What to expect from Winterval's opening weekend
Ireland’s largest Christmas festival returns to Waterford on Friday, November 13, as families and friends gather in the heart of the city for the annual Light Up Ceremony and official opening of Winterval.
From 5.30pm on November 13, Broad Street and John Roberts Square will fill with music and entertainment ahead of the big switch-on at 6 pm, when the Mayor of Waterford City and County Cllr Liam Brazil, alongside Santa Claus himself, illuminates the city.
The free event is open to everyone, with no tickets required.
As the city lights up, the first screening of Winterval Illuminates takes place at 6.30 pm in Cathedral Square. The festival’s flagship light show returns with a brand-new animation, transforming the façade of the Silver Museum through projection mapping, music, sound and special effects. A firm favourite with audiences, the free show will take place each evening throughout Winterval.
One of the most eagerly anticipated moments of the opening weekend will arrive on Sunday, November 15, when Santa makes an entrance into Waterford aboard his very own Christmas truck.
At 5pm, the Santa Truck will cross Rice Bridge, travel along Waterford’s quays and make its way to Waterford Crystal on the Mall. Families are encouraged to gather along the quayside for the best views as Santa makes his journey into the city.
Once the truck parks up, children will have the chance to step aboard, meet Santa and capture a photograph. The event will also support LauraLynn, Ireland’s Children’s Hospice, with families invited to make a donation to help raise vital funds for children and families across Ireland.
Across the festival weekends, alongside the ticketed events, there is a vast array of free activities and events.
The Winterval Christmas Market will spread throughout John Roberts Square, Arundel Square, Georges Street and O’Connell Street, inviting visitors to browse Christmas crafts.
In the Apple Market, one of Winterval’s most popular free attractions returns with a funky new twist. Santa’s Giant Disco Postbox will be bopping every half hour from 5 pm, transforming into a mini disco complete with sparkling lights, smoke effects, moving spotlights and Christmas tunes.
Children can post their letters to the North Pole at any time, with the disco bringing ten minutes of dancing, laughter and fun to the heart of the city.
Also this year, little explorers can set off on the free Viking Elf Fairy Door Trail, discovering twelve tiny doors hidden throughout
The Apple Market will also host Sounds of the Season every Saturday and Sunday from 1 pm to 4 pm. The celebration of local talent brings together choirs, brass bands, pipe bands, stage schools, music schools and performers from across Waterford.
For those who love a little Christmas nostalgia, The Reg will host free screenings of the much-loved classic Home Alone throughout Winterval.
With screenings on Friday and Saturday at 1 pm and 3 pm, and Sunday at 1 pm, 3 pm and 5 pm, families can settle in for a cosy cinema experience, complete with popcorn, hot chocolate for the little ones and a warming glass of Glühwein for the grown-ups.
Winterval runs throughout Waterford City on weekends and select dates from November 13 to December 23, with a packed programme of events, attractions and experiences for all ages.
