Winterval set to light up Waterford with festive programme for 2026
The festival encourages people to visit the city, stay overnight and experience Waterford's hospitality during the festive season. Photo Patrick Browne
Waterford is preparing for another festive season as Mayor of Waterford City and County Cllr Liam Brazil officially unveiled the programme for Winterval 2026.
Now in its 14th year, Ireland's Christmas festival will return to the city from November 13 to December 23, bringing a packed schedule of family attractions, live music, Christmas markets and seasonal events designed to attract visitors from across the country.
Festival organisers say almost half of this year's events will be available free of charge, ensuring Winterval remains accessible to families, while continuing to boost tourism and local business during the Christmas period.
Launching the programme, Cllr Brazil said Winterval had become one of the highlights of the year for Waterford and an important economic driver for the city and county.
"Winterval is one of the great highlights of the year for Waterford, bringing people together and creating an incredible atmosphere throughout the city," he said.
"Almost half of Winterval's events are free, making the festival accessible to as many people as possible. It is also an important opportunity for our local businesses, from hotels and restaurants to retailers, cafés and tourism attractions."
He added that the festival encourages people to visit the city, stay overnight and experience Waterford's hospitality during the festive season.
Among the biggest additions to this year's programme is The Hive, a new venue that will host a series of headline concerts throughout the festival. The High Kings are scheduled to perform on December 18, while Bob Geldof and The Boomtown Rats will take to the stage on December 19. Mad Ferritt, billed as Ireland's original Oasis tribute act, will perform on December 20.
Festival Director Trevor Darmody said the expanded entertainment programme reinforces Winterval's appeal beyond its traditional family audience.
"Winterval is very much a festival for everyone," he said. "While the magic of Christmas will always be at its heart, we have a fantastic programme for adults as well as children."
He said the addition of major music acts would give visitors another reason to combine a festive day out in Waterford with a night of live entertainment.
For families, many of Winterval's most popular attractions will return, including Santa's Magical Grotto beneath the Medieval Museum, where children can meet Santa in the historic 12th-century undercrofts.
Winterval On Ice, the festival fairground, festive trails, the Winterval Mini Express Train and seasonal light displays will also feature throughout the programme.
The city's Christmas markets will once again bring artisan crafts, festive gifts and seasonal food offerings to the heart of Waterford.
Several new attractions have also been added for 2026, including a Paint Your Own Pottery Christmas Ornaments workshop and the Bishop's Palace Calligraphy Workshop. A new free Santa Truck Community Celebration will also form part of the programme.
Other highlights include the Polish Christmas Village, Victorian Christmas at the Bishop's Palace, the Winterval Circus and the Children's Christmas Trail.
Seasonal productions of Sleeping Beauty at Theatre Royal Waterford and Snow White at SETU Arena will also take place during the festival.
Winterval 2026 runs on selected dates from November 13 to December 23, with full programme details, ticket information and event listings available through the festival website.
