Waterford Will Be ‘European City of Christmas’

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.

The International Jury, chaired by Danuta Hübner, Member of the European Parliament, and comprised of Íñigo Méndez de Vigo, Francisco Fonseca Murillo, Marisol Garmendia, Ainhoa García Jabonero, Massimo Ruggero, Mercedes Guillamón, and assisted by the president of Christmas Cities Network, Alberto Gutiérrez Alberca, congratulated Waterford on “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, citing:

“The City of Waterford is an extraordinary jewel of Christmas harmony and aesthetics and represents values such as solidarity, which lies with the local communities, as well as a strong commitment to its heritage as a hallmark of identity, material and above all immaterial and culture.”

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

In addition to this award, Brno (Czech Republic) has been awarded the European Christmas Capital title, while special mention was 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 a ceremony in Madrid in early January 2024.