Drones, lights and more: Winterval launches in Waterford city

Winterval, Ireland’s largest Christmas festival, returned to Waterford last Friday, and will run weekly each Thursday to Sunday until December 23, bringing an exceptional programme of festive fun to Ireland’s oldest city.

The festivities began on Friday evening, where Winterval officially opened in John Roberts Square with the Christmas lights switch-on.

Mayor of Waterford City and County Cllr Séamus Ryan joined WLR FM's Dymphna Nugent and Santa Claus for the countdown, with a special musical performance by Glenn Murphy to launch the season in style.

Glenn serenaded the crowd with familiar Christmas favourites as hundreds gathered in John Roberts Square.

He concluded with Fairytale of New York as crowds sang along and swayed back and forth in the cold air.

WLR’s Dymphna Nugent was MC for the evening.

She provided a reassuring message to crowds on the night, saying, “Christmas doesn’t have to cost money, you can come and see the lights, and it’s all about who’s around your tree, not about what’s under it."

She welcomed Mayor Seamus Ryan to the stage to get proceedings underway.

Mayor Ryan told the droves of people that he is confident that this year’s festival will top last year’s 1.8 million visitors, and it was easy to understand how whilst looking around at the seemingly endless crowd on the night.

“This is the top Christmas festival in the country bar none, Waterford has it,” Mayor Ryan said.

Topping off the evening, was the big man in red gracing the stage to press the button and turn on the lights.

The event marked the beginning of this year's Winterval celebrations, with the first screening of Winterval Illuminates taking place at Cathedral Square directly after, transforming the Silver Museum façade into a dazzling light and music spectacle.

Crowds were due to be treated to an exciting new feature of Winterval on Saturday with the Winterval Sky Spectacular Drone Show, featuring 150 illuminated drones dancing across the night sky.

The event was, however, rescheduled to Sunday due to adverse weather conditions.

Anticipation rose given the extra wait, and crowds remained somewhat apprehensive about weather conditions on Sunday.

Thankfully, by the time the event was due to begin conditions were near perfect.

Massive crowds packed the entire length of the quay for the spectacle.

Albeit only a few minutes long, the event went down well, treating crowds to a colourful display of festive shapes and symbols.

Bafflingly though, the show climaxed with an illuminated BAM logo, resulting in some confused chuckles from the crowd.

It was a strong debut year for the drones, with room to gather further pace should it return next year.

Speaking on the launch event, director of Winterval Trevor Darmody said, “We are hugely excited to welcome everyone back for the 13th annual Winterval Festival, a truly magical celebration that brings the spirit of Christmas to life across Waterford. 

"This year’s festival promises to be our biggest and brightest yet, with an incredible lineup of events, live music, and festive experiences for families and visitors of all ages. 

From dazzling light shows to a spectacular drone show to enchanting performances and hands-on workshops, Winterval 2025 offers something special for everyone. 

"We invite you to join us in Ireland’s oldest city to share in the joy, warmth, and wonder of the season, where we know you will make unforgettable memories together.”