Ireland’s largest Christmas festival, and now the European City of Christmas, will return to Waterford in November and December for its 13th year with an even bigger and more festive program. Waterford, Ireland’s oldest city, will once again be transformed into a magical Winterval wonderland as it welcomes 1.8 unique festival visitors throughout its 21-day celebration.
Presented by Waterford City and County Council, Winterval 2025 will feature many beloved attractions, exciting new events, and enchanting reimaginings of festival favorites. As the European City of Christmas, the event will offer a world of holiday celebrations, magical experiences, festive family attractions, seasonal surprises, and a variety of free and ticketed events for all ages.
Winterval will run on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from November 21st to December 23rd, 2025.
Santa is coming back to Winterval
Santa’s Grotto is one of the shining highlights of Winterval, returning to Waterford’s historic underground vaults for 2025, where children can step into Santa’s enchanting Christmas kingdom. From the moment little visitors arrive, they are greeted by cheerful elves, who guide them through a twinkling wonderland filled with festive surprises, sparkling decorations, and the gentle scent of cinnamon and pine.
Inside the grotto, children can meet Santa himself, share their Christmas wishes, and pose for magical photos in a truly immersive festive setting. The experience also includes a special play area designed to delight all senses: soft, colourful toys, tactile activities, and interactive features ensure younger guests have endless fun while exploring Santa’s world.
Tickets for Santa’s Grotto are now on sale. Families are encouraged to book early, as tickets often sell out quickly, guaranteeing every child the chance to experience the joy, wonder, and magic of meeting Santa in this unforgettable setting.
* Also available – Sensory Santa @ Winterval – See booking link for more details
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1. Winterval Illuminates
2. Drone Show
3. Winterval On Ice
4. The Winterval Christmas Market
5. The Winterval Circus
6. Glow Fairylight Garden
7. Visit Santa @ Winterval
8. Mini Express Train
9. Panto – Jack & The Beanstalk
10. Panto – Cinderella
11. Snowball Play Fun
12. Gingerbread Making
13. Santa’s Giant Disco Postbox
14. The Snowball Stage
15. Winterval Christchurch Live – Francis Black
16. Winterval Christchurch Live – Pa Sheehey
17. Winterval Christchurch Live – Susan O’Neil
18. Churchyard Sessions – The Knockadollys
19. Churchyard Sessions – The Poppa Zitas
20. Churchyard Karaoke Igloo
21. K-POP Demon Hunters Sing Along Tribute
22. Choral Trail: Brahms ‘A German Requiem’
23. Choral Trail: Lyons Club Appeal Orchestral & Choral Concert
24. Choral Trail: Lumina Christmas Concert
25. Choral Trail: Massed Choirs
26. Choral Trail: Olde Worlde Choir
27. Viking Storytelling
28. Movie @ The Reg
29. The Elves Workshop
30. Winterval Official Opening & Turning on of Christmas Lights
31. Santa’s Magical Sleigh Ride, Virtual Reality
32. City Fairground
33. Viking Elf Trail
34. Draw Your Hero: The Elf Saves Christmas
35. WAMA Wreath Making Craft Workshops
36. Conscious Crafting For Adults
37. Conscious Crafting For All The Family
38. Polish Christmas Village
39. Port of Waterford Eye
40. WCQ Market
41. Garter Lane Craft Fair
42. Mirror Magic at the Apple Market
43. Suircon
44. Deise Medieval
45. Blue Light Showcase
46. Tractor Parade
47. Jingle Bells Cycle
48. Buskaid
49. Waterford Treasure Children’s Christmas Trail
50. Enjoy Christmas at Bishops Palace (Bridgerton Tour)
51. The Santa Cruise, on the Barrow Princess
52. Rotary Tree
53. Giving Tree
54. Tasteful Tours
55. Winterval Official Late Nite Club
56. Primary School Workshops
57. Walkabout Acts (Bubbles The Elf / Seaweed Girl / Dancing Santa / Elf Mascots / Olde Worle Choir
58. Winterval Photo Orienteering
Further details of the 2025 Winterval Festival programme will be revealed over the coming weeks, for now, details on the Santa experience can be viewed and reservations made at www.winterval.ie
