Winterval Festival – Waterford – Ireland 2025

Background & History

Winterval, Ireland’s largest Christmas festival, transforms Waterford City, Ireland’s oldest city, into a festive wonderland. Launched in 2012, the 2025 edition marks its 13th year and Waterford’s permanent title as the European City of Christmas, awarded in 2024. Held over weekends from 15 November to 23 December 2025, it attracts over 1.8 million visitors annually, with 97% from Ireland and 3% from countries like the UK, the Netherlands, and the US.

Organized by Waterford City and County Council, Winterval features free events like light shows and markets, alongside ticketed attractions like ice skating and concerts, celebrating local heritage and global festive traditions.

Event Highlights

• Winterval Illuminates: Multi-dimensional light show, 15 November–23 December, Arundel Square, free.
• Glenveagh Christmas Market: Local and European crafts and food, 15 November–23 December, Great Georges Street, free.
• Waterford on Ice: Ice skating rink, 15 November–23 December, The Quay, $18.70–$63.75 USD.
• Visit Santa at Winterval: Interactive Santa experience, 15 November–23 December, Medieval Museum, ~$10–$15 USD (estimated).
• Winterval BIG TOP LIVE: Concerts (e.g., Gavin James, Qween & The Dublin Gospel Choir), 12–22 December, Browns Lane, ~$20–$35 USD.
• Polish Christmas Village – Gingerbread Workshop: Cookie-making, 15 November–23 December, Waterford Cultural Quarter, $16.50 USD.

City

• Waterford City, Co. Waterford, Ireland: Ireland’s oldest city, known for its Viking Triangle, historic quays, and vibrant Christmas festival scene.

Main Event Address

• Primary Venues:
  • The Quay: Waterford on Ice, Waterford City, X91 A2NP, Ireland.
  • Arundel Square: Winterval Illuminates, Waterford City, X91 C3XF, Ireland.
  • Great Georges Street: Glenveagh Christmas Market, Waterford City, X91 YX33, Ireland.
  • Medieval Museum: Visit Santa, O’Connell Street, Waterford City, X91 F2K7, Ireland.
  • Browns Lane: Winterval BIG TOP LIVE, Waterford City, X91 V3F8, Ireland.
• Administrative Contact: Winterval Festival, c/o Waterford City and County Council, City Hall, The Mall, Waterford, X91 PK15, Ireland (inquiries only).
• Note: Additional venues (e.g., Garter Lane Theatre, Barronstrand Street) listed at www.winterval.ie in September 2025.

Date & Duration

• Dates: Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays from 15 November to 23 December 2025 (plus 20–23 December consecutively).
• Duration: 5 weeks (weekends plus final 4 days).
• Opening Times (Estimated):
  • Fridays: 3:00 PM–8:00 PM.
  • Saturdays: 11:00 AM–8:00 PM.
  • Sundays: 12:00 PM–6:00 PM.
  • 20–23 December: 11:00 AM–8:00 PM.
• Note: Times vary by event; confirm at www.winterval.ie.

Venue / Location

• The Quay: Waterford on Ice, outdoor ice rink.
• Arundel Square: Winterval Illuminates, open-air light show.
• Great Georges Street: Glenveagh Christmas Market, outdoor stalls.
• Medieval Museum: Visit Santa, an indoor experience.
• Browns Lane: Winterval BIG TOP LIVE, a circus tent for concerts.
• Additional Venues: Garter Lane Theatre (Trash Test Dummies), Barronstrand Street (Mini Express Train), Waterford Cultural Quarter (Polish Christmas Village).
• Note: Full venue list TBD September 2025 at www.winterval.ie.

Contact Information

• Email: hello@winterval.ie (general, sponsorship, trading inquiries).
• Media Email: ann@powerhousepr.ie (PR inquiries).
• Phone: Not provided; use email or website contact form.
• Website: www.winterval.ie
• Social Media: Follow @WintervalWaterford on Facebook, Instagram, X.
• Ticketing: Purchase via www.winterval.ie (opens August 2025). Contact hello@winterval.ie for group bookings or accessibility needs.

