Despite starting in 2004, Belfast Christmas Market has become one of the largest winter events in Northern Ireland, attracting over 1 million visitors annually to its 100 chalets.
Let’s start with the 2024 dates, followed by all the details to help you plan your visit.
Belfast Christmas Market 2024
Dates – Confirmed
Belfast Christmas Market dates: 16th November to 22nd December 2024 (confirmed).
Update: Dates were announced in July. Sign up for our newsletter for future updates.
Source: Dates are obtained directly from the organiser’s website, available here.
Plan Your Visit
Location and Times
Location: Belfast City Hall, Donegall Square.
Opening times:
Monday to Wednesday: 10am to 8pm.
Thursday to Saturday: 10am to 10pm.
Sunday: 1pm to 6pm.
Bars close 1 hour later, except Sundays.
Christmas Day: Closed.
Travel and Accommodation
Recommended tour: Take a tour with a local tax driver in this popular Political Taxi Tour of Belfast.
Public transport: Take the Glider to May Street. Buses run every 8 minutes.
Parking: Please take public transport to help limit congestion. Park & Ride services are available.
Where to stay: Ten Square Hotel is a popular hotel located directly across from Belfast City Hall.
Amenities and Attractions
Admission: Free, no tickets required.
Christmas lights: Yes, switch on date: Saturday, 16th November (confirmed).
Santa: Yes.
Ice skating: Yes, there is a covered ice skating rink.
Reason to visit: Take your pick from more than 100 Christmas chalets, have a drink at the famous beer tent and don’t miss the German gluhwein direct from the Mosel Valley.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian: Yes, plenty of options.
Vegan: Yes, plenty of options.
Gluten-free: Limited. Ask individual vendors, but beware of cross-contamination.
Food specialities: French crepes, Dutch pancakes, Belgian chocolates and Spanish paella.
Accessibility
Accessible: Yes.
Pet-friendly: Yes, dogs are allowed on a lead.
Convenient Hotels
Belfast has a compact city centre stretching from the Grand Opera House to Waterfront Hall, with Belfast City Hall between the two. This is the best area to stay. It’s easily walkable, and there are regular bus services.
I suggest staying at the Ten Square Hotel, which is located directly across from Belfast City Hall.
Interesting Tours
The Political Taxi Tour is one of the most popular and interesting tours in Belfast. It showcases the city’s history surrounding the Troubles.
Alternatively, a food tour can provide an opportunity to learn about the local culture through their diverse cuisine. This food tour blends a walking food tour with street art.
Plan your winter break with my UK Christmas Markets List or this Irish Christmas Markets List.
Event Location
Wrapped up your Christmas visit? We’d love to hear about your experience. Share your story and tag photos with #UltimateChristmasMarkets on social media.
What to Expect
With over 100 chalets, the market has a wide selection of unique and traditional items, making it the perfect place to shop for holiday gifts or to treat yourself.
This year there will be additional vegetarian and vegan food choices. Make sure to visit and enjoy the lights, decorations, window displays, and street performances.
Food Specialties
A good portion of the food at the market stalls is supplied by the nearby St George’s Market, a beloved Belfast institution. Keep an eye out for your favourite vendors as you wander through the festival.
- Mince pies: Small, sweet dried fruit pies.
- Christmas pudding: The classic, dense pudding made with dried fruit and spices.
- Bratwurst: Germany’s famous sausage is typically grilled and served in a bun with and condiments.
- Crepes: Both sweet and savoury are available.
- Churros: Have the simple version coated in sugar or with a side of hot chocolate or caramel sauce.
- Belgian waffles: Crispy, light waffles served with the toppings of your choice.
- Goulash: Hearty Hungarian stew with paprika.
- Poffertjes: Bite-sized Dutch pancakes flavoured with butter and powdered sugar.
- Paella: Often with seafood, but vegetarian options are available.
- Gluhwein: Mulled wine from the Mosel Valley.
What to Buy
- Pottery and ceramics: Find gifts that include bowls, vases and mugs.
- Traditional decorations: Such as baubles, ornaments, lights and wreaths.
- Unique jewellery: Locally made items crafted from a variety of materials, such as wood, glass and metal.
- Local art and prints: From local artists featuring scenes from Belfast and Northern Ireland.
- Handmade toys: You can find puzzles, figurines and games.
- Fashion: Designers and makers from Northern Ireland.
Responsible Travel Tips
- Shop mindfully by purchasing only what you really need. Consider buying locally-made products and gifts that support the local economy.
- To get around the city, you can walk, cycle, or use public transport. Thanks to the increasing number of protected bike lanes, cycling is safe and convenient.
- Stay in a sustainable hotel that uses renewable energy sources or supports local environmental initiatives.
- Avoid using plastic or purchasing items made or packaged with plastic. Bring a reusable bag, water bottle, and food container.
- Try to eat locally sourced organic food where possible, thereby supporting local farmers.
- Limit your consumption of meat and dairy, which can have a significant environmental impact.
- Explore more than just the main tourist areas. Belfast has many hidden gems and neighbourhoods waiting to be explored.
- Support the arts and attend local events. Belfast has a vibrant arts scene, with many galleries, theatres, and music venues to enjoy.
Please comment below if you want to leave a review of the Xmas market.
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Recommendations are independently chosen based on personal travel experiences and extensive research. While we make every effort to provide accurate information, the dates and details listed here should not be relied upon. Please consult the official website before booking your trip or planning a visit.
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