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Celebrating The Season!

 

Christmas is upon us and the festivities have kicked off here in Waterford!

2020 has been the year of the unexpected, but that doesn't mean Christmas is cancelled! There are plenty of safe, outdoor festive events throughout Waterford that are sure to get you in the Christmas spirit and enjoying the most wonderful time of the year!

 

Winterval 

Winterval is in full swing and the city is lit up by an array of beautiful lights and displays. It's the perfect place to wander and take in the festive sights, visit the Windows of Winterval and take a trip on the Big Wheel! - check out our Winterval blog here.

There's also other Christmas themed outdoor events happening throughout the county! 

 

 

Christmas at The Coastguard

 

The Coastguard Station in Tramore is located along the Doneraile clifftop where it has stood for over 150 years as protector and rescuer for the town and surrounding coastline. It offers unparalleled views overlooking Tramore Bay and the promenade and this year visitors can experience Christmas at the Coastguard! The gardens have been lit up with an array of stunning festive light displays to shine a light of hope at the end of what has been a challenging year.

As well as the beautiful light displays, visitors can browse the Christmas Craft Market cabins in the courtyard. The market is showcasing the wide selection of creative work being produced locally – meet the makers and purchase a homemade, local Christmas gift. The gift-wrapping station is available at select times over the weekend.

 

 

Inside the Coastguard Station, you can browse more beautiful artwork and craft pieces from Sinead Boyle Photography and Lady Alchemy / Linda Rice Ceramics as well as Lupita de Bhail Art in the upstairs gallery. Grab a hot chocolate and crepe in the café and take in the lovely festive atmosphere. Christmas at The Coastguard is running Wednesday – Sunday until the 22nd December. Visit their Facebook page and website coastguardculturalcentre.ie and coastguardcreatives.ie for more details on this lovely festive family outing!

 

 

The Enchanted Gardens

 

The Lafcadio Hearn Japanese Gardens in Tramore have been transformed into the beautiful 'Enchanted Gardens' for their annual winter lights event now in it's fifth year! Visitors will be mesmerized by the stunning sea of sparkling lights; animal sculptures and dramatic tree and foliage light displays that create this wonderful Winter Wonderland. This year the gardens theme is ‘Waterford Shines’ – a tribute to the great effort made by frontline staff and the people of Waterford during 2020.

 

 

Visitors will follow the path around the 1.5 acres of garden in a one-way system and may even be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of the Winter Fairy whom dwells in the gardens Japanese Ceremonial Teahouse! Takeaway drinks such as hot chocolate and Gluwein are available to enjoy while taking in the twinkling sights. The event is suitable for all ages – for more details and booking information visit lafcadiohearngardens.com.

 

          

 

The Festive Forest

 

The Festive Forest in Dungarvan is the first ever drive-thru Santa Adventure in the region, offering families a magical experience from the safety of their own cars! As visitors begin their journey, they will be first greeted by elves at the check-in booths before starting their adventure along the winding forest road. Along the way, witness plenty of dazzling light displays, Santa's sorting office, The Elves' Toy Workshop as well as Santa's Grotto and his reindeer! As visitors approach each attraction, they may roll down their car windows to witness their surroundings and see the experience as it comes to life. The Festive Forest journey takes about 30 minutes and the event will run until the 23rd of Decmeber. For further details and ticket availablility visit festiveforest.ie

 

 

 Kringletown Christmas Village

 

Located along the Waterford Greenway at Coach House Coffee in Kilmacthomas, Kringletown is a magical Christmas Experience for all the family! Visit the Christmas market stalls, pop in to the 'K.Kringle Christmas Emporium' for all of your Christmas decorating needs, hop on the Christmas Carousel and of course visit santa Claus himself at the Kringletown Santa Experience. As you explore the Christmas Village, treat yourself to some hot chocolate, mulled wine and festive sweet treats while taking in the warm festive atmosphere. Tickets are limited - visit Kringletown.ie for details!