Top things to do in Belfast this Christmas
Get the the Belfast Christmas spirit
It’s the most wonderful time of the year and Belfast has it all to kick-start the festivities, from Christmas crafts to Pantos there is something for everyone when Christmas comes to town.
Christmas markets at City Hall
Featured in Vogue Magazines ‘12 Best Christmas Markets in the UK for 2019’, Belfast’s continental market at City Hall with its dazzling lights and endless eateries will have you feeling all the Christmassy feels. Like a little festive village, the markets feature food and craft stalls from near and far. There’s everything from Dutch pancakes to patatas bravas and two beer tents that are buzzing with those trying to hit the high notes to Mariah Carey’s ‘All I Want For Christmas Is You’. It isn’t Christmas in Belfast without visiting the markets so come along for that girls’ night out, after work drinks, or even just the insta-worthy selfies in the inflatable snow globe!
‘Oh no it isn’t, oh yes it is!’
The Baltic Princess adult-only Panto is coming to the Waterfront Hall for a Panto experience like no other. Running from 29 November – 30 December it’s a raunchy re-tell of The Frozen Princess. It’s definitely not your average family Panto, you can expect plenty of inappropriate innuendos and festive filth as well as audience participation so brace yourself and buy your tickets…they’re selling fast!
For a family evening out, have yourself a merry little night at The Magic of Christmas on Thursday 19 December, presented by the Ulster Orchestra at the Waterfront Hall. Conductor Richard Balcombe and West End stars Sophie-Louise Dann (Les Misérables) Alex Gaumond (Legally Blonde, We Will Rock You) will get you and your family in the Christmas mood! Enchanting programmes include O Holy Night, The Polar Express and White Christmas.
Magical Christmas fairs
Bring your family and friends to a cosy Christmassy night in the beautiful St. Anne’s Cathedral, where In The Beginning Creative Collective will be hosting their first ever event. Join them in supporting local artists and craftsmanship and enjoy an atmospheric night with live music and lots of beautiful gifts to browse on Thursday 5 December.
As the cold weather draws in, put on your best Christmas jumper and head out to the stunning Belfast Castle as Frock Around the Clock returns this year on Sunday 8 December, with wonderful stalls of vintage fashion, homeware, handcrafted gifts and everything in between. A fun day out were you can eat and shop to your heart’s content…who could say no to that?
Afternoon tea
Spread Christmas cheer and enjoy the fabulous festive afternoon tea menu and 5-star service at Titanic Belfast every Sunday from 24 November to Sunday 22 December. Step back in time to a period of luxury and elegance, with stunning surroundings including the grand staircase and live jazz music.
If you’re in the mood to let your hair down for the festive season, why not try the Festive Blues Afternoon at Rademon Estate on Sunday 2 December? Shortcross Gin was the first gin to be distilled in Northern Ireland and proudly holds the title of ‘Ireland’s Most Awarded Gin’. Only 30 minutes from Belfast, enjoy an afternoon on the stunning Co. Down estate with artisan food and live music on Sunday 2 December.
Belfast is vibrant and energic city and there is always something to put in the social calendar, if you are beginning to think about Christmas plans, get ahead and book your tickets for these wonderful events this season.