Over 1 Million Festive Visitors Expected in Waterford for Winterval 2025

Over 1 Million Festive Visitors Expected in Waterford for Winterval 2025

Waterford is preparing for a world of twinkling lights, festive cheer, and magical adventures as it announces its 2025 Winterval Festival programme. Ireland’s largest Christmas festival and Ireland’s European City of Christmas will open the 2025 festival on November 21st, running each Thursday to Sunday until December 23rd. For six weeks, families, friends, and visitors of all ages will be treated to 54 events across the city, including 22 brand-new experiences, all designed to make this the most magical Winterval yet.

This year, Winterval shines brighter than ever as Santa will arrive to officially commence the festivities on Friday, November 21st at 5.30 pm, and the festivities will begin in full swing once he switches on over 100,000 Christmas lights across the city streets. The first Winterval Illuminates, a spectacular light show, will then commence in a new ancient location, proudly sponsored by Bausch + Lomb. It is back to light up Cathedral Square at the Irish Silver Museum this Christmas. Also on the opening weekend, a brand-new show-stopping free Drone Show—one of the festival’s headline attractions—will dazzle spectators as it lights up the River Suir and Waterford skies with incredible festive formations on Saturday, November 22nd.

Families can glide across Winterval On Ice, explore the Winterval Christmas Markets with seasonal treats and crafts, or marvel at the thrilling Winterval Circus. The Glow Fairylight Garden and the new MAXI Express Train promise unforgettable, magical journeys, while Santa’s Magical Sleigh Ride in Virtual Reality brings a touch of Christmas wonder like never before.

Children of all ages can meet Santa in his grotto, enjoy Snowball PlayFun, make gingerbread in interactive workshops, and be enchanted by the classic pantomime shows, Jack & The Beanstalk and Cinderella. The new Santa’s Giant Disco Postbox lets little ones send their Christmas wishes in style, while the Snowball Stage, Churchyard Sessions, and Christchurch Live concerts feature festive performances with Frances Black, Pa Sheehey, and Susan O’Neill. Visitors can also enjoy Viking Storytelling, Festive Movies @ The Reg, Karaoke in the Churchyard Igloo, and a wide range of festive workshops, creative experiences, and immersive activities.

Music lovers and culture enthusiasts will be delighted by Winterval’s Choral Trail, featuring Brahms’ A German Requiem, massed choirs, a Christmas Carol Closing Ceremony, and the Olde Worlde Choir. Traditional attractions like the Viking Elf Trail, Port of Waterford Eye, Deise Medieval, where a full Viking Yule Village will be on display with interactive participation, will also be on offer every weekend, and the Xmas Truck & Tractor Parade returns alongside new experiences, including Tasteful Christmas Food Tours, Wreath Making and Craft Workshops.

Speaking at the programme launch, Mayor of Waterford, Councillor Seamus Ryan, said, “Winterval is the jewel in Waterford’s festive crown. It brings our city alive with lights, music, and laughter, creating magical memories for families and visitors from across Ireland and Europe. Beyond the sparkle and cheer, Winterval provides a vital boost for local businesses, shops, and hospitality, supporting jobs and showcasing Waterford as a premier festive destination. From the Winterval Illuminates to the joyous laughter of children on the ice-rink, every corner of our city will be brimming with festive spirit and economic energy. We invite everyone to come and experience the wonder of Winterval in Waterford this year—it’s a place where children's Christmas dreams come to life, communities thrive, and memories are made to last a lifetime.”

Festival Director Trevor Darmody added, “Winterval 2025 is all about joy, imagination, and celebration. Whether you’re meandering through the Glow Fairylight Garden, riding the MAXI Express Train, gazing at the breathtaking Drone Show or enjoying Karaoke in the Churchyard Igloo, there’s something for everyone. It’s a festival that sparks wonder and brings families together in the true spirit of Christmas.”

Winterval 2025 runs from November 21st to December 23rd. Prepare for a festive extravaganza full of laughter, lights, and lasting memories. Last year, the festival attracted over 1 million visitors, and this year, organisers are encouraging Winterval festival fans to plan their Winterval experiences early at www.winterval.ie

Winterval 2025 is made possible thanks to the generous support of Waterford City and County Council, the Waterford Business Community and partners. Volkswagen, Tesco, The Granville Hotel, Fitzwilton Hotel, Travelodge Waterford, and House of Waterford sponsors of the Winterval Santa Grotto; Parker Law sponsors the MAXI Express Train; Expressway is the official transport partner; Rapid Cabs is the official taxi partner; City Square hosts Santa’s Giant Disco Postbox; Bausch + Lomb presents Winterval Illuminates; Guinness/Rockshore sponsors the Churchyard Sessions; Zinnia provides the VR Sleigh; Encon powers the Glow Gardens; Port of Waterford presents the Waterford Eye; Journi Credit Union presents the Snowball Stage; WAMA hosts the Elves Workshop; and WLR supports the festival information station. Friends of the festival include Dooley’s Hotel, The Stableyard and George’s Court Shopping Centre, The Tower Hotel, Marina Hotel, and The Viking Hotel, Waterford.