Waterford has been announced as the European City of Christmas with the 2024 Winterval Festival Programme. The festival will offer a host of festivities in the city from November 15th.
The events will kick off at the November 15 ceremony at 6.00pm where Santa will switch on the Christmas lights. On November 16 the Winterval Parade will be held to officially declare the European City of Christmas title, and will feature a special effects display from the roof of the Bishop’s Palace.
Other events that will feature at the festival include Snow Play, a snow centre where people can enjoy some snow play and throw some snowballs, an Igloo Dome offering a 5D experience with audiences travelling through time inside and a Circus Museum which will be on offer at City Hall’s Large Room. There will also be a Monster Truck and stunt show in Ireland’s largest circus tent.
Staples of the Winterval Festival such as the Winterval ice rink, lightshow and fairground will also be making an appearance. For older audiences, there will be a wide variety of gigs at The Winterval Big Top Live. Some acts include Gavin James, Mick Flannery, Stereo MC’s and EMF.
The Jack & Jills Children’s Foundation Christmas Market at Winterval will span from O’Connell Street through to George’s Street and into John Robert’s Square. The market will offer over 80 vendors with various gifts such as wooden toys, knitted wares, hand-crafted candles and art.
Winterval Festival Directors John Grubb and Trevor Darmody said, “2024 is a milestone year for Winterval and Waterford. As the Mayor says, it is the first year of the celebration of our European title and while that has certainly added some pressure on us at Winterval to deliver more, it was a task that we relished. We took a look at what was happening at other festivals globally but also at what our beautiful ancient city could offer and we have come up with a programme that brings the two together. There are some wonderful and quirky events, held in some of our incredible and unique historic spaces. This year’s programme is fun-filled and light-hearted offering escapism and joy for all ages.”
Winterval in Waterford will be running from November 15 to December 23. For more information visit www.winterval.ie
