What will the Advent markets be like in Belfast? Program and important information in one place

The Christmas markets in Belfast are a great opportunity to experience the magic of Christmas in the heart of Northern Ireland.

During the holidays, the area around Belfast City Hall, Belfast’s town hall, is transformed into a Christmas village full of lights and stalls selling handicrafts and traditional Christmas treats. 

Enjoy a program that includes a variety of fun activities for children and adults.

Belfast Christmas Markets

You will experience a unique Christmas in Belfast, thanks to stalls offering a wide selection of delicacies from around the world, including local Northern Irish specialties.

Here, you can buy a variety of gifts for your loved ones, such as decorations or handmade art products that you won’t find anywhere else.

Have a lot of fun and whisper your innermost wishes into Santa Claus’s ear, which may make them come true.

Leeds Christmas Markets will return to the city this November after their big-bang return in 2023. Read our article and experience the magic of a Leeds Christmas Market!

Advent Markets in Donegall Square North

Now entering its 20th year, the Belfast Christmas Market first arrived in the city in 2004 and has gone from strength to strength since.

Over 1,000,000 people were expected to have attended last year’s event, with over 40,000 visitors alone passing through the stalls on the opening weekend.

When and where will everything take place?

Belfast will start its Christmas celebrations on Saturday, November 16th, with a switch-on event from 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm. The stage program will feature walkabout performers entertaining the audience at three entrances: Donegall Place, Donegall Square East, and Donegall Square West.

16. 11. – 22. 12. 2024

Belfast City Hall and Christmas Village

The Belfast Christmas Market 2024 format tends to follow the same format each year – in a nutshell, you can expect stalls selling festive gifts and crafts, plenty of sweet and savory foods, and a beer tent.

The main part of Belfast’s Christmas markets takes place outside Belfast City Hall, which is beautifully lit and decorated. Right next to this building, you will find dozens of stands where you can buy gifts for your loved ones. You can delight them with handicrafts and Christmas decorations. You can also buy various delicacies from all over the world.

Delicious Food

If you’re looking for a festive meal, head to the outdoor food court at the Belfast Christmas Markets. You’ll find a wide variety of options to enjoy. The food court offers cuisine from over 32 different nationalities. You can expect everything from crepes and pancakes to ostrich, wild boar, and crocodile burgers. If you prefer a sit-down meal, you will for sure find many restaurants nearby.

source: secretbelfast.com

Family Activities and Must-See Attractions

The Belfast Christmas Market features various funfair attractions that cater to visitors of all ages.

One of the most popular attractions is the whimsical carousel, which offers a nostalgic ride, allowing guests to escape the hustle and bustle of the market and recapture the magic of yesteryears.

In addition to the carousel, the market offers other attractions, including:

  • The vintage Helter Skelter ride, providing a unique panoramic view of the market before enjoying a thrilling slide down.
  • Santa’s Grotto, where families can create lasting memories.
  • Glühwein – It isn’t a Christmas without some Glühwein! Visitors can grab a ‘Hug in a mug’  from Germany’s award-winning Kochem vineyard. There’s usually an alcohol-free mulled wine option, too.
  • The Beer tent – Lavery’s had a beer tent at the market last year, and it proved to be popular. However, it can get busy.
source: belfasttelegraph.co.uk

One of the most interesting aspects of the Belfast Christmas Market is its commitment to inclusivity. There is a “calm room” designed to assist visitors with autism or other disabilities. This space allows them to enjoy the market away from the crowds, bright lights, and excess noise, creating a truly magical experience for everyone!

Unique Finds at Christmas Market

The Belfast Christmas Market is a place that also has many unique handmade items. As you walk through the shining stalls, you’ll find a great selection of crafts and decorations for the holiday season.

Local artisans showcase their work, providing shoppers with:

  • Unique and personal items
  • One-of-a-kind crafts
  • Handmade decorations
  • Bespoke gifts

See in the video below and get inspired on how the Christmas Market in Belfast looks like:

Belfast City Hall and Christmas Market

Things to Do in Belfast in Winter

The Belfast Christmas Market is a fantastic place to visit, but once you’ve explored it, you might want to find more festive activities.

Fortunately, Belfast is filled with winter attractions that will keep the Christmas spirit alive.

Before you leave the market, consider taking a tour of Belfast City Hall. Not only is it a beautiful building, but it also has a fascinating history, and you’ll already be right in front of it.

If you’re looking for something fun and inexpensive to do, try ice skating at the Dundonald International Ice Bowl. This popular venue is enjoyed by both locals and tourists. It’s a great family-friendly attraction, and there’s also a bowling alley nearby if you want to combine both activities in one day.

source: visitbelfast.com

Why not catch a show at the Grand Opera House? Located in the city center, the Opera House hosts a variety of performances, and during the Christmas season, they put on a delightful pantomime, providing excellent holiday entertainment.

Lastly, if you’re still in the mood for more Christmas markets, there are additional options outside the city center. You will need to drive to reach them, but if you haven’t completed your shopping at the Belfast Christmas Market, you can explore others! Rowallane Garden and Hillsborough Fort are great places to visit. Additionally, St. George’s Market in Belfast sometimes hosts a Christmas Fair as well.

Visit the Christmas markets in Belfast and let yourself be enchanted by its unique festive atmosphere. While walking between the stalls, full of gifts and goodies, you can warm up with mulled wine or hot cider and walk to the ice rink, where you can have a lot of fun with friends and family.

Dublin features several Christmas markets that are definitely worth visiting.

Milan & Ondra

We simply enjoy Christmas. On the Vionacedarceky.sk website, we want to show you the best recipes, decorations and information about Christmas in one place. Are we missing something here? Let us know and get inspired with us! :)

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