Christmas markets, street animation, pantos and a generous sprinkling of fairy dust – Belfast is truly getting into the festive Christmas spirit. This compact city has something for everyone, from independent boutique shops to high street retailers, mouth-watering Michelin-starred restaurants, cosy pubs, contemporary cocktail bars and world-class attractions.
Belfast makes a perfect pre-Christmas getaway to either treat yourself or find those hand-picked gifts for loved ones; and with so much to do, you’ll need to stay a night or two!
Belfast caters for your every comfort with some of the Island’s most welcoming hotels. For five-star luxury, choose from the decadent Merchant Hotel, housed in the former Ulster Bank headquarters, or the relaxed, modern surrounds of the Fitzwilliam. The Europa, Hilton and Grand Central hotels continue to light up the city skyline. Or for something more bohemian, head to the Queen’s Quarter and stay at The Harrison, recently listed as one of National Geographic Traveller magazine’s best hotels.
From literary greats to a wealth of maritime heritage, musical legends to edgy street art, from TV and film locations to political history, there is a tour or attraction for all interests and ages – whether by foot, bike, bus or black cab, they promise to be an enlightening adventure! As one of Europe’s most exciting food destinations, it’s perhaps not surprising that there are also food and drink tours for sampling the best of the region’s local produce: from locally farmed oysters to world-class gin, all can be found in Belfast.
The Christmas Market in the magical surrounds of Belfast City Hall is back with all the gifts, food and festivities we’ve come to expect combining the fun of the carousel and helter-skelter, an array of crafts and gifts, and the smells and flavours from here and the Continent. With more than 30 nationalities bringing their fare to Belfast, it’s a great spot for lunch or a pint or mulled wine in the evening.
A sparkling array of attractions are lighting up Belfast this year. Bring the kids and discover larger-than-life Christmas illuminations transforming Botanic Gardens into a twinkling winter wonderland. Or take a festive walk along the glistening waterfront adorned with Christmas Sparkle, where Father Christmas’s elves have been busy decorating Titanic Belfast and the Great Light, one of the World’s largest optics ever made, will be lit up red.
Shopping for the perfect gift or finding that special Christmas outfit couldn’t be easier in Belfast; the compact city centre is stocked with upbeat independent shops such as Born and Bred, Steensons and CraftNI, two major shopping centres and a wealth of high street retailers.
Victoria Square, Northern Ireland’s premier shopping and leisure destination, offers more than 70 stores and restaurants, including Urban Outfitters, Mango, Pull & Bear, Hollister, Reiss, Flannels, Frasers and Ireland’s only Apple Store. CastleCourt is a one-stop retail destination with high street favourites, including The Entertainer toy shop, Belleek Living, Jack and Jones and Vila.
Steeped in Belfast history, Queen’s Arcade continues to be one of the city’s most exclusive shopping centres, offering a unique and luxuriant shopping experience. Over three generations the Lunns family have established themselves as the North’s leading jewellers, cultivating wonderful relationships with some of the finest watchmakers including Rolex, Breitling and Patek Philippe. For off-the-shelf hand-made shoes, Robinson Shoes offers footwear exclusively made in the UK.
Don’t forget to check out St George’s Market, quite simply one of the best and oldest markets in the UK. If you want a one-stop experience to capture the real spirit of Belfast, then the markets are for you. Belfast’s best produce delivered by traders fluent in chat, delicious snacks and coffees, unique gifts and souvenirs ,and a taste of local music will provide a genuine memento of Belfast’s living history.
After a day of sightseeing and shopping it’s time to relax and refuel in one of the city’s food destinations. For a city the size of Belfast, the choice of places to eat is surprising – from the Michelin-starred OX Belfast, EIPIC and the Muddlers Club to brasseries and bistros to gastro pubs, cafes, coffee shops and some of the best fish and chips around, you’ll certainly not go hungry. For a decadent high tea or cocktail, head to Grand Central Hotel and the Observatory Bar on the 23rd Floor. It’s the highest cocktail bar in Ireland, offering fantastic views of the city.