Things to do in Waterford in December

When is your trip?

Navigate forward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.

Navigate backward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.

Looking for a different month?

Overview

December is a good time to visit Waterford. The weather is usually cold and breezy, with temperatures ranging from 41—48°F (5—9°C). There are plenty of events to check out and activities to try in Waterford during this time. Some of our top recommendations: take a scenic drive along the Copper Coast Geopark, visit the Waterford Winterval Christmas Market, take a horse-drawn carriage ride through the city, and more!

Waterford has plenty to offer for visitors of all ages and interests. In this article, we tell you the top things to see and do for your December trip to Waterford. Get inspired by the events, activities, attractions, and experiences unique to December. We’ll let you know where to explore events based on your interests, whether that’s food, culture, art, music, sport or others.

We’ll let you know everything you need to prepare for the weather in Waterford in December. Learn about what to wear and pack for your trip, the average temperatures throughout December, temperature changes from morning to evening and much more.

Visiting Waterford? See our Waterford Trip Planner.
I'll never travel to Waterford without this trip planner again
Learn more
Don't take our word for it
Slide 1 of 6

Best events and things to do in Waterford in December

Top experiences in December
Take a scenic drive along the Copper Coast Geopark
The Copper Coast Geopark is a stunning stretch of coastline that is renowned for its natural beauty and geological significance. In December, the rugged cliffs, sandy beaches, and dramatic seascapes of the Copper Coast are even more breathtaking, with the added charm of festive decorations and twinkling lights. Taking a scenic drive along the Copper Coast Geopark is a wonderful way to experience the wild and rugged beauty of the Irish coast while enjoying the festive atmosphere of the season.
Visit the Waterford Winterval Christmas Market
The Winterval Christmas Market in Waterford is a magical experience in December. The market is filled with festive stalls selling handmade crafts, delicious food, and unique gifts. There are also funfair rides, an ice rink, and a giant Ferris wheel to enjoy. The atmosphere is lively and cheerful, with carol singers and street performers adding to the festive spirit. It's the perfect place to pick up some Christmas presents and soak up the holiday atmosphere.
Take a horse-drawn carriage ride through the city
In December, Waterford is transformed into a winter wonderland, and one of the best ways to experience the festive atmosphere is by taking a horse-drawn carriage ride through the city. Snuggle up under a warm blanket and enjoy a leisurely tour of the beautifully decorated streets, taking in the twinkling lights and festive decorations. It's a romantic and enchanting way to see the city and create lasting memories of your visit to Waterford.
Sample some traditional Irish Christmas treats at a local bakery
Ireland has a rich tradition of festive baking, and in December, local bakeries in Waterford are filled with delicious Christmas treats. From mince pies and Christmas pudding to festive cakes and cookies, there's no shortage of mouth-watering goodies to indulge in. Visiting a local bakery and sampling these traditional Irish treats is a delightful way to experience the flavors of the season and get into the holiday spirit.
Take a festive stroll along the Waterford Greenway
The Waterford Greenway is a beautiful walking and cycling trail that stretches for 46 kilometers through stunning countryside and along the coast. In December, the Greenway is transformed into a winter wonderland, with twinkling lights, festive decorations, and Christmas music creating a magical atmosphere. It's the perfect way to get some fresh air and exercise while enjoying the festive season.
I'll never travel to Waterford without this trip planner again
Learn more
Holidays in Waterford in December
December
  • Christmas Eve (December 24)
  • Christmas Day (December 25)
  • St. Stephen's Day (December 26)
  • New Year's Eve (December 31)
Other notable holidays
I'll never travel to Waterford without this trip planner again
Learn more

Weather in Waterford in December

Temperatures on an average day in Waterford in December

The average temperature in Waterford in December for a typical day ranges from a high of 48°F (9°C) to a low of 41°F (5°C). Some would describe it as cold and breezy.

For comparison, the hottest month in Waterford, July, has days with highs of 65°F (18°C) and lows of 54°F (12°C). The coldest month, February has days with highs of 47°F (8°C) and lows of 39°F (4°C). This graph shows how an average day looks like in Waterford in December based on historical data.

Visiting Waterford? See our Waterford Trip Planner.