Ticket Information

• How to Purchase: Buy online at www.winterval.ie (August 2025). Collect at designated venues (e.g., The Quay for ice skating, Medieval Museum for Santa) with confirmation email. In-person purchase at venues (cash/card). Group bookings and accessibility via hello@winterval.ie. Cancellations until 31 October 2025 (~$2 fee). No refunds after 31 October. Book early for Waterford on Ice and BIG TOP LIVE.
• 2025 Pricing (in USD, 1 EUR ≈ 1.10 USD as of August 2025):
  • Waterford on Ice:
    • Child: €17 (~$18.70 USD).
    • Adult: €19 (~$20.90 USD).
    • Family of 3: €45 (~$49.50 USD).
    • Family of 4: €58 (~$63.75 USD).
    • Booking Fee: €1.50 (~$1.70 USD per ticket).
  • Polish Christmas Village – Gingerbread Workshop: €15 (~$16.50 USD).
  • Visit Santa at Winterval: ~€10–€15 (~$11–$16.50 USD, estimated).
  • Winterval BIG TOP LIVE: ~€20–€30 (~$22–$33 USD, e.g., Gavin James, Qween).
  • Winterval Mini Express Train: ~€5–€10 (~$5.50–$11 USD, estimated).
  • Free Events: Glenveagh Christmas Market, Winterval Illuminates, parade, and more (over 50% of events free).
  • Concession/Student: Limited discounts (~$2 off, ID required).
  • Kids (Under 16): Free for markets and light shows with supervision; ticketed events may require adult accompaniment.
• Additional Notes:
  • Prices for Waterford on Ice and Gingerbread Workshop confirmed; others estimated based on 2024 data.
  • Free events supported by Waterford City and County Council and sponsors like Expressway.

Categories

• Cultural & Traditional: Showcases Waterford’s festive heritage and Viking history.
• Events & Festivals: Multi-week Christmas festival with diverse activities.
• Food & Drinks: Features markets and food-related workshops.

Cultural Significance

Winterval, since 2012, has solidified Waterford’s status as Ireland’s Christmas capital, earning the European City of Christmas title in 2024. With 1.8 million visitors in 2024, it blends local Viking heritage with global festive traditions, offering free access to markets and light shows to ensure inclusivity. Its economic impact, boosting hotels like The Granville and local shops, underscores its role in Waterford’s winter tourism.

Food & Drinks

• Glenveagh Christmas Market: Local and European food stalls (e.g., cheeses, mulled wine), Great Georges Street, ~$5–$15 USD, free entry.
• Polish Christmas Village: Gingerbread workshops ($16.50 USD) and free tastings, Waterford Cultural Quarter.
• Nearby Dining:
  • The Granville Hotel: The Mall, Waterford (Irish cuisine, $15–$30 USD, 5-minute walk).
  • House of Waterford Café: Viking Triangle, Waterford (light fare, $5–$15 USD, 5-minute walk).
  • Momo Restaurant: Patrick Street, Waterford (global cuisine, $10–$25 USD, 5-minute walk).
  • Geoff’s Bar: John Street, Waterford (pub fare, $10–$20 USD, 5-minute walk).
• Alcohol Policy: Available at market stalls and nearby pubs; no outside alcohol permitted.

Family & Accessibility

• Family-Friendly:
  • Free events (e.g., Glenveagh Christmas Market, Winterval Illuminates) suitable for all ages with supervision.
  • Ticketed events (e.g., Waterford on Ice, Visit Santa) include family options; some concerts 16+ due to alcohol.
• Accessibility:
  • The Quay, Arundel Square, and Medieval Museum are wheelchair-accessible with ramps.
  • Contact hello@winterval.ie for accommodations or ISL events (details September 2025).
  • Free events enhance affordability.

Getting There

• By Air: Dublin Airport (DUB, 165 km, 1.5-hour drive via M9).
• Public Transport:
  • Bus: Bus Éireann Route 4 or 40 to Waterford Bus Station (5-minute walk to The Quay).
  • Train: Irish Rail to Waterford Plunkett Station (10-minute walk to venues).
• By Car: From Dublin (M9, 1.5 hours), Cork (N25, 1.5 hours), or Rosslare (N25, 1 hour). Paid parking at South Quay (~$1.10 USD/hour, 5-minute walk).
• Rideshare: Rapid Cabs or FreeNow from DUB (~$100–$150 USD).

