Nothing says festive cheer quite like a Christmas market. Twinkling lights, the smell of mulled wine, the endless shopping opportunities and the general sound of merriment. For those visiting or living near Belfast, the Belfast Christmas Market is the perfect place to go if you're looking to soak up the festive atmosphere.
Whether you're a local looking for a bit of seasonal sparkle or a visitor coming to see the city at its best, this year promises to be special as it celebrates its 21st anniversary.
To make sure your trip goes smoothly, we've put together this practical guide with everything you need to know about the Belfast Christmas Market, including its dates, opening times, stalls, and more.
When does the Belfast Christmas Market open?
This year, the Belfast Christmas Market kicks off on Saturday the 15th of November 2025 and runs straight through to Monday 22nd of December. That gives you plenty of time to plan your day out (or squeeze in a second trip if you miss anything the first time).
The market opening times vary depending on the day, so here's the breakdown to help you plan:
- Monday to Wednesday: 10:00AM - 8:00PM
- Thursday to Sunday: 10:00AM - 10:00PM
- Sunday: 12:00PM - 6:00PM
Whether you're popping by for a quick wander or spendning the whole day soaking up the Christmas magic, these times give you plenty of flexibility. With late opening hours from Thursday to Saturday, you can easily make an evening of it - perfect for a festive night out with friends, family or colleagues.
What is this year's theme?
Unlike previous years, there's no specific historical theme for 2025. Instead, the focus is purely on delivering that classic, quintessential Christmas market experience we all know and love. Think traditional vibes, warm lights and good food.
While there isn't a specific theme, keep your eyes peeled for the main in red. Santa will be doing surprise walkabouts through the market this year, adding a bit of extra excitement for the little ones (and the big ones too).
What stalls are at this year's Christmas market?
The Belfast Christmas Market stalls are the main event, and for good reason. Take a stroll through the market and you'll find everything from festive food and drink to unique trinkets that will make the perfect souvenir or early Christmas present.
Here's a sneak peek at some of the Belfast Christmas Market stalls you can expect to see this year.
Festive food and drink
No Christmas market trip is complete without a big warm mug of Gluhwein (mulled wine) or hot chocolate to sip while you explore. There are plenty of other treats to indulge in too, from delicious cheeses from local and global dairy farmers to sizzling German sausages straight off the grill. If you've got a sweet tooth, look out for rich Italian chocolates and fan favourite crepes and churros.
Crafts and Christmas presents
The Belfast Christmas market is the perfect place to go if you're looking for festive souvenirs or one of a kind gifts. You'll find plenty of local artists and suppliers selling handcrafted jewellery, artisan soups, cosy hats, scarves and gloves, and plenty of Christmas decorations!
Santa's Grotto
Of course we can't forget about Santa's grotto, the highlight of the Belfast Christmas Market for families! This year it's brought to you in partnership with Pretty 'n' Pink. It's a lovely way to support a great cause while making memories.
This year Santa's grotto is open:
- Monday to Wednesday from 3pm to 6pm
- Thursday and Friday from 12pm to 7pm
- Saturday from 10am to 7pm
- Sunday from 12pm to 6pm
Prices start at £10 for one child, then £15 for two children or £20 for three or more kids. All tickets include a visit with Santa, a gift and one memorable photo.
Where is the Belfast Christmas Market?
The Belfast Christmas Market is located right in the heart of the city at Belfast City Hall. It's the perfect central spot if you want to explore other parts of the city while you're here.
You're only a short journey away from popular spots like the Ulster Museum or the Titanic Quarter. Or, if you're only here for your annual Christmas shopping trip, Royal Avenue is just a short walk away with plenty of shops, hotels, bars and restaurants.
It's central location makes it an easy trip for locals, or if you're visiting from another city, it's the perfect base to then explore the rest of Belfast's mix of history, culture and festive cheer.
How to get to the Belfast Christmas Market
Getting to the market shouldn't be a hassle. If you're travelling from Dublin City Centre or Dublin Airport, our 705X express service makes the journey simple and stress-free.
Our 705X route will take you directly from Dublin Airport or Dublin City Centre (O'Connell Street) to Grand Central Station in Belfast. From there, it's less than a five minute walk to Belfast Christmas Market.
We run 34 daily services between Belfast and Dublin, so you can travel at a time that suits you best. Tickets are available to buy on board or you can book online in advance to secure your seat, with prices starting from as little as £11/€12.
We handle the driving so you can save your energy for the shopping. Book your seat today and get your festive plans sorted.
Happy Holidays!