Waterford becomes European City of Christmas for 2024

The European Capital and City jury said: 'Waterford represents the ultimate expression of creative culture thanks to the great work done with its illuminations and markets'

Winterval, Ireland’s biggest Christmas festival, will form the basis for Waterford as the European City of Christmas 2024. File photo: Patrick Browne

Waterford has been named the 2024 European City of Christmas after an international jury described it as an “extraordinary jewel of harmony and aesthetics".

The jury of the European Capital and City of Christmas 2024 competition has unanimously voted to award the title to Waterford City.

The jury, chaired by Danuta Hübner, a member of the European Parliament, congratulated the city for “the high level of the projects presented, their proposals, and the commitment of these cities to the European values of Christmas". 

The judging panel was impressed with Waterford City and County Council’s submission which it said represents values such as solidarity, as well as a strong commitment to its heritage as a hallmark of identity.

“Waterford represents the ultimate expression of creative culture thanks to the great work done with its illuminations and markets," the jury said. 

"Just as the streets become the perfect setting when associations, tourists and neighbours come together in a Christmas experience with its own identity.” 

Winterval, Ireland’s biggest Christmas festival, will form the basis for Waterford as the European City of Christmas 2024.

Mayor of Waterford Joe Conway said that since its inception in 2012, Winterval has grown to become a must-see Christmas festival.

“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.” 

Mayor of Waterford Joe Conway said that since its inception in 2012, Winterval has grown to become a must-see Christmas festival.

The directors of the Winterval Festival, John Grubb and Trevor Darmody, paid tribute to the business community, the Winterval festival team and volunteers, backed by Waterford City and County Council, for the incredibly hard work to deliver a magical winter wonderland.

“This award also means that the 2024 festival will be even extra special next year and planning for that is already underway.” 

Waterford City is now in the company of previous winning cities, including Liège, Torrejón de Ardoz, Genoa, San Sebastián, and Valkenburg.

Also picking up awards this year was Brno (Czech Republic), which has been awarded the European Christmas Capital title, while special mention was also given to the small municipality of Almaza (Spain) with less 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 next month.