Program Details (Estimated for 2025)

• Confirmed Events:
  • Winterval Illuminates: 15 November–23 December, 6:30 PM daily, Arundel Square, free.
  • Glenveagh Christmas Market: 15 November–23 December, Great Georges Street, free.
  • Waterford on Ice: 15 November–23 December, The Quay, $18.70–$63.75 USD.
  • Polish Christmas Village – Gingerbread Workshop: 15 November–23 December, Waterford Cultural Quarter, $16.50 USD.
  • Winterval BIG TOP LIVE: 12–22 December, Browns Lane, $22–$33 USD (e.g., Gavin James on 21 December).
• Hypothetical Events:
  • Visit Santa at Winterval: 15 November–23 December, Medieval Museum, ~$11–$16.50 USD.
  • Winterval Mini Express Train: 15 November–23 December, Barronstrand Street, ~$5.50–$11 USD.
  • Trash Test Dummies Show: 15 November–23 December, Garter Lane Theatre, ~$10–$20 USD.
• Note: Programme speculative except for confirmed events; full details TBD September 2025 at www.winterval.ie.

Past Notable Performances

• 2024 Highlights: Christy Moore, Lisa Hannigan, and 30 Years of House Music at BIG TOP LIVE; Winterval Illuminates drew thousands.
• Past Achievements: Attracted 1.8 million visitors in 2024, doubling 2023 attendance, with the European City of Christmas title.

Sustainability Initiatives

• Local Sourcing: Glenveagh Christmas Market features regional produce.
• Waste Management: Recycling bins at all venues; digital tickets encouraged.
• Note: 2025 sustainability details TBD; check www.winterval.ie.

Educational Impact

• Workshops: Gingerbread cookie-making ($16.50 USD) and free cultural displays at Polish Christmas Village, 15 November–23 December.
• Community Engagement: Free events like Winterval Illuminates promote festive education and local history.

Cultural Activities

• Winterval Illuminates: Free light show, 15 November–23 December, Arundel Square.
• Glenveagh Christmas Market: Free stalls, 15 November–23 December, Great Georges Street.
• Polish Christmas Village: Free entry, workshops ($16.50 USD), 15 November–23 December.
• Visit Santa: Ticketed, 15 November–23 December, Medieval Museum, ~$11–$16.50 USD.

Travel Tips

• Book Early: Tickets ($5.50–$63.75 USD) for Waterford on Ice and BIG TOP LIVE sell out; book via www.winterval.ie (August 2025).
• Weather Prep: November–December in Waterford (40–50°F) is cold and rainy; pack waterproofs and layers.
• Explore Locally: Visit Viking Triangle (5-minute walk, free) or House of Waterford Crystal (5-minute walk, $10 USD).
• Public Transport: Use Leap Card (~$10 USD).
• Festival Info: Digital schedules at www.winterval.ie (no app).

Local Attractions

• Viking Triangle: Waterford City (5-minute walk, free). Historic district.
• House of Waterford Crystal: The Mall, Waterford (5-minute walk, $10 USD). Factory tours.
• Reginald’s Tower: The Quay, Waterford (5-minute walk, $5 USD). Viking museum.
• Waterford Treasures Museums: Bishop’s Palace, Medieval Museum (5-minute walk, $10 USD).
• People’s Park: Park Road, Waterford (10-minute walk, free). Scenic park.

Accommodation Options

• Hotels:
  • The Granville Hotel: The Mall, Waterford ($100–$200 USD/night, 5-minute walk).
  • Fitzwilton Hotel: Bridge Street, Waterford ($80–$150 USD/night, 5-minute walk).
• B&Bs: Treacy’s Hotel, The Quay ($60–$120 USD/night, 5-minute walk).
• Hostels: Waterford City Hostel, Parnell Street ($20–$50 USD/night, 10-minute walk).
• Airbnb: Waterford apartments ($50–$120 USD/night).
• Booking Tip: Reserve 3–6 months in advance for the November–December peak.

Safety & Health Measures

• Medical Support: First aid at The Quay and Medieval Museum; nearest hospital is University Hospital Waterford (10-minute drive).
• Security: Garda presence; bag checks at ticketed events.
• Health Protocols: Sanitizer stations; optional masks indoors.
• Weather Preparedness: Indoor and covered venues; umbrellas for outdoor markets.