With even more on offer at this year’s Belfast Christmas Market, a construction team of over 30 people has been on site for almost two weeks creating the operational marvel that is the Market.
This year the market includes an additional 20 chalets along the outside perimeter of the City Hall grounds, and because every chalet is built by a team onsite, this has required even longer than normal – and of course even more cups of tea and sausage rolls.
Market Place, operators of the Market, were awarded the tender again this year for another three years with a possible extension beyond that. Managing Director Allan Hartwell said:
“The market has grown from 30 chalets in 2004, when we first came here, to well over 100 now. We love this city and think that shows through our commitment and investment in the Market. Every year we push to make it bigger and better than ever and in 2016 we have really raised the bar, with over £200,000.00 invested in new chalets and trading structures, innovative layout and new initiatives and an even wider range of produce including more locally sourced goods.
“We’re delighted that once again the sights and sounds of the Belfast Christmas Market will form a focal point for the city centre, and encourage people to come and visit and explore everything else that this wonderful place has to offer.”
The chalets along the perimeter have a particular focus on local food and craft, including local companies such as the Belfast Beard Company, winners of the Market’s Pitch Perfect new business initiative. Rossi’s in North Belfast is merging local food with an international twist, bringing ice cream chimneys to the Market. Owner Andrew Harding explained:
“Although chimneys are of Hungarian origin, the ice cream filled sugary baked treats were discovered on holiday in Toronto. People were queuing in the rain for these. That sold it for me! We just had to bring these home and are filling the chimneys with Rossi’s own well-established ice cream of course. We have been working very hard for the last month to get ready, but we believe we have an awesome product and it will be very well received.”
There’s something of a fairy theme for 2016 too, with the award-winning Irish Fairy Door Company trading at the market. All Fairy Trail has been developed around the market for little visitors to follow to find the magic fairy doors and learn all about the fairy personalities specially created for the Market. With special appearances too from their very own Fairy Clodagh, star of their Facebook Live videos, young guests should find something to keep them amused while their parents shop for those unique Christmas presents.
As well as even more local flavour, the Market still offers something a little bit different with 32 nationalities from all over the world bringing all sorts of unusual foods and gift ideas: crepes from France, Dutch pancakes, Belgian chocolates, an exotic selection of ostrich, wild boar and crocodile burgers, giant bratwurst from the iconic Schwenkegrill, Spanish paella and sweets from Italy. Visitors can also treat themselves to the well known Hug in a Mug of Gluwein and end the day in one of the bars serving local and continental drinks, taking the chance to dig through those shopping bags, look over their purchases and get even more into the Christmas spirit.
This year too, Santa’s Grotto will be operated by the Children’s Cancer Unit at the Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children, a very worthwhile cause bring great comfort to children with cancer and other blood disorders.
The best way to keep track of anything new at the market, including ever important weather updates, is to follow the official Facebook page at Belfast Continental Christmas Market.
Belfast Christmas Market will be at the City Hall from Saturday 19 November until Thursday 22 December. Opening hours are Monday – Wednesday 10 am – 8 pm; Thursday – Saturday 10 am – 10 pm and Sunday 1 pm – 6 pm.
Santa’s grotto will be open at the following times:
Monday – Friday 11am – 7pm
Saturday 10am – 7pm
Sunday 1pm – 6pm