Belfast Christmas Market 2026: Dates, locations and tips

Le Belfast Christmas Market Every winter, the gardens of the town hall are transformed into an international village. There, you can sample specialties from all over the world amidst illuminated chalets, mulled wine, and music. Here are the dates for 2026, the locations, and our tips for enjoying it.

In short: Belfast's Christmas market is scheduled to take place from Saturday, November 14th to Tuesday, December 22nd, 2026, in the City Hall gardens in the city center. Entry is free. Dates are still to be confirmed by the city.

Dates for the Belfast Christmas Market in 2026

The 2026 dates have not yet been officially confirmed. However, the market follows the same schedule every year: it opens in mid-November, coinciding with the city's Christmas lights being switched on, and closes a few days before Christmas. Therefore, please check the dates on the official website. Visit Belfast before booking.

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Event	Dates 2026 (planned)
Market opening	Saturday, November 14, 2026
City lights	Mid-November, at City Hall
Market closure	Tuesday, December 22, 2026

As a guide, the market is generally open from 10am to 8pm at the beginning of the week, until 10pm from Thursday to Saturday, and from noon to 6pm on Sunday.

Where are the chalets located?

City Hall Gardens

The market sets up around the City Hall, a magnificent Edwardian building in the heart of Belfast. Around a hundred stalls offer Irish crafts, gifts, and especially international specialties: German sausages, French crêpes, paella, churros, and Irish fudge. The central covered bar also hosts live music in the evenings.

St George's Market, the Victorian covered market

A ten-minute walk away, St. George's Market is Belfast's oldest covered market. From Friday to Sunday, it brings together farmers, artisans, and musicians. In December, it's an excellent place to find local gifts, away from the crowds at City Hall.

What to do in Belfast at Christmas?

• Visit Titanic Belfast, the museum dedicated to the famous ocean liner built in the city.
• Stroll through the Cathedral Quarter, its cobbled streets and traditional pubs.
• Next, admire the illuminations of Donegall Place and the town hall.
• Enjoying Christmas afternoon tea in a historic hotel in the city center.
• Finally, take a day trip to the Giant's Causeway on the Antrim coast.

To learn more, check out our guide to...’Northern Ireland: What to see.

Our tips for a successful visit

First, come during the week and during the day: Friday and Saturday evenings are very crowded. Second, be aware that Belfast is in the United Kingdom: the currency is pounds sterling, not euros. Also, the Enterprise train connects Dublin to Belfast in just over two hours.

Finally, pack warm and waterproof clothing, as temperatures in December are often between 3 and 8 °C, with rain.

Combine Belfast with a trip to Ireland

Belfast combines perfectly with Dublin. For example, combine with Christmas in Dublin or with our stay Dublin Christmas market in 5 days. Compare also with our Christmas markets in Ireland and the Galway Christmas Market.

Frequently asked questions about the Belfast Christmas market

When will the Belfast Christmas market take place in 2026?

It is scheduled to take place from November 14 to December 22, 2026. However, these dates are yet to be confirmed by the city.

Is entry free?

Yes, access is free. You only pay for your purchases and tastings.

Do you need pounds sterling at the Belfast Christmas market?

Yes, because Belfast is part of the United Kingdom. However, most cottages also accept credit cards.

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