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.
Winterval, Ireland’s biggest Christmas festival, will form the basis for Waterford as the European City of Christmas 2024.
Winterval
As Ireland’s first dedicated Christmas festival, created by Waterford City and County Council in partnership with local stakeholders in 2012, annually, the festival has attracted, on average, 500,000 visitors throughout its six-week calendar.
Winterval 2024 will be the biggest festival hosted in Waterford, with over 700,000 visitors anticipated, showcasing the true meaning of an Irish Christmas, focusing on family and togetherness, communities and connectedness, through arts, culture, food and entertainment.
‘Best In Class’
“Since its inception in 2012, Winterval has grown to become Ireland’s favourite Christmas festival, with an abundance of Christmas magic, festive family favourites, and seasonal surprises,” said the Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr Joe Conway.
“Its success stems from several factors, which include local-authority funding and commitment, strong stakeholder engagement, and a festival team that has a flair for bringing the most festive, wonder-filled and engaging events to the streets of Waterford.
“Being recognised and awarded such a prestigious title as the European City of Christmas is a wonderful testament to Waterford of Christmases past and how Waterford is best in class when it comes to embracing the magic of Christmas.”
International Jury
In addition to this award, Brno (Czechia) has been awarded the European Christmas Capital title, while special mention was given to the small municipality of Almaza (Spain), with fewer than 600 inhabitants.
The international jury of the European Capital and City will officially present Waterford with the award and title at an awards ceremony in Madrid in early January 2024.
