10 Things to Do in Belfast at Christmas

One of the best times of the year to visit Belfast is at Christmas, when the combination of snow, Christmas decorations and festive spirit give it a special charm. That's why one of the best things to do in Belfast at Christmas is to explore its neighborhoods, streets, markets and squares, both day and night.

Some of the must-see places at Christmas are The Entries, the network of narrow streets whose decoration will surprise you; and the City Hall market, one of the most traditional and picturesque in the country. In this article I will tell you about these and other proposals, so you can make the most of your Christmas stay in the city.

One of the best times to taste traditional Belfast food is on Christmas and New Year's Eve. This is the ideal time for you to take a stroll through the city's neighborhoods and discover the different aromas wafting from the street food stalls and restaurants.

Taking a culinary stroll is one of the best tours to do in Belfast at Christmas because, in addition to tasting the best dishes, you will be able to enjoy a colorful and illuminated atmosphere for the holidays. Some of the favorite dishes of the locals to celebrate Christmas Eve and Christmas are smoked salmon, spiced veal and slats with cheeses like Cashel blue and smoked gubbeb.

In addition, the Christmas season in Belfast is ideal for you to try glühwein, a spiced mulled wine and coffee with Irish whiskey, to counteract the cold of winter. Nor can you miss the craft beer, a drink with a long tradition in this city. A special place where you can try these drinks and typical foods is in The Entries, a network of narrow streets where the best pubs in Belfast are located.

But if you do not want to leave the city without trying the most typical foods, you can join a gastronomic tour with a local expert, and enjoy tastings of typical foods, snacks and traditional drinks of Northern Ireland.

At the beginning of December, on Christmas and New Year's Eve, or even a little before, the Christmas markets in Belfast start to operate. The most prominent and oldest in Northern Ireland is the City Hall Square market, which will surprise you when the lights are turned on and you can appreciate their Christmas decorations.

If you are looking for original gifts to give to your family and friends, or want to take a souvenir of your stay in Belfast, in the City Hall markets you will find gifts, crafts and Christmas decorations. In addition, you can taste the most delicious local products, such as cheeses, chocolates, Irish coffee and sweets. You will also find food from all over the world, such as pizzas, sausages and paellas.

The Belfast Christmas Market is one of the best places to go with children, as at Christmas they will be able to see Santa Claus and enjoy games and entertainment designed especially for them. These are located in the market and also in the adjacent streets.

A good way to get to these markets in Belfast, in addition to buses and public cabs, are the tourist buses, which offer full day passes so you can move around the main attractions of the city comfortably and with informative commentary on board during the tour.

Interesting facts

• Days and hours: from 10 a.m. every day. Operates from mid-November to December 22 approximately.
• Location: City Hall Square. Donegall Square N, Belfast BT1 5GS, United Kingdom.
• Admission: free of charge.

Christmas time is a great time for you to visit the Titanic Museum in Belfast, which hosts a variety of events including black tie parties for adults and games and entertainment options for children. Located on the site where the ship was designed, this museum is one of the most visited attractions in the United Kingdom, where you can learn all about this ship.

From the end of November, events for the little ones start to take place in this museum, which include the presence of Santa Claus, reindeer and elves, as well as a very nice decoration with Christmas trees. Children can participate in different games, such as the classic game of writing to Santa, or do didactic activities related to the history of the Titanic and Christmas. You can also go to listen to carol concerts or participate in raffles with surprise prizes for families.

It is certainly a good idea to visit at sunset, when the Christmas lights are turned on and the museum shines on the skyline of Belfast, which may be covered with snow. It is a building that stands out for its modern architecture, inspired by the shape of a ship, and one of the most beautiful in the city. If you are planning your trip to this city at Christmas, do not forget to book your ticket to the Titanic Museum in advance, as it is usually in high demand at this time of year.

Interesting facts

• Address: 1 Olympic Road, Wy, Belfast BT3 9EP, United Kingdom.
• Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. this time of year.
• Admission fee: around 30 EUR for adults and around 13 EUR for children and teenagers between 5 and 15 years old. Includes entrance to the SS Nomadic pier.

