Biggest Christmas markets yet at Winterval in Waterford 

The Christmas markets have become one of Winterval's star attractions, and this year, there are more stalls, stands and producers than ever.

Over 100 producers and creators are set for the Winterval Festival Christmas Market in Waterford, which opens from November 21 and is open from Thursday to Sunday each week, until December 23.

The Christmas Market at Winterval is set out in a series of wooden cabins through the spine of the city into the cultural quarter, spanning from Michael Street to George’s Street, to Hanover Street and onto O’Connell Street and Gladstone Street, and includes John Robert’s Square, Arundel Square and Cathedral Square and Garter Lane.

Waterford Crafts and creations are to the fore with over 40 local makers featured at Garter Lane Gallery who produce a range of crafts from jewellery, art, candles, ceramics, soaps and lotions, leatherware, knittedwear, wood turned gifts and much more. 

There is tableware by Adele Stanley Ceramics to stunning breadboards and even bespoke skateboards by Copper Coast Woodcrafts to handmade silk and velvet scarves by Silks by Mauney, and handmade chocolates by Victoria’s Incredibel Edibles, to copper and enamel jewellery and crafts by Gwen Dunne and many more.

There is also an abundance of food and drinks from Rom’s Crepes, SugarMama Grills and BadBoy BBQ, Pipers Churros and Dinky Donuts, Oh So Chocolate with delicious gourmet hot chocolates and Papa’s Mulled Wines.

There is a range of creations and gift options from Sperrins Country Wear and El Dragonfly woollen hats, scarves and gloves, Lismore Candles, Churchhouse Pottery, Native American Crafts, Becky selling handknits and handmade jewellery, and Gina Kinsella selling handknitwear and crochets and Real Image, who will create a bespoke Christmas decoration from your own photograph.

In addition, at the Waterford Cultural Quarter Crafts Market and on Hanover Street, there is a wide variety of crafts and treats, from woollen products to wood carvings, paintings to driftwood creations and jewellery, all produced by a range of diverse cultures, including African, Polish, German, Ukrainian, and Bulgarian creators.