Waterford, Ireland’s European City of Christmas

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Waterford was officially recognized as the European City of Christmas 2024 by the International Jury of the European Capital of Christmas.

The International Jury stated, ‘The City of Waterford is an extraordinary jewel of Christmas harmony and aesthetics and represents values such as solidarity, which lies with the local communities as well as a strong commitment to its heritage as a hallmark of identity, material and above all immaterial and culture.'

Winterval, Ireland's biggest Christmas festival

Winterval, Ireland’s Christmas Festival, was created by Waterford City and County Council in partnership with local stakeholders in 2012 and is regarded as the country’s premier Christmas festival.

Waterford Winterval 2024 runs Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from November 15 through December 23.

This article is taken from a podcast episode with Tommie Ryan, the festival director of Winterval in Waterford. If you prefer to listen to the podcast, you can find the player at the bottom of the page.

Winterval – Ireland's Largest Christmas Festival

Winterval in Waterford

Ireland is relatively new to Christmas festivals and markets.

2018 marked the 7th year of Winterval, Ireland's largest Christmas Festival .

Over 6 weeks of festivities, mainly on weekends.

Ireland's Largest Christmas Festival

Ireland's Christmas Capital of Winterval runs 6 week and transforms the entire city of Waterford.

Waterford is a very walk able city, you could park in a single location and just meander through the city and its attractions in addition to the festival.

Winterval has over 60 events in 2018. View the events calendar. Illuminations, markets, events, and more.

Sproai (spree) Winter Wonderland is a new highlight this year.

Free Winter Wonderland attraction by award-winning street theatre company, Spraoi will be unveiled at Ireland’s largest Christmas festival, Winterval.

Multiple Christmas markets within the festival, as well as plenty of tasty treats!

Learn more about the Waterford Greenway in Episode 43

Three Other Terrific Places to Add to Your Ireland Winter Itinerary

Temple Bar & Dublin – lively fun in the capital city

Learn more about Temple Bar in Episode 60

Newgrange for winter solstice alignment

Hear more about Old Traditions that Survive in Modern Ireland in Episode 48

Jack Meade's Bar for trad sessions

Traveling in Ireland Podcast Episode 237

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