Ireland’s largest Christmas festival and self-styled ‘European City of Christmas’, now in its 14th year. Spread across Waterford’s historic Cultural Quarter (Georges Street, Gladstone Street, O’Connell Street, Arundel Square, Michael Street) and runs on weekends only.

What’s on: traditional Christmas market with dozens of artisan stalls (Irish crafts, seasonal treats, festive gifts), the Waterford Eye Ferris wheel and vintage funfair on the quay, Waterford on Ice skating rink, Winterval Illuminates 3D light projection show, Santa experiences (including one set in the Medieval Museum’s underground vaults), the Winterval Express road train, and horse-drawn sleigh tours.

1.4 million visitors expected across the 2026 programme.

Trader/vendor applications: organisers actively seek artisan makers, crafters and food producers for the Christmas Market. Apply via hello@winterval.ie.

Source: https://www.winterval.ie/ (official, confirmed dates) ; https://happyirishwanderers.com/winterval-waterford/