Waterford shines at Christmas: Winterval 2024 attracts 1.8 million visitors
Waterford shines with Winterval 2024, a record-breaking edition that attracted 1.8 million visitors and positioned the city among Europe’s top Christmas destinations and setting an all-time record and establishing the city as a must-see festive destination
Waterford shines with Winterval 2024, a record-breaking edition that attracted 1.8 million visitors and positioned the city among Europe’s top Christmas destinations and setting an all-time record and establishing the city as a must-see festive destination in Europe.
Thanks to an advanced Smart City system, which counts unique visitors using mobile devices, Waterford City and County Council were able to accurately measure the festival’s reach and, as a result, confirm that the attendance targets for 2024 were not only met but even exceeded!
A magical festival for everyone
Festival directors John Grubb and Trevor Darmody shared their enthusiasm:
«Our goal was to create a magical Christmas festival that was accessible to everyone, with evening events such as the Winterval Big Top Live concerts, and the results speak for themselves. Even the storms couldn’t dampen the visitors’ spirits. We are grateful to everyone who came to celebrate with us and to our sponsors, who made this success possible.»
The festival began on 15 November and ran for 11 weekends. As a result, attendance doubled compared to 2023. In addition, ticket sales increased for all events. About 3% of visitors were international. They mainly came from the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, the United States, France, and Spain. Meanwhile, the remaining 97% were from Ireland, with the southeast region and Dublin standing out.
Boost for the local economy
The economic impact of Winterval was also felt in the hotel and retail sectors:
53,000 visitors stayed overnight in the city, ensuring occupancy and profits for hotels and restaurants.
Local businesses such as The Book Centre and George’s Court highlighted the festival as a key driver for attracting customers and enhancing the Christmas experience.
Tina Darrer, from Dooley’s Hotel, added:
“Winterval and the title of European City of Christmas have put our city in the spotlight during the festive season, attracting both regular visitors and new tourists from across Europe and the US. The festival experience ensures that Waterford remains a must-visit destination during the winter.”
Unprecedented digital and media presence
Winterval attracted more than 3 million unique visits to its website and social media. In addition, it received coverage from national and international media such as The Irish Independent, The Scotsman, Dream Escapes, and Vagabond Magazine. As a result, Waterford has consolidated its image as a top Christmas destination in Europe.
With Winterval 2024, Waterford not only broke records but also showed its ability to create an unforgettable Christmas experience. Furthermore, this success lays the foundations for future growth and ensures that the city remains a leading Christmas destination.
Learn more about the success of Winterval 2024 on the official Waterford Council website here.