Christmas events 2023

Loughc

The perfect place to let us know of all upcoming Christmas events.

Loughc

I’ve never been but I’m dying to go!! maybe this year!

Posy

I'd recommend it! It's a great night, and they give out homemade mince pies and mulled wine in the interval. 😁

pigtail33

I see it advertised every year and want to go every year, but have never made it. I imagine it to be pretty magical.

Smell the glove

That would be amazing.

Smell the glove

☃️❄️🌲🎁🎅🕯️🤶🦌

Smell the glove

Seen his Christmas show a couple of times but unfortunately he doesn't do it in Waterford anymore. I can tell you it is 100% worth going to.

https://www.vladimirmusic.com/#christmas

A cup of te

I loved my trip to Waterford so much last December for Winterval that I'm going to do the same this year. I went out to Tramore one of the days too. Am I the only person that loves seaside towns in winter? The slots were all open and they had old skool Christmas window painting on all the windows. Had a spin on the Waterford eye and it was just perfect. Cannot wait to visit beautiful Waterford again.

Smell the glove

If you plan on going to Tramore again make sure you visit the Japanese Gardens winter garden Christmas lights display. It's a fantastic big Japanese style gardens that they decide at Christmas. Make sure you book early though!

https://youtu.be/JevBUD2RgT4

A cup of te

Have heard of that and I think your video has sold it for me :) I'll try get that in too! Cannot wait to visit again. Mind you I need to call down some weekend before the summer is over and get a spin on the waltzers! Summer isn't summer for me without that. Old habits die hard ;)

CheerLouth

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120970761#Comment_120970761

I was just coming in here to ask if anyone would recommend Winterval? Was looking at the price of Christmas experiences near us & they are mad money, I like the idea of a trip away

A cup of te

CheerLouth, I absolutely would recommend it but I would say everything seems to open at the weekend as in all of the stalls and carnival etc so if you're staying over make one of the days a Saturday would be my tip. The port of waterford Eye and the ice skating and a local market thing were open during the week but the street stalls weren't. That little market was lovely, don't know the name of the building it was in and whether it was even part of winterval but it was in this building down a bit from Guineys I think and I got handmade chocolate, jams, decorations as gifts and for myself and it was top quality stuff but, yeah, make one of the days Saturday.

Smell the glove

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120982151#Comment_120982151

That would be the Garter Lane market. Think that's a handmade craft market. On the weekends there's also carol singing etc . As it gets closer to the big day more things are open but you are spot on, weekend is the best time to go.

A cup of te

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120983298#Comment_120983298

That's spot on. Glad I know the name of it now. Just looked it up and that is indeed the building. It had really lovely items and handmade goods are always more expensive but this was good value. In general much better value to be had all around to be honest in the city compared to where i am. I loved the peace and quiet of the weekday but I was also really surprised at how around 6pm everyone vanished! I live closer to Dublin and it's just people, people, people everywhere which gets really headwrecking at times here so I just loved the calmness and quietness but it was also a tad eerie that everyone disappeared so early in the evening. I also went end of Nov/start of Dec so closer to Christmas I'd say it really ramps up. I'm planning to make it a partial weekend trip this year if I can. Looking forward to it.

CheerLouth

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120982151#Comment_120982151

Top tips - I was thinking of going on a Thursday/Friday, but maybe we'll look at Saturday or a Sunday now...will chat to Mr. CL; although he has Bah Humbug tendencies at this time of the year if I mention Christmas so might need to just book it & spring it on him closer to the time.

Loughc

Love Actually in concert.

Loughc

One for the doggies.

tscul32

Can't say I'm not tempted. Local to us too.

Loughc

This sounds amazing.

Loughc

Another Santa event

Loughc

And another

Loughc

arnotts Santa tickets go on sale October 27th.

Smell the glove

https://winterval.ie/event/home-alone-with-live-score-by-national-symphony-orchestra

This looks interesting.

pigtail33

Wild Lights is coming back to Dublin Zoo...

Dublin Zoo has announced the return of the much loved night-time exhibit, which sees displays of silk lanterns decorating the zoo.

This year’s theme, ‘The Enchanted Zoo’ will also feature a gnome village and a dreamlike candy land for visitors to the event, which will open to the public on November 16.

The colourful display will see visitors greeted by an enchanted Wizard and invited to choose their own pathways to explore first.

Opening next month, the event will run from 5pm to 9pm every day, except for Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and St Stephen’s Day

Tickets go on sale tomorrow, October 5, at 11am. Prices are €24.50 for adults and €20 for children. Tickets for children under three are free of charge but they must have a pre-booked ticket.

Those who hold an annual pass for Dublin Zoo can avail of a special rate of €22.50 for adults and €18 for children.

airy fairy

Wild lights....

It's so expensive for a family. If the weather isn't great it's awful.

What's even worse, is ticket prices could be reduced if they stopped handing over free tickets to every influencer and anyone with a name, who can, for the most part, afford tickets, the likes of PippaO Connor et all.

pigtail33

I've never been to Wild Lights, but I went to Wonderlights in Malahide Castle a few years ago and thought that was pretty expensive for what it is. It was 2021 and there were very few events on, so it was a treat to go to anything! I'm sure there's a booking fee on top of the ticket prices quoted, so it's €100 for a family of 4 and as you said, the weather could be absolute muck.

The Davestator

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121193632#Comment_121193632

We went last year and I thought it was dreadful for the price. Kids were bored fairly quickly. Never again.

