Top 10 Things to Do/See at Winterval 2017
Here’s all the info you need for the Top 10 Things to do and see at Winterval 2017!
Now in its sixth year, Winterval 2017 will return once more as the place magical memories are made. Last year, 650,000 visitors explored the enchanted streets of Waterford to experience the magic of Christmas.
Starting on the 17th of November, Winterval 2017 is back and bigger than ever with 45 different events and over 20 new additions to the sparkling programme. Over half of the exciting activities are free events – as well as a range of great value ticketed events.
This year, Winterval is the perfect destination for some festive fun with your nearest and dearest. Booking tickets in advance is recommended to make the most of your trip to this medieval city. Tickets can be purchased on winterval.ie or through the new Winterval app available on IOS and Android.
There are so many things to see and do at Winterval but we’ve selected our top 10 things to do this year, including new events and some favourites:
1 Santa’s Kingdom
NEW LOCATION: Old Sorting Office, Custom House Quay PRICE: €16.50 per child accompanied by up to two adults €5.00 for each additional adult. DATES & TIMES: Check winterval.ie. Booking essential.
A Christmas festival would be nothing without the man himself and this is another area where Winterval comes up trumps. Santa’s Kingdom is a real treat for all the family with the awestruck amazement in every child’s eye a thing of pure magic.
2 Winterval On Ice
LOCATION: Waterside Car Park, PRICE: BOOKINGS Contact Waterside 0818 919 807 or visit winterval.ie DATES & TIMES: 17 NOV – 14 JAN
Winterval On Ice is back and bigger than ever with a new location at Waterside car park. With a large main rink, a separate kid’s rink and a variety of events, they have something for everyone, making this quintessential Christmas experience a breeze. All sessions last 50 minutes.
3 The Waterford Eye
LOCATION: Merchant’s Quay (Beside Flowers by Lucy) PRICE: Adult. €5
Child (Under 14) €4 Student (with valid student ID) €4 Family deal. (2 Adults and 2 Children Under 14s) €15 TIMES: 17 NOV – 24 DEC, 26 DEC – 7 JAN
The Waterford Eye is a new attraction based on Merchant’s Quay that gives the visitor panoramic views of the medieval city. VIP experiences are also available and include prosecco and non-alcoholic fizz, chocolates and warm blankets.
4 Winterval Illuminates
LOCATION: The Deanery,
Cathedral Square
DATES & TIMES: Winterval Dates
Starts at 17:00 and runs every 30 minutes. Last show at 20.00
Grab a hot chocolate at the Winterval Christmas Market in Cathedral Square and take in the unique and wonderful Winterval Illuminates Christmas light show.
5 Horse Drawn Sleigh
LOCATION: House of Waterford Crystal, The Mall PRICE: Adults €7, Children €6. Book on winterval.ie DATES & TIMES: Winterval dates. Departs every 30 minutes.
Enjoy a trip across the city and through the heart of Winterval on the festive horse drawn sleigh. On your journey take in the Christmas markets and carousel in John Roberts Square, the fabulous new Apple Market Winter Village and onto Winterval on Ice on the Waterside.
6 All That Glistens – On The Mall with Spraoi
LOCATION: The Mall PRICE: FREE DATES & TIMES: 9 DEC – 10 DEC. Evening time.
For the first-time ever, Spraoi will feature at Winterval with a dazzling display over two nights of the festival on the 9th and 10th of December. All That Glistens – On The Mall with Spraoi will treat audiences to a performance from world renowned trapeze artists and dancers and is completely free.
7 The Apple Market Winter Village
LOCATION: The Apple Market PRICE: Free DATES & TIMES: 17 NOV- 31 DEC Mon – Wed 12:00 – 18:00
Thurs – Sat 12:00 – 22:00
Visit the newly developed Apple Market, which will be transformed into a Winter Village packed full of festive lights, free live entertainment, snowball fights and a giant Christmas tree.
8 Winterval Express Train
LOCATION: Broad Street (outside Sam McCauleys)
PRICE: Book online. Adults €6.00 Children €5.00. DATES & TIMES: Winterval dates. Departs every 30 minutes
Jump aboard the Winterval Express Train as it departs from its station on Broad Street. Journey through the heart of the city centre, along The Mall and past Winterval on Ice before enjoying the special Apple Market Winter Village.
9 House of Waterford Crystal Christmas Music Series
LOCATION: House of Waterford PRICE: Free DATES & TIMES: Commences 25-26 NOV DEC. Final weekend 16-17 DEC. SAT and SUN 13:00 – 15:00
Experience the spirit of Christmas in the magical setting of Waterford Crystal with many of Waterford’s local artists and choirs including piano recitals.
10 Elves Workshop
LOCATION: Lombard Street PRICE: €5 per person/child. Family of 4 is €15.
DATES & TIMES: 24 NOV – 17 DEC (Weekends only)
FRI 17:00-20:00 | SAT 10:00-18:00 (Closed 13:00-14:00) | SUN 13:00-18:00
Become an elf for a day and make cookies, art and crafts, help prepare the orders and visit Santa’s bedroom. Come for a festive fun and an unforgettable, unique Christmas experience for all the family.
