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 neighbourhoods, streets, markets and squares, both during the day and at 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 flea market, one of the most traditional and picturesque in the country. In this article I will tell you about these and other proposals, so that you can make the most of your Christmas stay in the city.

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

A culinary stroll is one of the best things to do in Belfast at Christmas, as you'll be able to sample some of the best food and enjoy the colourful, festively lit atmosphere. Some of the locals' favourite dishes to celebrate Christmas Eve and Christmas are smoked salmon, spiced veal and cheese boards with cheeses such as Cashel blue and smoked gubbeb.

Also, Christmas in Belfast is a great time to try glühwein, a spiced mulled wine and Irish whiskey coffee, to counteract the winter chill. Craft beer, a drink with a long tradition in this city, is also not to be missed. A special place where you can try these typical drinks and foods is in The Entries, a network of narrow streets where the best pubs in Belfast are located.

But if you don't 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.

In early December, on Christmas and New Year's Eve, or even a little before, Belfast's Christmas markets get underway. The most prominent and oldest in Northern Ireland is the Town Hall Square market, which will surprise you when the lights are switched on and you can see the Christmas decorations.

If you are looking for original gifts to give to your family and friends, or want to take home a souvenir of your stay in Belfast, you will find gifts, crafts and Christmas decorations at the Town Hall markets. You'll also be able to sample some of the finest local produce, including cheeses, chocolates, Irish coffee and sweets. You'll also find food from all over the world, including pizzas, sausages and paella.

The Belfast Christmas Market is one of the best places to go with children, as at Christmas they can see Father Christmas and enjoy games and entertainment designed especially for them. These can be found in the market and also in the adjacent streets.

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

Useful facts

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

Christmas time is a great time to visit the Titanic Museum in Belfast, which hosts a range 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 UK, where you can find out all about the ship.

From the end of November, events for the little ones start to take place at the museum, including Father Christmas, reindeer and elves, as well as beautifully decorated Christmas trees. Children will be able to participate in different games, such as the classic game of writing to Santa, or do educational activities related to the history of the Titanic and Christmas. You can also go to listen to carol concerts or participate in the raffles with surprise prizes for families.

It is definitely a good idea to visit at sunset, when the Christmas lights are turned on and the museum shines on the Belfast skyline, which may be covered with snow. It's 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 Belfast over Christmas, don't forget to book your ticket to the Titanic Museum in advance, as it tends to be in high demand at this time of year.

Useful facts

• Address: 1 Olympic Road, Wy, Belfast BT3 9EP, UK.
• Opening hours: 10am to 5pm at this time of year.
• Entry fee: around 30 EUR for adults and around 13 EUR for children and teenagers aged 5-15. Includes entry to the SS Nomadic jetty.

Christmas is a special time in Ireland when every city has something enchanting to offer, and Belfast is no exception. So it's a great time to take a stroll 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.

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

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

It is also very interesting to take an evening stroll along the sea mile, which is located in the Titanic Quarter. As well as admiring the modern illumination of the Titanic Museum, you can see Belfast's coastline with its old ships lit up in a very special way. Without a doubt, these night-time tours are one of the best things to do in Belfast at Christmas, but don't forget to wrap up warm as it's winter time in Belfast.

Belfast Castle, located about six kilometres from the city centre, is a great place to visit at Christmas time, with festive guided tours of the Castle at night from the beginning of December. Here you can enjoy a panoramic view of Belfast illuminated by Christmas lights, while sipping traditional coffees, teas and cakes.

The castle is located on the slopes of Cave Hill and has a privileged view of the illuminated city at Christmas and New Year. Entrance is free all year round and gives you access to every corner of the castle, but in December there are often special Christmas tours with professional guides who tell you about the famous legends that feature in the castle.

A visit to the castle is included in a 3-day itinerary around Belfast as it is one of the most iconic buildings in the country. It's also a place where you can sample traditional Christmas foods during the festive season and a pub where you can sample local craft beers. If you visit this place, don't forget to visit the stairs at the back of the castle.

Interesting facts

• Opening hours: daily 9am-10pm, Sunday 9am-6pm.
• Location: Antrim Rd, Belfast BT15 5GR, UK.
• Admission: Free. Guided tour is around €4 or €5 per person.

Belfast is a city noted for having some of the most highly praised pubs and bars by visitors, and for its long tradition of craft beer brewing. That's why one of the best things to do at Christmas time is to visit its quaintest pubs and sample traditional Northern Irish brews. It's an ideal walk during Christmas and New Year, when the festive atmosphere of every city invites you to celebrate.

You can start your tour in The Entries, the network of narrow lanes that are covered with Christmas decorations and lights, forming colourful and charming galleries. These streets are home to Belfast's most typical pubs, where you can go for a craft beer or an Irish coffee, while enjoying the amazing decorations in 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 is noted for its Christmas shows; or Club Kremlin, where there are often shows involving Father Christmas, reindeer and even elves. Another option is Belfast's guided mobile pub tours, which take you to the best pubs and ensure a different and entertaining experience on wheels.

St George's Market is one of the city's oldest and most traditional markets, 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 a must-see for its warm lighting and festive dolls on every stall. This is when the Christmas decorations and the cheerful atmosphere invite you to buy some Christmas souvenirs or gifts for your loved ones. And because it's covered, it's a haven from the December cold in this city.

St. George's is a very old market, which is always included in a day trip to 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're visiting at Christmas, note that the variety market, where you'll find food and gifts of all kinds, runs on Fridays and Sundays, and that on Saturdays the market is more focused on locally produced food and gardening. And if you are interested in getting to know its history in depth, 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, UK.
• Days and times: Fridays from 6am to 2pm, Saturdays from 9am to 3.30pm and Sundays from 10am to 4pm.
• Admission: free

The Dock is a café with a difference in the Titanic Quarter area, adopting a special Christmas décor for the festive season. But the most interesting thing about this bar is that it's donation-only and you can even bring your own food to enjoy in its comfortable facilities.

If you'd prefer to take advantage of the bar's offerings, you can enjoy herbal teas such as coffee and tea accompanied by cakes, tarts 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 a visit to this café.

The pub 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 labour. It is located about 20 minutes from the city centre 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 11am to 4pm.
• Entry fee: free.

The Christmas season is a great time to explore the city's shopping centres and take advantage of the discounts on offer. Belfast's shopping centres also offer Christmas decorations and special events such as concerts and Santa parades.

One of the most prominent shopping centres is Victoria Square, located in the centre of Belfast, which is filled with festive Christmas lights and decorations. In addition, in December it offers entertainment for children, such as taking photos with Santa. In the shopping area, you'll find fashion shops of the big brands, as well as technology and beauty products. Don't miss the dome, which offers one of the most beautiful panoramic views of Belfast.

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

You can also go to Queen's Arcade, where you'll find luxury and alternative shops, ideal if you're looking for more original gifts. This shopping arcade is located in the centre of Belfast, in a Victorian building that was built in 1880, which blends in beautifully with the Christmas decorations and lights.

More information

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

One place near Belfast that will amaze you with its illuminated gardens and art installations at Christmas time is Hillsborough Castle, located about 20km from the city. It's one of the best things to do from Belfast at this time of year.

The festive decorations can be seen from early December until early January on selected days. It is usually open from 4pm, although the best time to visit is at night when the lights can be seen in all their glory. 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 for Northern Ireland and a regular stay for the royal family. 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.
• Opening times: from 4pm on selected days.
• Entry fee: about 22 for adults and 15 for children. Family discounts available.
• How to get there: Buses leave Belfast and arrive in about 1 hour.