Winterval Festival in Waterford 2023 will host a traditional early Viking settlement mounted by Déise Medieval, Waterford’s society for living history and medieval combat.
It is free to enter and will showcase daily life and crafts from Viking times. A newly opened community and cultural space, WCQ Place on O’Connell Street, will be hosting Lego workshops and entertainment events for children throughout the festival. Crafts from the Waterford Cultural Quarter will be available for sale at the Winterval Market in Hanover Street, showcasing diverse cultures.
The festival begins with a Christmas Parade on November 17th, followed by the switching on of the city’s Christmas lights, marking the start of festivities in Waterford.
Winterval Festival will run until December 23rd and will offer a variety of family activities including an ice rink, vintage Ferris wheel, carousel, Port of Waterford Eye, mini Express train, Elf workshops, Polish Christmas, and various shows and exhibitions. Santa will be located at a gingerbread house in Michael Street.
Free events include a talking postbox, GLOW garden, light shows, Viking Elf trail hunt, storytelling sessions, and a music stage.
Waterford City and County Council, along with local and international businesses, are supporting Winterval.