Christmas is a special time in Ireland, when all its cities have something enchanting to offer, and Belfast could not be the exception. That is why it is an ideal time for you to take a walk around the city and see how the streets are decorated with Christmas decorations, lights and Christmas trees. If you take a guided tour of Belfast, you can see many of these sites, while learning about the local culture and history.

Undoubtedly, one of the most recommended places to walk in Belfast is The Entries, a series of narrow streets that at Christmas are filled with lights and Christmas trees, with proposals for guaranteed fun. One of the most beautiful alleys is Joy's Entry, where the magic of Christmas unfolds in every corner. The Entries is located in the Cathedral Quarter, near the Town Hall.

Another place you can visit is St. George's Market, where the hanging lights and festive dolls on the stalls make it an enchanting space. You can also go to the Town Hall Square, where you will see a huge Christmas tree and decorations that complement the festive spirit of the Christmas market that is set up there every year.

It is also very interesting that you undertake a night walk along the maritime mile, which is located in Titanic Quarter. Besides admiring the modern illumination of the Titanic Museum, you will be able to see the coast of Belfast with its old ships, illuminated in a very special way. Undoubtedly, these night tours are one of the best things to do in Belfast at Christmas, but don't forget to dress warmly, as it is winter time in Belfast.

Belfast Castle, located about six kilometers from the city center, is a very interesting place to visit at Christmas, as from the beginning of December there are guided night tours of the Castle for the festive season. There you can appreciate the panoramic view of Belfast illuminated by Christmas lights, while tasting coffees, teas and traditional cakes.

The castle is located on one of the slopes of Cave Hill and has a privileged view of the illuminated city during Christmas and New Year. Throughout the year the entrance is free and allows you access to all corners of the castle, but in December there are usually special Christmas tours with professional guides who tell you the famous legends that have it as a protagonist.

The visit to this castle is included in the 3-day itineraries through Belfast, as it is one of the most emblematic buildings in the country. It is also a place where you can try traditional Christmas meals during the holidays and a tavern where you can taste local craft beers. If you visit this place, don't forget to visit the stairs at the back of the castle.

Interesting facts

• Hours: daily from 9 am to 10 pm, and Sundays from 9 am to 6 pm.
• Location: Antrim Rd, Belfast BT15 5GR, United Kingdom.
• Admission: free. The guided tour is around 4 or 5 € per person.

Belfast is a city that stands out for having some of the most praised pubs and bars by visitors, and for its long tradition in the brewing of craft beers. That is why one of the best things to do at Christmas is to visit its most picturesque pubs and taste the traditional drinks of Northern Ireland. It is an ideal tour during Christmas and New Year, when the festive atmosphere of any city invites you to celebrate.

You can start your tour through The Entries, the network of narrow streets that are covered with Christmas decorations and lights, forming colorful and charming galleries. In these streets you will find the most typical pubs of Belfast, where you can go to have a craft beer or an Irish coffee, while enjoying the amazing decorations of these bars.

Some of the most traditional pubs in The Entries are White's Tabern, which was licensed in 1680; The Crown Liquor Saloon, an 1826 pub with exquisite Victorian decor; and The Duke of York, perhaps one of the most celebrated and photographed pubs in the city.

There are other pubs popular for their Christmas decorations in other parts of the city, such as The Maverick, which stands out for its Christmas shows; or Club Kremlin, where there are often shows involving Santa Claus, reindeer and even elves. Another option are the guided mobile pub tours in Belfast, which take you to the best pubs and ensure a different and entertaining experience on wheels.

St. George's Market is one of the oldest and most traditional markets in the city, where you can find fresh local food such as fish, fruit and vegetables, as well as crafts of all kinds, clothes, books and antiques.

At Christmas time, the market is not to be missed because of its warm lighting and the festive dolls that are seen in all the stalls. This is when the Christmas decorations and the cheerful atmosphere invite you to buy some Christmas souvenirs or gifts for your loved ones. And being covered, it will provide a haven from the December cold in this city.