Loughc

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121194017#Comment_121194017

I did Wonderlights last year as well and I was disappointed how short it was. It was icy cold the night we went but not raining but every where was soaked. That's Irish weather for you!

DvB

Did wild lights at Dublin zoo the last 2 years and whilst we enjoyed it and were lucky with the weather we agreed we were done with it and wouldn't bother again. It's kind of a case where if you've seen one you've seen em all.

Andrew93

We done the wild lights in the zoo the last 2 years and also malahide castle and was completely underwhelmed by both, especially for the price. Will not be going again this year.

looksee

Any suggestions for a Christmas Market? - more things and gifts than food. Its hard to tell from the list on line which ones are local village hall ones and which are bigger markets. Not Dublin or Waterford (can pop down to the Waterford one with no fuss!). Thinking maybe of the Milk Market in Limerick?

noplacehere

Heading to Belfast the weekend before Christmas. We are heading to the Ulster Folk park for the Saturday for their Christmas event. I’d love to go to the Belfast markets but we’ve an autistic lad and I’m told they can be manic on the weekends.

Has anyone been to any Christmas Carol event that’s not too long, suitable for kids but not manic and loud? He does like music but I’ve been nervous of the traditional Carol services in churches because they can be absolutely wedged. We’re in north Kildare and can travel into Meath or Dublin if anyone has any suggestions

tscul32

The National Concert Hall usually has a few carol things, could be pricey but at least you'll have your own seats.

odyssey06

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121296450#Comment_121296450

Good shout especially if you can get the assigned seats in the upper level along the sides - the side balcony (not the choir balcony).

You're sitting in a section of about 20.

Either that or an aisle seat in main seating sections.

noplacehere

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121297437#Comment_121297437

That’s a brilliant tip thanks so much

Mehaffey1

Family looking at travelling to the Wonderlights. Looking to know which would be better, Malahide Castle or the Zoo?

Seemingly average reviews on either from those that have been in this thread.

Hairy123

I was at Wonderlights in Malahide Castle a few years ago and do not recommend it. It was totally overpriced! This was during COVID too so generally any experience seemed great after the lockdowns but this was still crap! I'm going to try Merrion Square this year. You need to book a ticket but it's only a nominal fee to it book it. I'm going to go to the Gingerman pub for food and soak up the Christmas atmosphere there the same day.

noplacehere

We did the wild lights sensory night in the zoo last year and mine liked it. We’re going back this year. However I have heard the ‘normal’ evenings can be busy

Theres a cute little lights garden in Ballina Mayo currently free, we checked it out last weekend

We managed to get tickets for Merrion square on the 22nd this year. Hoping it goes ok as it may end up being a bit intense in town for our neurodiverse family but fingers crossed we can get a bit of atmosphere without the overwhelm

pigtail33

Wonderlights at Malahide Castle mustn't be selling very well. I got the following in an e-mail from them

25% off visits Monday-Friday.

Valid up until the 21st of December.

Enter Code: BLACKFRIDAY25

Offers end at midnight Monday 27th November 2023. Ensure to use correct code at checkout.

Hopefully it'll be useful to someone... A few have said it's quite overpriced as is.

noplacehere

We did the Zoo sensory night. Highly recommended for anyone with additional needs who struggles with crowds. We were there for opening at 515 and managed until 630 which is brilliant for us. Very friendly staff and room to breathe

Loughc

🏆 The BIG NEWS - Waterford has been awarded the European City of Christmas 2024 🎉

We are beyond delighted to announce that the International Jury of the European Capital and City of Christmas 2024 competition has unanimously voted to award the European City of Christmas 2024 title to WATERFORD CITY! 🏆🎉

And you know what that means - 2024 is going to be SPECTACULAR! 🔥✨

Winterval 2024 promises to be the biggest Festival EVER hosted in Waterford, with over 700,000 visitors anticipated, which will showcase the true meaning of an Irish Christmas, focusing on family and togetherness, communities and connectedness through arts, culture, food and entertainment.

This award is a testament to the Waterford business community, the Winterval team, our sponsors and the festival's volunteers backed by Waterford City and County Council. Not forgetting the fine people of Waterford City, who every year welcome visitors from near and far to Ireland's biggest Christmas festival. 

We can't think of better news to send is into the last week of Winterval 2023, LET'S CELEBRATE, Winterval style! 🎉🏆

We'd like to thank the The International Jury at the European Capital of Christmas, chaired by Danuta Hübner, Member of the European Parliament, and comprised of Mr Íñigo Méndez de Vigo, Mr Francisco Fonseca Murillo, Ms Marisol Garmendia, Ms Ainhoa García Jabonero, Mr Massimo Ruggero, Ms Mercedes Guillamón, assisted by the president of Christmas Cities Network, Alberto Gutiérrez Alberca for this award, we promise to do you proud in 2024 🏆

#europeancapitalofchristmas #winterval #waterford 

Waterford City and County Council 

European Capital of Christmas

Loughc

2024 will be a good year to go visit winterval.

Posy

Ooh, I'm glad now I put off going until next year. They can really pull out all the stops now for my visit. 😄

Loughc

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121496739#Comment_121496739

They’d be a fool not to roll out the red carpet for you! Might plan a visit myself for next year.

Posy

Sure with both of us going, it's only right that they up their festive game. 😄

Loughc

Yeah I’m sold on this.

Loughc

http://www.facebook.com/share/Y6hBAZo3qvnGgob1/?mibextid=WC7FNe

Elftown in the RDS. Announcing ticket sales already.