Belfast prepares to switch on for festive season on Saturday 18 November
Belfast City Hall will once again be the focus for the city’s Christmas lights switch-on, which will take place on Saturday 18 November
The event is returning to its pre-Covid format for the first time since 2019, with the Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Ryan Murphy, joining residents and local artists and performers to illuminate the city and begin the countdown to the festive season.
Tickets for the switch-on, entitled Let’s Glow Belfast, will be released at 10am next Wednesday 8 November from visitbelfast.com, on a first-come, first-served basis (limited to six per booking).
This year’s event will focus primarily on local music and arts performances, with a line-up that includes leading NI soul band Manukahunney, characters from the Lyric Theatre’s Christmas pantomime Hansel and Gretel, emerging electro pop queen FYA Fox, an upbeat routine from Belfast Boys, DU Dance NI’s youth dance group, and a singalong medley of popular Christmas songs from Fortwilliam Musical Society.
Pete Snodden, Rebecca McKinney and Paulo Ross from Cool FM’s breakfast show will also act as comperes on the evening.
“I’m really looking forward to welcoming families back to our traditional lights switch-on at City Hall and officially marking the countdown to Christmas,” said the Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Ryan Murphy.
“Our beautiful tree at City Hall, the colourful illuminations and the opening of the Belfast Christmas Market are all key elements of the festive season here in Belfast, so it will be great to get everyone together again for what promises to be a really fun evening.
“This time around, we’re putting our city’s own amazing talent front and centre, with a great line-up of music and live performance planned, sure to get everyone into the Christmas spirit.
“Our Winter’s Den at 2 Royal Avenue will also open its doors on Saturday 18 November, with activities and events for all ages in the run-up to Christmas, including festive markets, family performances, Santa’s post office, tea dances, upcycling workshops and lots more.”
David Tighe, Managing Director with Bauer Media Audio NI, said: “We are really excited to see the return of the traditional Christmas lights switch-on to Belfast, with a real focus this year on local acts and family entertainment.
“Cool FM’s Pete, Paulo and Rebecca will bring that magic Christmas touch to the festivities on stage, with Downtown’s Neal McClelland starting the countdown earlier in the day with the music you’d expect from the station that’s the Home of Christmas.”
Tickets for the Let’s Glow Belfast switch-on, limited to six per booking, will be released at 10am on Wednesday 8 November from visitbelfast.com, on a first-come, first-served basis.
You must click through to download the ticket as the email confirmation will not suffice.
Wheelchair accessible platform viewing for the event can be booked by calling 028 9024 6609 on Wednesday 8 November – these are limited to two per booking due to restricted capacity. Terms and conditions apply.
The Let’s Glow Belfast event on Saturday 18 November will start at 6.30pm, and last for around an hour. There will be road closures in effect in the city centre from earlier in the afternoon, so please allow extra time for your journey, with gates opening at 6pm.
The annual Belfast Christmas Market will also open in the City Hall grounds on Saturday 18 November, starting at 12 noon. The market will continue until 6pm on Friday 22 December.
The Winter’s Den at 2 Royal Avenue begins on Saturday 18 November and continues until Sunday 7 January with events for all the family. It includes Santa’s post office, operated by Belfast One, which runs from Saturday 18 November to Sunday 17 December, and is free to visit.
For full details of the Let’s Glow Belfast switch-on event, visit belfastcity.gov.uk/christmas
For details of other festive events in Belfast city centre, visit belfastcity.gov.uk/events
In their current practices, both explore ideas of home, identity, and memory. They are interested in creating landscapes that tell stories and remind the viewer of old feelings and moments. Their connection and perception of the landscape has developed into an appreciation of the natural world around us.
Escape to the waterways of Fermanagh and cosy up in a unique glamping pod, fully furnished with all the comforts of home, including a shower, coffee dock, mini fridge, heating, and Wi-Fi. Add to that the bonus of a stunning view of Lough Erne! You also have access to the nearby Ely Lodge Forest, in all its autumn splendour. BBQ and campfire packs are recommended! Pods sleep 4 (two adults, two children) from £120 per pod per night, midweek. Visit 
Enjoy an overnight stay in this well-placed, comfortable hotel, including tickets for one of Northern Ireland’s top attractions, Titanic Belfast! Right in the heart of the buzz of Belfast with great shopping, restaurants, historic landmarks, and public transport options right on the doorstep. B&B with tickets to Titanic Experience based on two people sharing from £157 per room. Visit 
Blow the Halloween cobwebs away on the Causeway Coast in this glamorous boutique hotel. This two-night B&B deal includes an evening meal on a night of your choosing. This renovated Victorian terrace has luxurious, funky, art deco styled guestrooms with great views out to sea. From £280 per room based on two people sharing. Visit 
Journey through the Enchanted Forest to make a wish by the Magical Wishing Tree, before stepping through the Old Curiosity Shop to enter the Elves’ Workshop. Visit Mrs Claus in her cosy kitchen to hear Christmas tales, stop by the bustling post office to write and post your Christmas letter and peek into the toy shop where the Elves have been hard at work, before letting your creative juices flow with some arts and crafts! Finally, wrap up your Magical Christmas Experience by having your name checked off the ‘Naughty or Nice’ list by the Chief Elf – those on the ‘Nice’ list will get to meet Father Christmas and receive an exclusive Titanic Belfast Bear!
The multi-talented Joel M has amassed an online following of 20+ million across TikTok, YouTube and Instagram and an impressive 4 billion views, making him a household name around the globe.
Halloween at The Barn 
Embrace a bit of luxury this autumn and enjoy an overnight stay with a bottle of prosecco in your room on arrival! Located in the heart of the buzzing Cathedral Quarter there’s plenty of culture on offer with The Belfast International Arts Festival in full swing. That’s if you can tear yourself away from the opulence of your surroundings. B&B From £239 per room based on two people sharing. Visit 
This lovely four-star guest house in the charming Mid Ulster town, is the perfect spot to explore the nearby charms of Antrim Castle Gardens, the Seamus Heaney Homeplace or the splendid Sperrins. The newly renovated bedrooms come fully equipped with tea and coffee making facilities. B&B starts from £85 per room per night based on two people sharing. From £160 based on two people sharing including a £30 dinner voucher. Visit 
This small, contemporary family run hotel is the gateway to the famous Fermanagh Lakelands, a perfect base to explore many of the tourist attractions such as Cuilcagh, The Stairway to Heaven, Marble Arch Caves, Belleek Pottery, and the award-winning Ulster American Folk Park. You can also embrace the outdoors with golfing, fishing, cycling and pony trekking, all available locally. £160 B&B based on two people sharing, includes a £30 dinner voucher. Visit 
Join a fabulous cast of madcap characters for a thrilling carpet ride with plenty of twists and turns, cheers and boos in a tale of love against the odds. Will the evil Abanazar destroy Aladdin’s dreams to get rich and marry Princess Jasmine? Or will the Genie of the Lamp grant Aladdin three wishes and save the day? And will Widow Twanky ever find a man? Find out on this globe-trotting, action-packed escapade for the whole family.