If you've been meaning to get down to Winterval in Waterford with the kids but haven't quite managed it yet, listen up. The festival is now open every single day until December 23rd, and honestly? This final week is when the magic really peaks.
With Christmas looming large and the school holidays officially underway, there's something lovely about bundling everyone into the car for a proper festive day out. Waterford transforms completely during Winterval, and if you're trying to tick off that "make Christmas memories" box on your mental to-do list (somewhere between wrapping presents and remembering to defrost the ham), this might be your best bet.
Music, Markets and All the Festive Feels
The festival runs daily until 8pm on December 23rd, which gives families a decent window to explore without turning into total chaos. The streets, squares and historic corners of Ireland's oldest city are decked out with light installations, Christmas markets and all sorts of entertainment that'll keep the kids happily distracted.
On Friday 19 December, there's a special treat for anyone who fancies a bit of grown-up culture. Irish singer-songwriter Susan O'Neill is performing at Christ Church Cathedral, and with limited seating it's shaping up to be one of those intimate concerts you'll actually remember. Probably one to organise the babysitter for, mind you.
A festive waterfront scene with a glowing Ferris wheel at twilight.
Panto, Carols and a Bit of Viking History
For proper family fun, the pantomime Jack and the Beanstalk has opened at the SETU Arena and runs right through until December 30th. The cast includes Danny O'Carroll as Dame Mother Hen, which alone is worth the ticket price if your crew enjoys a good panto villain and plenty of audience participation. It's the kind of show where everyone leaves buzzing and repeating the jokes for days afterwards.
The cast of Jack and the Beanstalk pantomime in full costume.
If your kids are into history (or you just fancy something a bit different), Déise Medieval is on Sunday 21 December. Think Viking Waterford brought to life with crafts and demonstrations. It's one of those experiences that sneaks a bit of learning into the day without anyone really noticing.
Victorian carolers bring festive cheer with candlelit performances.
The Olde Worlde Choir will be making their final performances too, adding that traditional carolling soundtrack you'd expect from a proper Irish Christmas festival. There's something about hearing carols drift through cobbled streets that just hits differently.
The Countdown to Christmas
On Monday 22 December, BuskAid takes over the city centre with live music supporting Tinteán Housing. It builds up to the Big Busk finale at the Apple Market, and it's become one of those lovely community moments where the whole city feels connected. Your kids might even recognise a few local musicians if you're from the area.
Beyond the headline events there's loads to keep everyone occupied. The Winterval Circus under the Big Top runs cosy one-hour shows that won't exhaust littler ones. The Christmas Market trail winds from Michael Street through to Hanover Street, perfect for picking up last-minute stocking fillers or just soaking up the atmosphere with a hot chocolate in hand.
Glow in New Street Gardens offers a sensory-friendly light experience each evening, which is brilliant if you've got children who find the busier market areas a bit overwhelming. Meanwhile Waterford On Ice, the funfair and the Port of Waterford Eye add that extra sparkle (and yes, the skating rink runs into January if you miss it this time).
Trevor Darmody, Winterval's Festival Director, shared that almost 800,000 people have enjoyed the festival this year. "We are thrilled to welcome even more visitors over the remaining six days as we lead into Christmas," he said. "The support for the festival, the city and our local businesses has been phenomenal."
The festival wraps up on Tuesday 23 December with Lumina: A Christmas Concert at the Franciscan Friary. It's a reflective way to close things out before the real madness of Christmas Eve begins.
With just six days left and no extensions planned, this is genuinely your last chance to experience Ireland's largest Christmas festival before the big day arrives. Full details and tickets are available at winterval.ie.
