Top 10 Ways To Feel Christmassy in Belfast

It’s that time of year again, when the Christmas Market arrives at Belfast City Hall, Christmas music echoes from inside every shop, the twinkling Christmas lights cast a magical glow across the city and Belfast shoppers are searching for thoughtful gifts and stocking fillers. Christmas is a magical time of year in Belfast, and we’re sharing some of our favourite Belfast Christmas activities, certain to help you to capture the festive spirit in the city this year.

Visit Santa Claus with the kids

Simply watching the joy on your little one’s face as they queue up to meet the mysterious man in red, sit on his knee and tell him what they would like for Christmas is enough to make you burst with festive cheer, so make sure to include this on your Christmas to-do list! Take your pick from Santa's grottos at CastleCourt, Victoria Square or Titanic Belfast. See the full list of Santa's Grottos in Belfast

Enjoy gluwein and bratwurst at Belfast Christmas Market

Speaking of Christmas spirit, there’s plenty of opportunity to eat, drink and be merry at the Belfast Christmas Market. From beer tents to market stalls featuring an array of continental food, decorations and arts and crafts from across Europe and beyond, there’s plenty of opportunity to sample some Gluwein and Bratwurst as you wander around the grounds of Belfast City Hall. See the top Christmas Markets and Fairs in Belfast

Stock up on tasty Christmas treats

Christmas is a time for family, friends and great food. Luxurious chocolates, mulled wine, cheese boards and delicious chutneys are just some of the things you might stock up on this Christmas, and you have an array of tasty delicacies at your fingertips in Belfast City Centre. Sawers, The Good Food and Wine Company, Co Couture and St George’s Market are all the perfect places to pick up some Christmas treats or foodie stocking fillers.

Watch your favourite festive films on the big screen

Christmas films have that warm and fuzzy feel good factor, so why not treat yourself to a festive flick on the big screen? Whether it's a screening of Elf at the Belfast Waterfront, It’s A Wonderful Life or Miracle On 34th Street at Queen’s Film Theatre or The Polar Express at Odyssey Cinemas, there are lots of festive movies to enjoy all over the city.

Enjoy some late night shopping in the city

What’s not to love about late night shopping hours? Weekends are precious and time is short in the run-up to Christmas, so why not avail of the late night opening hours of CastleCourt, Victoria Square, and a number of Belfast’s high street stores. Shops in Belfast City Centre are open to 9pm weekdays from Thursday 1 December and 10pm weekdays from Monday 12 December.

Listen to Christmas carols

Nothing says Christmas quite like a good Christmas carol, and Belfast has a great selection of carols and seasonal music to leave you full of Christmas cheer. Here are just a few events where you can enjoy a carol or a Christmas song in the city this season:

The King at Christmas - 3 December, Belfast Cathedral

Christmas Supper and Show - 8 December, Hastings Stormont Hotel

Christmas In The City - 11 December, Hastings Europa Hotel

The Music Box - 15-17 December, Belfast Waterfront

James Huish Christmas Spectacular - 18 December, Grand Opera House

Plan a festive night out in Belfast

It’s the party season so once you’ve got your Christmas presents sorted, set aside some cash to invest in some sparkles and plan a festive night in Belfast. Whether you plan to go to one of the many Christmas party nights in the city, or simply indulge in some seasonal tipples in one of Belfast’s many bars – perhaps Bullitt’s new Botanical Bar, complete with hot winter warmers, or cocktails in The Apartment – you're sure to have a great festive night out. See more festive nights out in Belfast

Stay the night

With so many fantastic winter hotel offers in Belfast, it would be a shame not to take advantage and stay the night this festive season. The run up to Christmas can get stressful, so put your wrapping paper aside, and enjoy the very best that the city has to offer, from shopping beneath those magical lights to dinner, a show and a night away from home. You’ll feel totally restored just in time for Christmas! 

Get your photograph taken with the Coca Cola Christmas Truck

Are you a fan of the traditional Coca Cola Christmas TV advert? Then nothing will help you to feel Christmasssy like a photograph beside the Coca Cola Christmas Truck, when it pulls into Belfast’s SSE Arena on 18 December! With just a week to go before Santa comes down the chimney, it’s a great time to enjoy this memorable family festivity.

Go to the Pantomime

He’s behind you! Pantomimes are a popular Christmas tradition that the whole family can enjoy, and Belfast is spoilt for choice when it comes to the panto. This year’s offerings include Cinderella at the Grand Opera House, Aladdin at the Belfast Waterfront, and Pinocchio at The MAC, so all that’s left is to pick your favourite show and enjoy!