WINTERVAL makes Grand OPENING with the Christmas Parade, Amazing Pyrotechnics Display, and Christmas Lights Illumination. Winterval, Ireland’s largest Christmas festival officially opened in Waterford City on Friday with the traditional turning on of the Christmas Lights by Mayor of Waterford City & County Cllr. Jason Murphy, and of course Santa. In front of a huge crowd by the Helter Skelter Christmas slide and Winterval main stage on Broadstreet, the festival kicked off with the Waterford Academy of Music & Arts, and TheatreBox Stage School & Dance Academy. WLR's Dymphna Nugent was officiating over proceedings where she interviewed Waterford's Mayor Cllr. Jason Murphy as 2024 sees Waterford City hold the title of European City of Christmas. The evening's main event, however, was up to the man in red, Mr. Claus, as Santa himself made a special appearance to turn on the Winterval Christmas lights.

To celebrate Waterford winning the European City of Christmas 2024, Winterval partied in style on Saturday evening with 'The Winterval Christmas Parade' and spectacular Pyrotechnics. The parade route started in Johnstown, onto Johns Street, and turned left onto Parnell Street finally making its way to the Mall. With Waterford Treasures: The Bishop's Palace serving as an amazing backdrop to a spectacular Pyrotechnics display in front of a huge crowd.