Christmas is one of the most magical times of the year and Belfast doesn’t let us down when it comes to the festive season. The streets are full of beautiful lights, Christmas events and lots of pubs and restaurant here also do special Christmas themed food and drinks to get you in the holiday spirit. Belfast at Christmas is a very festive and happy place with lots of shopping outlets to pick out the perfect gifts for your friends and family. You can’t go wrong with a trip to Belfast this Christmas!

Best Things you Shouldn’t Miss this Christmas in Belfast:

A Trip to the Continental Market at Belfast City Hall

Every year from 17th of November to the 22nd of December the highly anticipated Continental Market comes to Belfast. It has turned into a Belfast Christmas tradition that marks the beginning of the festive season for many people living here. The Continental Market has lots to offer visitors. A variety of stalls that sell food, drink, crafts and more from all over.

Food is always a popular feature at the market where you can try some of the most delicious foods from around the world. From the always popular German burgers and hot dogs to traditional Mexican food to delicious ice cream from Hungary. There are so many amazing options that you’ll want to come back a few times just to try them all.

The other popular features at the Belfast Christmas market are the beer tents, it’ll be hard to even get a seat because they are that busy. Best to arrive early and beat the crowds and try some of the popular German beer or special mulled wine on offer.

Overall the market is an essential visit every Christmas in Belfast and don’t worry if you miss it this year as it will be back next year and hopefully many more years to come.

Catch a Belfast Giant’s Game

If you’re looking to have some fun this Christmas in Belfast, then we can’t recommend enough a trip to the SSE Arena to watch the Belfast Giants play. In the last few years, Ice Hockey in Belfast has really taken off and the Giant’s now have a huge fan following.

Around the Christmas period, they play a lot of their home games and it’s pretty easy to get some tickets. It offers a great fun-filled evening for all your family and friends. From the excitement of the game and the atmosphere at the SSE arena, you’ll not want to miss out.

 Head to the Cathedral Quarter in Belfast

Christmas in Belfast is a lively time in the city and you’ll find many people heading to the Cathedral Quarter to enjoy a Christmas drink and its brilliant atmosphere. Some of the best bars and restaurants are located in this area from the Harp Bar, the National, Dirty Onion and the Spaniard.

Cathedral Quarter is always buzzing, full of people and with great bars to suit whatever style you’re looking for. From traditional pubs to modern bars and nightclubs its the place to head this Christmas and new years.

There is also a great selection of restaurants in this area where you can enjoy some great food from the House of Zen offering amazing Chinese food to 2Taps where you can try traditional Spanish tapas and wine.

The Amazing MAC Theatre is also located in the Cathedral Quarter which is one of Europe’s leading art centres. You could take a visit over the Christmas period and check out the brilliant art and exhibitions they have on offer.  They might even have a few theatre productions on that you can watch and enjoy.

Visit the Titanic Museum

While in Belfast this Christmas why not head to the worlds leading Titanic Museum and Visitors Centre. It offers a great experience for you to learn about an important part of Northern Irelands historic past. Explore the history of the famous Titanic ship, the shipbuilding industry and more through nine interactive galleries.

Over the Christmas period, there are many fun and festive activities held at the Titanic Museum for people to enjoy including festive Afternoon Tea and an exciting New Years Eve Party. Check out their website for more information.

 A Trip to St. George’s Market 

Christmas in Belfast wouldn’t be complete without a trip to St. Georges Market, one of the oldest attractions in Belfast. It has also been recognised as one of the best markets in the Uk and Ireland. It offers the perfect festive experience with bright lights and Christmas decorations all around you.

Open Friday to Sunday head down to explore the many different and unique market stalls selling a variety of things from fruit and vegetables, books, antiques, crafts, clothing, fish and much more.

It offers a great atmosphere and plenty for you to enjoy, there will usually be live entertainment with different musicians and singers found here regularly and you might even hear some Christmas carols.

 Catch a Panto or Play at the Grand Opera House

The Grand Opera House is always a good idea this Christmas in Belfast, with the variety of Panto’s and plays that the whole family can enjoy. Each Christmas period they have a different themed Panto production from Cinderella to Jack and the Bean Stalk. For those with kids, this is sure to be a hit and lots of fun for the adult as well.

Beside Panto’s they also have a great selection of plays available over the December and January period and genuinely throughout the whole year, so make sure to check out their website to find what’s on and more.

Christmas in Belfast is one of the best times to visit the city with everyone in the Christmas spirit, the colourful lights and attractions. But no matter what time of the year you visit Belfast it has lots to offer people. The friendly nature of the locals here will be welcoming you all year long, so if you haven’t been to Belfast yet make sure it’s on your list.

Have you visited Belfast over the Christmas period? We would love to hear any experiences that you have 🙂

Attractions in Belfast worth checking out:

Belfast Peace Walls| Belfast Spring Continental Market| Best Bars to Visit in Belfast| Explore Belfast Cirt and All the Popular Spots|

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