Everything You Need to Know About Belfast Christmas Market

Nothing says festive cheer quite like a Christmas market. Twinkling lights, the smell of mulled wine, lots of shopping opportunities and the sound of merriment all around. 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 atmosphere.

Whether you're a local looking for a bit of seasonal sparkle or a visitor coming to take in the charm of the city, this year's market promises to be extra special as it celebrates its 20th anniversary in 2024.

To make the most of your visit, we've put together a handy 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 16th of November 2024 and it will run straight through to Sunday the 22nd of December, giving you plenty of time to plan your day out (or even make a second or third trip).

However, the market opening times do vary depending on the day. Here's the breakdown:

• Monday to Wednesday: 10:00AM - 8:00PM
• Thursday to Sunday: 10:00AM - 10:00PM
• Sunday: 12:00PM - 6:00PM

Whether you're looking to pop by for a quick wander or to spend the entire day soaking up the Christmas magic, these times give you plenty of flexibility. And with the market open late on Thursdays to Saturdays, you can make an evening out of it too - great for your Christmas night out with friends, family or colleagues!

What is this year's theme?

Every year, the Belfast Christmas Market has a theme, and for 2024 they're transporting you back in time with a nostalgic Dickensian theme.

On the opening weekend (16th-17th November) and third weekend (30th November - 1st December), the market promises to whisk you away to the streets of Victorian London, bringing Dicken's much loved Christmas tales to life through live storytelling, costumed characters like Scrooge and Bob Cratchit, and festive performances.

What stalls are at this year's Christmas market?

The Belfast Christmas Market stalls are on of its main attractions, and for good reason! Take a stroll through the stalls and find everything from festive food, drink and unique trinkets that will make the perfect souvenir or early Christmas present for yourself.

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 would be complete without a big warm mug of Gluhwein (mulled wine) or hot chocolate to sip whilst you stroll around the other stalls. And there's plenty of other treats to indulge in, from delicious cheeses from local and global dairy farmers to sizzling German sausages straight off the grill. Plus plenty of other sweet treats like rich and indulgent 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 some festive souvenirs or some beautiful one of a kind gifts from local artists and suppliers. Every year you can find everything from 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 kids and families! Brought to you this year in partnership with the Support Kids Together Belfast, Santa's Grotto is the perfect place to bring your little ones for a magical visit.

This year Santa's grotto is open:

• Monday to Wednesday from 4pm to 7pm
• Thursday and Friday from 2pm to 7pm
• Saturday from 10am to 7pm
• Sunday from 12pm to 6pm

Prices start at £15 for one child, then £20 for two children or £25 for three or more kids. All tickets include a visit with Santa, a gift and a professional photograph with all money raised going directly to Kids Together Belfast and St Gerard's Special School.

Where is the Belfast Christmas Market?

The Belfast Christmas Market is located right in the heart of the city at Belfast City Hall. This central location is perfect if you plan on exploring other areas of the city.

For example, you're only a short journey away from some of Belfast's most popular tourist attractions like the Ulster Museum or the Titanic Quarter. Or, if you're only here for your annual Christmas shopping trip, Royal Avenue is only a short walk away where you will find plenty of shops, hotels, bars and restaurants.

This central location means it's only a short trip from pretty much anywhere in the city if you're a local, or if you're a tourist or visiting from another city, it's the perfect base to then explore the rest of Belfast's unique blend of history, culture and festive cheer.

How to get to the Belfast Christmas Market

Getting to Belfast Christmas Market from Dublin City Centre or Dublin Airport is easy and stress free with our 705X express service. Our 705X route will take you directly from Dublin Airport or Dublin City Centre (O'Connell Street) to Upper Queen Street in Belfast. From there, it's less than a five minute walk to Belfast Christmas Market.

With 34 daily services between Belfast and Dublin, you can travel at various times throughout the day and plan what's best for you. Tickets are available to buy on board or you can book online in advance, with prices starting from as little as £11/€12. 

So book today and start planning your 2024 trip to Belfast Christmas Market. Happy Holidays!