Although Belfast Christmas Market only began in 2004, it’s now one of the biggest winter events in Northern Ireland with more than 1 million people visiting each year. Located at City Hall Gardens, it’s an open central area ideal for hosting the 100 chalets. The festive market has wonderful Christmas gifts, decorations and top-quality Christmas fare. In this guide, you’ll find the latest dates and opening times for 2022.
The grand opening of the Christmas market takes place from 6pm on Saturday 19th November. Stop by to see the Christmas lights, window animations and street entertainment.
Belfast Christmas Market 2022
At the Christmas markets in Belfast, you can expect to find local Belfast specialties but also gifts and products from around the world. Much of the local food is provided by nearby St George’s Market so look out for your favourite traders while you’re there.
Belfast Christmas Market dates: 19th November to 22nd December 2022.
Opening times: 10am except on Sundays when the market opens at 12 noon. Monday to Wednesday closes at 8pm, Friday and Saturday closes at 10pm, Sunday closes at 6pm.
Location: Belfast City Hall, Donegall Square.
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 Hug in a Mugof, a German gluhwein direct from the Mosel Valley.
Recommended tour: Take a tour with a local tax driver in this popular Political Taxi Tour of Belfast.
Specialities: French crepes, Dutch pancakes, Belgian chocolates, Spanish paella are some of the classic European foods you can sample. Mulled wine, hot cider, local beer and hot choclate are all immensely popular at the markets.
Where to stay: Ten Square Hotel is a popular hotel located directly across the road from Belfast City Hall.
Hotels near Belfast Christmas Market
Belfast has a compact city centre that stretches from the Grand Opera House to Waterfront Hall with Belfast City Hall located between the two. This area is easily walkable but there are regular bus services if you find that easier.
I suggest staying at Ten Square Hotel as it’s located directly across from Belfast City Hall, the location of the main Christmas market.
Alternatively, my guide to hotels near Belfast Christmas Market lists several well-located hotels covering all budgets.
Location of Belfast Christmas Market
After a quiet couple of years, many people are deciding to travel this year. Plan your Christmas break with my list of the best UK Christmas markets for 2022. Discover where to go, things to do and the best ways to experience UK food, history and culture.
Visit Belfast has information regarding events and the best ways to experience Belfast at Christmas. You’ll also find tips for things to do in winter, museums, unique attractions and interesting tours like the Derry Girls Tour.
Sustainable Travel Tips
The choices we make have an environmental and social impact on the places we visit. Try to implement these responsible travel measures when visiting the Christmas markets.
- Shop mindfully. Only purchase what you really need.
- Walk, cycle and use public transport to get around.
- Stay in a sustainable hotel powered by renewable energy.
- Avoid using plastic or buying items made or packaged with plastic.
- Try to eat locally sourced organic food where possible.
- Limit your consumption of meat and dairy.
- Be open to diverse cultures and experiences.
- Explore more than just the main tourist areas.
- Support the arts and attend local events.
- Visit fewer places but stay longer at each destination.
FAQ
19th November to 22nd December 2022.
The Christmas market opens at 10am except on Sundays when it opens at 12 noon.
The Christmas market closes at 8pm from Monday to Wednesday, 10pm on Friday and Saturday and 6pm on Sundays.
The Christmas lights are switched on at the opening event on Saturday 19th November 2022 starting at 6pm.
If you would like to leave a review of Belfast Xmas Market, feel free to comment below.
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Recommendations are independently chosen based on personal travel experiences and extensive research. This post contains affiliate links to hotels and tours in Belfast, Northern Ireland. This means I get a small commission from any bookings at no extra cost to you.
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