The biggest Christmas festival in the country kicked off last night when Santa switched on 100,000 festive lights in Waterford City.

Up to half a million visitors are expected in the south-east later this month when the country’s largest Christmas festival gets under way.

Winterval kickedoff the festive season last night when Santa delivered a giant ice block to artists at Waterford Crystal, who will transform it into a set of seasonal sculptures.

The final week of the inaugural 24-day Winterval festival in Waterford is under way, with thousands of visitors expected as the city goes into full festive mode.