Winterval Waterford 2023: What to expect from the Christmas Markets
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Last Updated - 14/11/2023 | 7 Minute Read
About the Waterford Christmas Market
Winterval returns to the Viking city for it's 11th year in Waterford. Set in Ireland's oldest city, Winterval has been providing a festive feeling to kids and families since 2012.
Waterford is over 1200 years old, and has Viking settlements since 853AD. Waterford City received city rights in 1215. A long time before Winterval was created.
This festive celebration will begin on November 17th and run up to December 23rd. For the first 5 weeks it will only run on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Then on the 15th of December, this magical experience will open everyday until the 23rd.
What you need to know about Waterford Winterval 2023.
Where is it?
The festive programme is mainly held in the City in the Cultural Quarter. This area consists of Georges Street, Gladstone Street, O'Connell Street. Other festival favourites such as Ice Skating on the rink will take place near the Clock Tower on the quays.
When is it?
This festive celebration will begin on November 17th and run up to December 23rd. For the first 5 weeks it will only run on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Then on the 15th of December, this magical experience will open everyday until the 23rd.
Where to stay?
Staying at the Travelodge Waterford is a brilliant option during Winterval 2023.Our hotel has everything you need for a comfortable stay with amazing value prices. We have lots of free parking, high speed Wi-Fi and an onsite restaurant to grab a quick bite to eat before discovering the programme of events on offer this festive season.
Things to do and see at Winterval Waterford 2023
This year's programme of events are a credit to festival organisers. It's packed with seasonal surprises and the return of lots of family experiences.
There are some festive family attractions, and some that would be more suited to teens and also some for adults. Don't forget, some of these are ticketed events. So grab some now on the Winterval website.
Santa's arrival to Waterford
Santa Claus will arrive to Waterford City on November 17th. This marks the opening of the festival extravaganza. Starting at the Clock Tower on the quays, Santa and his Elves will travel to the Gingerbread House. At 6pm, the light's will be officially turned on.
Garter Lane Craft Fair
The following weekend, the 38th annual Christmas Craft Fair will take place in Garter Lane. Crafts from Waterford makers will be on show. These will range from Candles, Jewellery, Skincare and Wooden Carvings.
The fair will take place from the 24th of November on the days mentioned above and run from 10am to 5.30pm.
Tractor Parade
One of the firm favourite evening events is the Tractor Parade. On December 10th, the quays will be well lit up, and not from "Waterford Illuminates" but from the farming community of the Deise. The half hour route will come to an end at the Waterside car park where little ones get the opportunity to get up close to the action and get a family photograph.
Waterford Illuminates at the Winterval Festival
The Waterford Eye
One event that will reopen after Christmas is the Port of Waterford Eye. The city fairground ride offers unparalleled views of the viking city. Taking a spin on the giant wheel during the day starkly contrasts the night time views, so make sure to choose wisely or go twice!
Polish Winter Village
Since the beginning of Winterval Waterford, the Polish Winter Village is to the forefront of festival planning. The local Polish community prepare small unique gift ideas for their stalls. You can also have a hot drink with pastries and cakes.
At Winterval 2023, there will be a Gingerbread Cookie workshop where kids can learn traditional methods of baking and decorating these festive treats.
Winterval food and craft markets
Winterval festival events may be some of the highlights of the annual festival, but the markets are what make it so. Each stall offers crafts from the community, and also a chance to sample local foods. The Deise is more than just a Blaa you know!
In the market you'll also find family photo opportunities, the Mini-Express Train, the Bricks 4 Kidz Land of Lego, Santa's VR Sleigh Ride, The Snow Globe, Live Music, The Model Circus & Fairground Exhibition, as well as being a stones throw away from Winterval On Ice and a range of memorable family attractions and activities.
A couple enjoying a Warm beverage at Winterval waterford
Live entertainment on the Winterval Main Stage
Sip on hot chocolate or an Irish coffee and snack on a festive treat, then enjoy the festival entertainment at the Main Stage. There will be Choirs, Christmas Discos & Puppetry for the kids this winter.
When the lights lower, the band will begin to play festive carols and some of your favourite tunes. The main stage will be a central hub for Winterval, Ireland's biggest Christmas Festival.
To top it all off, there are no tickets needed!
The Wrap Up
There is nothing more festive than Waterford Illuminated in Winterval Festival. This brilliant event cannot be recommended enough and it is a brilliant and cheap family break to Waterford, Irelands oldest city.
Discover the Festival Programme and earmark some events that you want to visit! There is plenty more for your trip to the sunny South East, discover the Copper Coast, Greenway and the Waterford Crystal Factory Tour.
Stay and Save at Travelodge Waterford
Travelodge is a central location to the perfect winter entertainment. Located on the Cork Road, between Waterford I.T. SETU Campus and John Roberts Square. Our budget hotel is less than 2km out from Winterval Christmas Market!
Celebrate the Festive Feeling with your family and explore Waterford City Centre lit up with Christmas lights.
Commonly Asked Questions about Winterval Festival
When does Waterford Winterval 2023 start?
Waterford Winterval 2023 will start on November 17th and run up to December 23rd.
What is the Garter Lane Craft Fair?
Crafts from Waterford makers will be on show, ranging from Candles, Jewellery, Skincare and Wooden Carvings. The fair will take place from the 24th of November and run from 10am to 5.30pm.
When does Santa arrive to Waterford?
Santa Claus will arrive to Waterford City on November 17th. This marks the opening of the festival extravaganza. Starting at the Clock Tower on the quays, at 6pm, the light's will be officially turned on.
Where is Winterval held?
The festive programme is mainly held in the City in the Cultural Quarter. This area consists of Georges Street, Gladstone Street, and O'Connell Street. Other festival favourites such as Ice Skating on the rink will take place near the Clock Tower on the quays.
Where can I stay during Winterval?
Staying at the Travelodge Waterford is a great option during Winterval 2023. Our hotel has everything you need for a comfortable stay with amazing value prices. We have lots of free parking, high speed Wi-Fi and an onsite restaurant to grab a quick bite to eat before discovering the programme of events on offer this festive season.