Christmas lights, market and ice-skating to kick-off Winterval festival in Waterford
A beautiful Christmas light display will fill Waterford city with colour and fun this evening
Waterford’s highly-anticipated Winterval Festival gets underway this evening, counting down to Christmas with a number of exciting and festive events.
To kick start Winterval, a light-up ceremony will light up Waterford with bright colour and fun at 6pm this evening.
Everyone is highly encouraged to come down and watch the beautiful display in the heart of the city.
Gather with family and friends as the Mayor of Waterford City & County, together with Santa Claus, helps switch on the city's festive lights and marks the start of another magical Winterval season.
The celebrations start at 5:30pm with festive entertainment, music, and plenty of Christmas cheer.
The best viewing location for the ceremony is Broad Street & John Roberts Square, where visitors can enjoy the atmosphere and join in the countdown as the city is transformed into a sparkling Christmas wonderland.
Meanwhile, the Winterval Christmas Markets will open from 2pm until 8pm.
Santa's Giant Disco Postbox will be bopping every half hour until 8pm in The Apple Market.
Also starting today is ice skating, which will be running until 9pm on The Quay.
This free family event is the perfect way to kick off the Christmas season and celebrate the opening of Ireland's largest Christmas festival.
No tickets are required, you and your family can simply come along and be part of the magic.
A wheelchair accessible viewing area will be available by Carters Chocolate Café for the Christmas light up event.
There are plenty of parking options within walking distance of Winterval, including:
• City Square Car Park
• Clock Tower Car Park
• Merchants Quay Car Park
• Clyde Wharf Car Park
• Waterside Car Park
• Millars Marsh Car Park
• Bolton Street Car Park
• The Glen Multi-storey Car Park
• Railway Square Car Park
People are advised to give plenty of time to park, explore the Winterval Christmas Markets, enjoy the entertainment and soak up all the festive atmosphere before the big switch-on.