Christmas in Belfast 2026: Markets, Lights and Festive Events

Last checked: 17 October 2026.

Christmas in Belfast starts properly on Saturday 14 November 2026, when the Christmas Market opens at City Hall and the lights are switched on that evening. This is our hub for the whole season: markets, lights, shows, family days out and how to get into town, with links to our detailed guides. Everything below was checked against organisers’ and councils’ own websites. Anything not yet announced is marked TBC.

Christmas in Belfast 2026: key dates at a glance

• Saturday 14 November: Belfast Christmas Market opens at City Hall (12 noon) and the Christmas lights switch-on takes place (6.30pm to 7.30pm, free but ticketed)
• Friday 20 November to Sunday 10 January: Sleeping Beauty panto at the Waterfront Studio
• Sunday 22 November: Father Christmas switches on the lights at Titanic Belfast
• Tuesday 24 and Wednesday 25 November: Christmas Twilight Market at St George’s Market, 4pm to 10pm
• Saturday 28 November to Sunday 10 January: The Little Mermaid panto at the Grand Opera House
• Friday 27 November to Wednesday 23 December: A Magical Christmas Experience at Titanic Belfast
• Thursday 3 to Sunday 6 December: Disney On Ice at The O2 Belfast
• Friday 11 and Saturday 12 December: Christmas at the Cathedral, St Anne’s Cathedral
• Tuesday 22 December: last day of the City Hall Christmas Market (closes 6pm)

Belfast Christmas Market at City Hall

Belfast City Council has confirmed the market runs in the City Hall gardens from Saturday 14 November to Tuesday 22 December 2026. Entry is free. Opening hours are Monday to Wednesday 10am to 8pm, Thursday to Saturday 10am to 10pm, and Sunday 12 noon to 6pm. It opens at 12 noon on 14 November and closes at 6pm on 22 December. The council says local traders make up more than half the stalls, and there’s a vintage carousel and a giant helter-skelter. Source: Belfast City Council.

Read more: Belfast Christmas Market 2026: dates, opening times and parking and our round-up of Christmas markets in Belfast and across Northern Ireland.

Belfast Christmas lights switch-on

The switch-on is at Belfast City Hall on Saturday 14 November 2026, 6.30pm to 7.30pm. The Lord Mayor will be joined on stage by local artists and performers. It’s free, but you need a ticket: the council will publish ticket release details on its switch-on page. Full details, plus switch-on dates in other Northern Ireland towns: Belfast Christmas lights switch-on 2026.

Christmas Twilight Market at St George’s Market

The Christmas Twilight Market is on Tuesday 24 and Wednesday 25 November 2026, from 4pm to 10pm, with free entry, according to nibusinessinfo.co.uk, the Northern Ireland government’s business information service. Expect local makers, food and festive entertainment under one roof.

Family Christmas in Belfast

• A Magical Christmas Experience, Titanic Belfast: 27 November to 23 December 2026. A guided tour of about 60 minutes ending with a visit to Father Christmas. Titanic Belfast lists prices from £15 for adults and £29 for children. Father Christmas arrives to switch on Titanic’s lights on Sunday 22 November. Source: Titanic Belfast.
• Disney On Ice presents Discover the Magic, The O2 Belfast: Thursday 3 to Sunday 6 December 2026. Our story
• Winter Circus, Writers’ Square: the heated Big Top returns to the Cathedral Quarter this Christmas. Our story

Christmas shows and pantos

• Sleeping Beauty, Waterfront Studio: 20 November 2026 to 10 January 2027. Cast and details
• Christmas at the Cathedral, St Anne’s Cathedral: Friday 11 and Saturday 12 December 2026, with Peter Corry and guests Jennifer Tierney and Niamh Noade. Our story
• Jack and the Beanstalk, Theatre at The Mill, Newtownabbey: 5 December 2026 to 2 January 2027. Our story
• The Little Mermaid, Grand Opera House: Saturday 28 November 2026 to Sunday 10 January 2027, with May McFettridge as Queen May. Source: Grand Opera House.

Festive days out near Belfast

• Enchanted Winter Garden, Antrim Castle Gardens: Wednesday 2 to Monday 28 December 2026. Light trail, fun fair and grotto. Our story
• Magical Christmas at Glenarm Castle: 2 to 20 December 2026. Our story
• The Gruffalo’s Child trail, Hillsborough Castle and Gardens: 28 November 2026 to 3 January 2027. Our story
• Christmas Unveiling, Mount Stewart: Friday 27 November 2026, 5pm to 8pm. No booking needed, but normal admission applies (free for National Trust members).

Christmas sport in Belfast

Two festive fixtures fans plan around: Ulster v Connacht at Affidea Stadium on Sunday 27 December (5.30pm), and the Belfast Giants at The O2 Belfast against Glasgow Clan on Saturday 26 December (7pm) and Fife Flyers on Monday 28 December (7pm).

🍸 Eat, Drink & Be Merry

From Christmas cocktails to hearty festive lunches, Belfast’s restaurants and bars know how to celebrate the season.

• House Belfast – Elegant festive dining and live music.
• The Marcus Portrush – Warm coastal charm, perfect for a festive getaway.

🏨 Stay the Night

Planning a festive escape? Turn your Belfast visit into an overnight adventure.

✨ Crowne Plaza Belfast – Perfect for festive lunches or weekend getaways.
✨ Park Heights by Warren Collection – Stylish city-centre apartments near Lisburn Road.

🎁 Special Offer: Keep an eye on LoveBelfast’s Instagram — we’ll be giving away festive stays and VIP experiences throughout November and December.

For more ideas, see the best food and drink in Belfast and the best area to stay in Belfast.

Getting into town and parking

Belfast City Council’s charged car parks are free on Christmas Day (Friday 25 December) and on Monday 28 December, the Boxing Day holiday, according to the council’s car parks page. Most council car parks charge Monday to Saturday from 8am to 6pm, but a few city-centre ones, including Little Victoria Street and Hope Street North, charge until 9pm. There’s no dedicated parking at City Hall, so public transport is the easiest option on busy market nights. See getting around Belfast and our Belfast parking guide.

Frequently asked questions

When does the Belfast Christmas Market 2026 open?

Saturday 14 November 2026 at 12 noon, in the grounds of Belfast City Hall. It runs until 6pm on Tuesday 22 December.

When is the Belfast Christmas lights switch-on 2026?

Saturday 14 November 2026, 6.30pm to 7.30pm, at City Hall. It’s free but ticketed.

Is the Belfast Christmas Market free to enter?

Yes. Entry is free; you pay for food, drink and gifts at the stalls.

When is the St George’s Market Christmas Twilight Market?

Tuesday 24 and Wednesday 25 November 2026, 4pm to 10pm, with free entry.

Is parking free in Belfast at Christmas?

Belfast City Council’s car parks are free on Christmas Day and on the Boxing Day holiday (Monday 28 December 2026). On other days normal charges apply, usually Monday to Saturday, 8am to 6pm.

Dates, kick-off times and prices can change. Always check the official source before you travel or buy tickets. Anything marked TBC has not been confirmed yet.