Belfast is a great option for a city break at any time of the year. From the historic slipways at Titanic Quarter to the quirky and charming Cathedral Quarter and the modern shopping area, it has leisure options for everyone. However, there is something about the winter months that makes it extra special. It’s the most wonderful time of the year, after all.
Christmas Market
A classic for a reason, this festive favourite returns to the grounds of Belfast City Hall from 20th November. The Christmas market will offer a range of gift shopping ideas as well as delicious food from all over the world – 32 nationalities, to be precise. The perfect opportunity to get your Christmas shopping sorted while enjoying yummy French crepes, Dutch pancakes, Belgian chocolate or German bratwurst!
Christmas Lights
They say it’s not Christmas until the Christmas lights are on… That is probably what the people behind
Bright Lights Botanic thought when they were putting together the magical light trail that, for the first time this year, will illuminate the Botanic Gardens in Belfast.
Step into a magical Winter Wonderland this Christmas and follow the trail of BOBO the gnome as he makes his way through the Botanic Gardens. Produced by the same team behind Wild Lights at Dublin Zoo, the festive light show comprises 18 thousand light bulbs, 25 thousand meters of neon tubes, 10 thousand meters of tree lightning and 160 artisan lanterns.
Bright Lights Botanic will run from 11th November to 9th January, from 5pm to 9pm. Tickets are available on
visitbelfast.com
Christmas at the Hotel Grimm
Following its Halloween success, The Grimm Hotel comes back for Christmas! Make no mistake, this is no ordinary hotel: behind each door lies a magical setting, inspired by the stories and characters of the Grimm brothers’ imaginary.
The Grimm Hotel is hidden in Cityside Retail & Leisure Park, York Street, Belfast. Tickets will go on sale on 23rd November, via
visitbelfast.com. Do not miss out!
W5
After 20 years as one of Northern Ireland’s leading family attractions,
W5 has been completely transformed! It is back with 8 new exhibition zones, with over 250 interactive exhibits for the whole family, as well as daily science shows, storybook area, dinosaur and space soft play and more.
The Grand Opera House
The Belfast Grand Opera House has also undergone a huge restoration project, with new seating, carpets, curtains and drapes installed this year. Since its opening on 23rd December 1825, many of the world’s leading actors and performers have appeared on its stage. If you like theatre, you should definitely check their programme
here.
From 16th to 20th November, Belfast Opera House will host a production of Dicken’s A Christmas Carol, by Belfast Operatic Company. Expect a unique festive atmosphere and some ghostly surprises!
Get your tickets here.
The Gingerbread House
Is there anything more festive than gingerbread?
The Wolff Grill at Titanic Hotel Belfast proudly presents their now iconic life-size Gingerbread House, made with real gingerbread! The carefully crafted display has been created by the hotel’s pastry and maintenance team.
Made with 1,000 gingerbread bricks, 10kg of sweets and 100 candy canes, it is truly a marvel to behold. The Gingerbread House is available for private dining in December. Guests can enjoy a delicious festive meal under twinkling fairy lights, absorb the aromas of real gingerbread and delight in our delicious Gingerbread Cocktail.
Belfast is full of events for all tastes and already preparing to receive Christmas in style. If you are looking to explore the city during these magical months,
check out our special offers now!