Celebrate the festive wonders of Waterford with our ultimate guide. Whether Waterford is your backyard or a new adventure, our guide highlights the best holiday events.
Begin your journey into the holiday spirit with Winterval 2024, a vibrant festival that transforms the heart of Waterford into a winter wonderland filled with holiday cheer. Bring the family and enjoy the joy of skating at Waterford on Ice, where the crisp air and twinkling lights create a magical atmosphere. And the Santa’s Gingerbread House is something you definitely don't want to miss, with delightful treats and craft activities that are sure to engage young ones. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Waterford
- Winterval 2024
- Waterford on Ice
- Christmas Parade
- Santa’s Gingerbread House
- Irish Doctor’s Choir: Home Alone with live score
- GLOW @New Street Gardens
- Lions Club Christmas Concert
- Port of Waterford Eye
- Celebrity Chef, Paul Flynn, Christmas Cookery Demonstration (Arklow)
- Live Music Every Friday at The Dry Dock Bar
See these and even more events listed below!
Waterford Holiday Light Displays
GLOW @New Street Gardens
What to Expect:
Dynamic light and sound show on city buildings
Description:
GLOW @New Street Gardens features a vibrant light show with music and special effects, transforming the city's landscape into a dynamic display of color and sound.
Where: Waterford | More Info: GLOW @New Street Gardens
Waterford Holiday Markets and Shopping
Winterval 2024
What to Expect:
Extensive range of free and ticketed events for all ages.
Description:
Winterval 2024 is Ireland's largest Christmas festival, featuring over 60 events in Waterford, including live performances, Santa visits, ice skating, and festive markets.
Where: Waterford | More Info: Winterval 2024
Waterford Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Christmas Parade
What to Expect:
Colorful procession with festive floats and live music.
Description:
The Christmas Parade in Waterford is a vibrant procession through the city, featuring festive floats, live music, and the arrival of Santa Claus.
Where: Waterford | More Info: Christmas Parade
Irish Doctor’s Choir: Home Alone with live score
What to Expect:
Live orchestral performance of a beloved holiday film.
Description:
The Irish Doctor’s Choir presents a live orchestral accompaniment to the Christmas classic "Home Alone," featuring renowned composer John Williams' charming and delightful score.
Where: Waterford | More Info: Irish Doctor’s Choir: Home Alone with live score
Lions Club Christmas Concert
What to Expect:
35-year tradition of supporting local charity through music.
Description:
The Lions Club Christmas Concert is an annual orchestral and choral event held at the Cathedral of the Most Holy Trinity in Barronstrand Street, Waterford. This 35th-year celebration features orchestra leader Eimear Heeney and conductor Kevin OCarroll, aiming to support local charity Tintean Housing Association.
Where: Waterford | More Info: Lions Club Christmas Concert
Celebrity Chef, Paul Flynn, Christmas Cookery Demonstration
What to Expect:
Expert chef shares favorite holiday recipes.
Description:
Join Celebrity Chef Paul Flynn for an exclusive Christmas Cookery Demonstration, where he will share his expert techniques and favorite recipes to make your holiday season unforgettable.
Where: Arklow | More Info: Celebrity Chef, Paul Flynn, Christmas Cookery Demonstration
Naughty or Nice Christmas Spa Party with Katja Mia
What to Expect:
Expert skincare advice and live Christmas music.
Description:
Join Katja Mia for a Naughty or Nice Christmas Spa Party at Fota Island Resort, where you'll discover whether you're on the Nice or Naughty list. Enjoy expert skincare advice, fantastic prizes, and live Christmas music in a festive celebration.
Where: Fota Island | More Info: Naughty or Nice Christmas Spa Party with Katja Mia
Imagine Arts Festival
What to Expect:
Multidisciplinary arts festival celebrating creativity and cultural enrichment.
Description:
Imagine Arts Festival is a vibrant celebration of artistic expression, cultural diversity, and community engagement in Waterford, Ireland. The festival showcases a diverse array of artistic disciplines, including visual arts, performance, and music, with a focus on collaborations and partnerships.
Where: Waterford | More Info: Imagine Arts Festival
Winterval Choral Events
What to Expect:
Live music performances by local and international artists.
Description:
Winterval Choral Events feature live music performances by local and international artists, creating a harmonious atmosphere perfect for the holiday season.
Where: Waterford | More Info: Winterval Choral Events
Winterval Family Workshops
What to Expect:
Hands-on holiday crafts and activities for kids.
Description:
Winterval Family Workshops offer interactive and creative activities designed for children, fostering holiday spirit and skill-building.
Where: Waterford | More Info: Winterval Family Workshops
Winterval Festive Family Attractions
What to Expect:
Diverse range of interactive and entertaining activities.
Description:
Winterval Festive Family Attractions offer a variety of events including a Christmas parade, snow play, an igloo dome, and a gigantic circus museum, providing something for all ages to enjoy.
Where: Waterford | More Info: Winterval Festive Family Attractions
Waterford Other Holiday Activities
Waterford on Ice
What to Expect:
Ice skating with penguin aids for kids.
Description:
Waterford on Ice offers a 45-minute ice skating experience with penguin skating aids for kids, located in the heart of Waterford City. The rink is part of the Winterval Festival, featuring live music and festive attractions.
Where: Waterford | More Info: Waterford on Ice
Santa’s Gingerbread House
What to Expect:
Interactive gingerbread house with festive activities.
Description:
Explore Santa's Gingerbread House, a delightful holiday attraction where festive traditions come alive with intricate gingerbread structures and joyful activities.
Where: Waterford | More Info: Santa’s Gingerbread House
Port of Waterford Eye
What to Expect:
Iconic landmark with Birdseye vistas over the historic quayside.
Description:
The Port of Waterford Eye is a prominent landmark in Waterford City, offering stunning Birdseye vistas over the twinkling lights of Ireland's Christmas Festival. It is beautifully positioned overlooking the historic quayside and River Suir, making it an iconic attraction during the festive season.
Where: Waterford | More Info: Port of Waterford Eye
Live Music Every Friday at The Dry Dock Bar
What to Expect:
Traditional Irish music sessions in a cozy bar setting.
Description:
Live music every Friday at The Dry Dock Bar offers a lively atmosphere with traditional Irish music, perfect for a relaxing evening.
Where: Waterford | More Info: Live Music Every Friday at The Dry Dock Bar
Samhain Festival
What to Expect:
Shadowy procession inspired by ancient Irish folklore.
Description:
Samhain Festival in Waterford celebrates Ireland's ancient Halloween traditions with a fusion of spooky, spectral, and bewitching events inspired by the 2,000-year-old female vampire An Dearg Dua. The festival includes a stunning shadowy procession, family-friendly concerts, food stalls, tales, and treats.
Where: Waterford | More Info: Samhain Festival
Winterval Seasonal Surprises
What to Expect:
Diverse array of festive family attractions and seasonal surprises.
Description:
Winterval Seasonal Surprises offers a diverse array of events, including festive family attractions, seasonal surprises, and a variety of free and ticketed activities for all ages.