Historical temperature average in December
48°F
highs
41°F
lows

General weather summary

Cold and breezy
Feels like
45%
Chance of rain
0.160 in
Amount
22.2 mph
Wind speed
93%
Humidity
7.8 hrs
Daylight length
8:28 AM
Sunrise
4:17 PM
Sunset
29%
Cloud cover
Jacket
What to wear
What to wear in December
With an average high of 48°F (9°C) and a low of 41°F (5°C), it generally feels cold and breezy. There might also be a small chance of rain. With that in mind, most people would dress in something warm like a jacket and remember to bring an umbrella
I'll never travel to Waterford without this trip planner again
Learn more

Best attractions for Waterford in December

Besides the array of exciting events and activities Waterford has to offer for travelers in December, we want to remind you of the classic attractions in Waterford that are great to visit at this time of the year as well! You can’t miss these iconic landmarks, local favorites, and places rich with cultural heritage. We hope to give you insights and inspiration into the best things to see and do to make the most of your visit. Here is a list of our top attractions in Waterford for December.
House of Waterford
1. House of Waterford
4.5
(4096)
Visitor Centers
Guided factory tours of the high-end crystal makers with a large store selling their products.
Waterford Treasures: Medieval Museum (Treasures of Medieval Waterford)
2. Waterford Treasures: Medieval Museum (Treasures of Medieval Waterford)
4.6
(859)
Museum
Specialty Museums
Striking museum housing a 13th-c. choristers' hall & 15th-c. wine vault, with costumed reenactments.
Reginald's Tower
3. Reginald's Tower
4.6
(479)
Museum
Civic Centers
Circular 13th-century waterside defence tower with a large collection of archaeological artefacts.
Waterford Treasures: Bishop's Palace (Treasures of Georgian Waterford)
4. Waterford Treasures: Bishop's Palace (Treasures of Georgian Waterford)
4.7
(152)
Museum
Architectural Buildings
Historic palace offering tours by costumed guides & local artifacts dating to the 17th century.
Waterford Greenway
5. Waterford Greenway
4.8
(64)
Outdoor Activities
Biking Trails
Ireland’s longest greenway, this 46km hike & bike trail runs past castles & a Viking settlement.
Mount Congreve Gardens
6. Mount Congreve Gardens
4.7
(776)
Botanical garden
Nature & Parks
Formal historic garden & woodlands open seasonally, with a plant shop selling coffee & ice cream.
The Viking Triangle
7. The Viking Triangle
Sights & Landmarks
Points of Interest & Landmarks
By the River Suir, the compact Viking Triangle is where cobblestone lanes lined with townhomes, shops, and cafes surround relics from the city's Viking, Norman and medieval past. The Waterford Viking Museum lies in the 13th-century Reginald's Tower, beside a full-sized Viking longboat replica. Close by, the stately Bishop's Palace showcases 1600s artifacts, while the House of Waterford Crystal offers factory tours.
King Of The Vikings
8. King Of The Vikings
4.7
(400)
Cultural center
Museums
Christ Church Cathedral, Church of Ireland
9. Christ Church Cathedral, Church of Ireland
4.5
(211)
Cathedral
Sights & Landmarks
Elegant, neoclassical Georgian-style cathedral with an ornate stained-glass window & a gift shop.
Cathedral of the Most Holy Trinity Within
10. Cathedral of the Most Holy Trinity Within
4.8
(122)
Catholic cathedral
Sights & Landmarks
Grand, restored Catholic cathedral built in 1793 with a 19th-century organ & 10 crystal chandeliers.
Kilcohan Park Greyhound Stadium
11. Kilcohan Park Greyhound Stadium
4.5
(356)
Stadium
Fun & Games
AIB Bank
12. AIB Bank
3.6
(43)
Bank
Sights & Landmarks
Edmund Rice Heritage Centre
13. Edmund Rice Heritage Centre
4.6
(123)
Visitor center
Sights & Landmarks
Theatre Royal Waterford
14. Theatre Royal Waterford
4.7
(709)
Performing arts theater
Concerts & Shows
Georgian theatre hosting amateur productions as well as dance, music and drama on national tours.
Waterford Nature Park
15. Waterford Nature Park
4.6
(184)
Park
Nature & Parks
Thomas Francis Meagher Statue
16. Thomas Francis Meagher Statue
4.3
(11)
Statuary
Sights & Landmarks

Top searches in Waterford

Slide 1 of 1

Looking for day-by-day itineraries in Waterford?

Get inspired for your trip to Waterford with our curated itineraries that are jam-packed with popular attractions everyday! Check them out here:

Planning a trip to Waterford?
Save all the best places to visit with WanderlogDownload the travel planning app everyone's been raving about
  • Itinerary + map in one view
  • Live collaboration
  • Auto-import hotels and reservations
  • Optimize your route
  • Offline access on mobile
  • Optimize your route
  • See time and distance between all your places
Learn more
Get the iOS app from the App Store
Get the Android app from Google Play