Winterval Waterford 2025 – Ireland’s Favourite Family Christmas Festival

Winterval Waterford 2025 – Ireland’s Favourite Family Christmas Festival

Port of Waterford Eye - Courtesy Winterval.ie
Port of Waterford Eye - Courtesy Winterval.ie

This winter, Ireland’s oldest city transforms into a twinkling wonderland as Winterval Waterford returns from 21 November to 23 December 2025. Streets glow with fairy lights, carols echo through the Viking Triangle, and the scent of roasted nuts, cinnamon and mulled wine fills the air.

Winterval isn’t just Ireland’s biggest Christmas festival. It’s an experience that brings out the joy of the season for everyone. From Santa’s grotto to the ice rink, markets, concerts and river cruises, Waterford turns into a Christmas village that feels both magical and welcoming. Families come for the sparkle, the laughter, and the chance to make memories together that feel straight out of a storybook.

Winterval Fairground - courtesy Winterval.ie
Winterval Fairground - courtesy Winterval.ie

Things to Do in Waterford This Christmas

If you’re looking for things to do in Waterford this Christmas, Winterval should be at the top of your list. It’s a celebration of everything that makes Christmas in Ireland special: lights, laughter, music, and plenty of heart.

The Grand Opening

The celebrations begin on Friday, 21 November, with the Winterval Official Opening. Santa arrives in style, the lights are switched on, and the whole city gathers to welcome the start of the season.

Visit Santa at Winterval - Courtesy Winterval.ie
Visit Santa at Winterval - Courtesy Winterval.ie

Free Music and Entertainment

Catch live performances at the Winterval Main Stage, where choirs, local bands and festive acts perform throughout the season. The Winterval Sky Spectacular Drone Show fills the sky with light and colour as hundreds of drones create magical shapes above the city.

Other free highlights include:

Lions Club Christmas Carol Concert - Courtesy Winterval.ie
Lions Club Christmas Carol Concert - Courtesy Winterval.ie

Family Fun and Free Attractions

Winterval is packed with activities for children and families. Post a wish list at the Santa’s Giant Disco Postbox, listen to stories at Viking Storytelling, or follow the Viking Elf Trail through the city’s streets.

Explore the Winterval Photo Orienteering trail, visit the Garter Lane Craft Fair for handmade gifts, and discover Polish traditions at The Polish Christmas Village.

The Jingle Bells Cycle and Tractor Parade bring a burst of colour and fun to the streets, while the Rotary Club Memorial Tree and The Giving Tree remind everyone what the season is truly about.

Truck & Tractor Parade - Courtesy Winterval.ie
Truck & Tractor Parade - Courtesy Winterval.ie

Family Christmas Activities and Attractions

For families planning a Christmas break in Ireland, Winterval offers plenty of ticketed events that make a trip to Waterford truly memorable.

Santa Experiences and Children’s Workshops

Meet Santa in his underground grotto at Visit Santa at Winterval and take home a little Christmas magic. Creative kids can get hands-on at The Elves’ Workshop or Gingerbread-Making Workshops. For some indoor fun, Snowball Play Fun lets children enjoy a snowy adventure no matter the weather.

Gingerbread Making Workshops - Courtesy Winterval.ie
Gingerbread Making Workshops - Courtesy Winterval.ie

Festive Rides and Ice Skating

The Winterval Mini Express Train is a family favourite, weaving through the city’s sparkling streets. The Port of Waterford Eye offers incredible views, while the Winterval Fairground brings traditional rides and games to the city centre. For those who love skating, Winterval on Ice is always a hit.

Waterford On Ice - Courtesy Winterval.ie
Waterford On Ice - Courtesy Winterval.ie

Theatre, Music, and Seasonal Shows

Take in a family pantomime with Jack and the Beanstalk or Cinderella. Enjoy circus thrills at The Winterval Circus, or attend one of the concerts at Christ Church Cathedral, including Pa Sheehy (Acoustic) and Susan O’Neill.

For music lovers, performances like Brahms’ Requiem, Buskaid and the Lumina Christmas Concert promise beautiful seasonal sounds. You can also join a Winterval Cruise on the River Suir for a view of the city’s lights, or try the Santa’s Magical Sleigh Ride VR for an unforgettable virtual adventure.

Winterval Christ Church LIVE Pa Sheehy Acoustic - Courtesy Winterval.ie
Winterval Christ Church LIVE Pa Sheehy Acoustic - Courtesy Winterval.ie

Where to Stay: Family Holiday Homes Near Winterval

If you’re considering where to stay near Winterval, Trident Holiday Homes offers family-friendly self-catering accommodation along the Waterford coast, within easy reach of the city. After a day of lights, laughter and skating, retreat to the comfort of your own home-from-home by the sea.

  • Dunmore East: A charming fishing village with sea views and excellent restaurants.
  • Passage East: A peaceful coastal location just a short drive from Waterford City.
  • Woodstown: Perfect for relaxed winter walks and quiet evenings by the sea.
  • Ardmore:  A little further along the coast, offering breathtaking scenery and a warm village welcome.

Stay close enough to enjoy Winterval, but far enough to breathe in the fresh coastal air and unwind after a day of festive fun.

Find Holiday Homes near Waterford

GLOW - powered by Encon - Courtesy Winterval.ie
GLOW - powered by Encon - Courtesy Winterval.ie

Plan Your Visit

  • Festival Dates: 21 November – 23 December 2025
  • Location: Waterford City
  • More Info: www.winterval.ie
Winterval Olde Worlde Choir - Courtesy Winterval.ie
Winterval Olde Worlde Choir - Courtesy Winterval.ie

Why Winterval is Worth the Trip

Winterval has grown into one of Ireland’s best-loved Christmas traditions. It is a festival that blends old-fashioned magic with new experiences every year. Here families come together, friends reconnect, and everyone finds a little Christmas cheer.

Make this year’s festive season unforgettable. Experience Winterval Waterford 2025 and stay nearby with Trident Holiday Homes, your base for family fun and festive adventures along the Waterford coast.

Winterval Sky Spectacular Drone Show - Courtesy Winterval.ie
Winterval Sky Spectacular Drone Show - Courtesy Winterval.ie