European City of Christmas leaps into festive spirit!
Fireworks light up the night sky over Bishop's Palace on The Mall on Saturday night as Waterford marks the commencement of its status as European City of Christmas. Photo: Noel Browne
Thousands of people came to the Déise last weekend to witness the official opening of Winterval and to welcome in Waterford as European City of Christmas 2024.
Excitement was at fever pitch as the city transformed into a veritable winter wonderland.
The festivities kicked off on Friday, November 15, with the official turning on of the Christmas lights on Broad Street. On Saturday, the carnival atmosphere continued with a parade that incorporated plenty of Spraoi street theatrics, and a spectacular fireworks and light show on The Mall. Winterval, Ireland's largest Christmas festival, will continue in the city until December 23.
Waterford is the official European City of Christmas for 2024, alongside Czech city Brno, the European Capital of Christmas.
To celebrate these achievements, there will be a digital portal connecting both festive cities, located in the Apple Market.
Winterval has come a long way since its inception over a decade ago.
Festival organisers John Grubb and Trevor Darmody said: “Waterford has for the last 12 years been delivering an incredible Christmas festival, building from humble beginnings with big ambitions to become Ireland's Christmas capital, to an even bigger festival with global ambitions."
The organisers are thrilled that Waterford now holds "the much sought after status as a European City of Christmas - a designation and title that remains with Waterford from here onwards".
"We have already seen the impact of this recognition since it was announced in December 2023 as international visitor numbers and international media visits to Waterford this year have already spiked."
They added: "We are very much looking forward to further growing our European links as we open a ‘Gateway’, which will digitally connect Waterford as the European City of Christmas to Brno in the Czech Republic next Friday, November 22, when the first exchange will take place between Waterford and our friends in Brno.”
CEO of Waterford Chamber, Gerald Hurley, told Waterford News & Star: "It was wonderful to see such a huge crowd celebrate the official opening of Winterval and credit to all the team behind the festival for such a spectacular launch. It was fantastic to see so many people getting into the festive spirit and celebrating Waterford as the European City of Christmas."
Noting the opportunities and uptick for local businesses, Mr Hurley said: "We now want to see that footfall continue every weekend as it presents a huge opportunity for the business community in terms of the shop local campaign."
He continued: "It has been a tough year with the cost of doing business at an all-time high, so we want to ensure our retailers finish the year on a positive note. This will help us continue to develop a vibrant city centre, secure and create jobs, and enhance the offering for all."
This year will see the return of the Think Waterford First Gift Card, which proved a strong success in years past.
Mr Hurley said: "One of the easiest and most impactful ways to support local businesses this holiday season is through the Think Waterford First Gift Card. This prepaid Mastercard allows customers to shop and dine in over 130 local businesses, ensuring that every euro spent stays within the community.
"For companies planning festive rewards and gifts, the Waterford Gift Card offers a simple, meaningful way to thank employees and customers while boosting the local economy."