St. George's is a very old market, which is always included in one-day itineraries in Belfast. It was built between 1890 and 1896, but its origins are even older, as the Friday market has been in operation since the 1600s. It is also the only Victorian-style covered market in the city.

If you visit at Christmas, note that the variety market, where you will find food and all kinds of gifts, operates on Fridays and Sundays, and that on Saturdays the market is more dedicated to food from local producers and gardening. And if you are interested in learning more about its history, the best thing to do is to join a guided tour with an expert local guide, who will take you to see the main attractions of the city.

Interesting facts

• Location: 12 East Bridge St, Belfast BT1 3NQ, United Kingdom.
• Days and hours: Fridays from 6am to 2pm, Saturdays from 9am to 3:30pm and Sundays from 10am to 4pm.
• Admission fee: free of charge

The Dock is a different kind of cafe in the Titanic Quarter area, which adopts a special Christmas decoration for the holidays. But the most interesting thing about this bar is that it works only with donations and you can even bring your own food to enjoy in its comfortable facilities.

If you prefer to take advantage of the proposals of the place, you can take infusions such as coffee and tea accompanied by cakes, pies and scones, or a nice hot soup. Nothing on The Dock 's menu is priced, as it is left to the generosity of the customers. If you're one of those people looking to do good deeds at Christmas, you'll love visiting this cafe.

The bar was built from the ground up with donations from the community, who contributed everything from furniture to shipyard memorabilia. It is run by a local church and has no employees, but volunteers who contribute their labor. It is located about 20 minutes from downtown and has a lovely view of the Lagan River.

Interesting facts

• Location: 2K Queens Rd, Belfast BT3 9DT, UK.
• Days and hours: Tuesday to Saturday from 11 am to 4 pm.
• Admission: free of charge.

The Christmas season is a good time to explore the city's shopping malls and take advantage of the discounts offered by the stores. In addition, in Belfast's shopping malls you can appreciate the Christmas decorations and special events that take place at this time of year, such as concerts and Santa parades.

One of the most outstanding shopping centers is Victoria Square, located in the center of Belfast, which is filled with lights and Christmas decorations very cheerful. In addition, in December it offers entertainment for children, such as taking pictures with Santa. In the shopping you will find fashion stores of major brands, as well as technology and beauty products. Do not miss the dome, which offers one of the most beautiful panoramic views of Belfast.

Another very interesting shopping for its decorations and Christmas activities is the CastleCourt, where you will find fashion stores, technology, toys, sports and much more. It opens its doors with extended opening hours in December, and from mid-November usually organizes a Santa parade, which leaves from City Hall to Royal Avenue. This is the most recommended avenue to buy gifts in Belfast.

You can also go to Queen's Arcade, where you will find luxury stores and other more alternative, ideal if you are looking for more original gifts. This shopping is located in the center of Belfast, in a Victorian building that was built in 1880, which integrates in a very special way with the Christmas decorations and lights.

More information about Belfast

• Victoria Square: 1 Victoria Square, Belfast BT1 4QG, United Kingdom.
• CastleCourt: Royal Ave, Belfast BT1 1DD, United Kingdom.
• Queen's Arcade: Queen's Arcade, Belfast BT1 5FE, United Kingdom.

A place near Belfast that will surprise you with its illuminated gardens and art installations at Christmas time is Hillsborough Castle, located about 20 km from the city. It is one of the best excursions you can make from Belfast at this time of year.

The festive decorations can be seen from early December to early January on selected days. It is usually open from 4 p.m., although the most recommended time to visit is at night, when the lights can be seen in all their splendor. Many people travel to see this castle at Christmas, so I recommend that you book your ticket in advance.

Hillsborough Castle is the home of the Secretary of State of Northern Ireland and a place where the royal family usually stays. It was built in the 18th century, and is noted for its ornamental gardens and art collections. Be sure to check the castle's website to find out about the various events it hosts.

More information about the castle

• Location: The Square, Hillsborough, BT26 6GT.
• Hours: from 4 p.m. on selected days.
• Admission fee: about 22 for adults and about 15 for children. Discounts are available for families.
• How to get there: buses leave from Belfast and arrive in about 1 hour.