The annual New Year's Eve Waterford Winterval celebration takes place in Waterford, Ireland.
Winterval is a winter festival held in the city of Waterford, Ireland. Its program has included seasonal markets, family activities, performances, and a New Year's Eve celebration. The event is part of Waterford's broader effort to present the city as a destination during the Christmas and New Year period.
Waterford is Ireland's oldest city, traditionally founded by Vikings in 914. That history gives the festival a setting with strong medieval and maritime associations. Winterval events have used locations around the historic city center and the waterfront, helping connect contemporary entertainment with the city's heritage.
The festival's name is sometimes mistaken for the name of a town or a permanent attraction. It is a seasonal event brand, and its schedule can change between editions. Waterford should also not be confused with County Waterford as a whole: the main festival identity is tied to the city.