’s Grotto at Winterval?
Tickets for Santa’s Grotto at Winterval Waterford are priced at 26 euros per child, and pre-booking online is strongly recommended due to high demand.
4. Is there parking near Winterval Waterford?
Yes. City centre parking in Waterford is available, but arriving early is advised, especially on weekends and busy event days.
5. Are there family-friendly hotels near Winterval Waterford?
Yes — options range from luxury hotels like Granville Hotel to budget-friendly choices such as Viking Hotel Waterford, all within walking distance of the main Winterval attractions.
👉 If you’re looking for other markets in Ireland, check out our full guides to the Dublin Christmas Markets, Galway Christmas Markets, Belfast Christmas Markets or Christmas in Cork.
🎁 Enjoy Waterford’s Winterval Festival!
Winterval is more than just a Christmas market — it’s an immersive festive experience that has earned its reputation as Ireland’s largest and most celebrated Christmas festival. From twinkling lights and magical parades to family-friendly attractions and historical tours, it’s a destination that appeals to everyone.
With convenient transport links, a range of accommodations for all budgets, and curated tours showcasing Waterford’s history and culture, Winterval is a must-visit for anyone looking to make unforgettable holiday memories in Ireland.
Book your tickets, plan your stay, and get ready to be part of the magic that is Winterval.
Thank you for joining us on this journey through Winterval’s Christmas Festival 2025. Why don’t you let us know how you get on visiting Ireland at Christmas?
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