Winterval and Wizards & Dragons Exhibition in Waterford
As winter is coming and the excitement builds for the 2019 Christmas period, it is time to start planning your trip to Waterford. Why Waterford? Let us give you two exciting reasons! Most importantly, one of our favourite Christmas festivals is returning to the city on the 23rd of November with many exciting activities and beautiful Christmas displays, turning the city into a winter wonderland you won’t forget. Secondly, a new and magical exhibition is arriving to the city. The Wizards and Dragons exhibition will invite visitors to immerse themselves in the tales of dragons and wizardry and will run alongside Winterval from the 22nd of November to the 6th of January.
Perhaps the thought of a winter wonderland caught your attention, or maybe you’d love to interact with some mythical dragons? Let us give you a brief descriptions of the top things to do and see while visiting Winterval in Waterford this year.
Top things to do and see while visiting Winterval in 2019
1. A visit to Santa’ Grotto
Would Christmas be Christmas without a visit to Santa’s Grotto? Santa, Mrs. Claus and the elves will be welcoming their visitors to the enchanting 750-year-old Choristers Hall located at Waterford’s Medieval Museum this winter. Expect to hear Christmas stories and see hardworking elves, while you get your long awaited Santa photo and surprise gift! A wonderful memory for the whole family.
Ticket info: Tickets are €20 per child and include a Gift, Photo and handmade Christmas decoration. For more information visit the Winterval website.
2. Hop on board the Winterval Express Train
Looking to see some of Waterford city? Book a ticket and hop aboard the Winterval Express Train as it journeys through the heart of the city and Winterval along the Mall, passing Winterval on Ice, going through the Apple market, and JR Square. Enjoy a magical ride while immersing yourself in Winterval’s winter wonderland.
Ticket info: €5 per child or €6 per adult. Book your ride now on the Winterval website.
3. Winterval on Ice
Nothing says Christmas and wintertime like ice-skating. Wrap up warm and get your skates on. With a large main rink and a separate smaller rink with skating aids to help younger visitors, Winterval on Ice will be a wonderful winter program for both children and adults. Make sure to treat yourself to a hot chocolate afterwards!
Ticket info: Early bird tickets now available on winterval.ie from €9 per person.
4. Catch the light show at the Cathedral Square (Winterval Illuminates)
Do you love Christmas lights as much as we do? Then Winterval Illuminates is your place to be this winter. Each evening from 5pm (and every 30mins until 8pm), a wonderful festive light show will take place in Cathedral Square. Enjoy the wonderful Christmas markets while you wait or pop around the corner to the Igloo stage to see the performance of some of Waterford’s finest talent.
5. Christmas Shopping at the Festive Market
Stuck for Christmas present ideas? Make sure to check out the extensive Winterval Christmas Markets! The wonderfully popular Garter Lane Christmas Craft Fair will be open Saturdays & Sundays until 5.30 pm. In case you get hungry in all that ice-skating and shopping, don’t worry! There will be lots of places to eat with the markets at Arundel, Cathedral and Constitution Squares providing the perfect place for a bite and a beverage whilst you browse the craft stalls.
6. Wizards and Dragons exhibition
Are you looking for something a bit less traditional this Christmas? Your girlfriend/boyfriend or perhaps children are huge fans of the wondrous mythical dragons and the wizardry world? Leave Winterval and immerse yourself in a mysterious land of folklore and magical tales. Let your imagination run wild in this extraordinary exhibition with interactive displays. Expect dragons brought to life by animatronics, VR and other incredible technologies to result in an unforgettable experience for children and adults alike. For more information visit the exhibition’s website.
This year, over 500,000 visitors are expected to visit Winterval and who knows how many more arrive to Waterford for the spectacular Wizards and Dragons exhibition, so don’t be late! If you are thinking of traveling to Winterval, Waterford’s Winter Wonderland or the new and exciting Wizards and Dragons exhibition be sure to book your hotel in advance. Save by staying with Travelodge Waterford this winter and enjoy the lowest rates by booking direct.
Travelodge Waterford
Travelodge Waterford is only a 5-minute drive to Winterval or alternatively families can park for free when staying with us and enjoy a 15-minute stroll. All rooms feature a comfy king size bed with four plump pillows and a cosy duvet.
Stay with Travelodge during Winterval | Rooms from 79€