{"id":20848,"date":"2022-12-14T12:23:39","date_gmt":"2022-12-14T11:23:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/whatsonni.com\/news\/?p=20848"},"modified":"2022-12-14T12:23:39","modified_gmt":"2022-12-14T11:23:39","slug":"soak-up-the-magic-of-the-season-with-a-festive-day-in-belfast","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/whatsonni.com\/news\/2022\/12\/soak-up-the-magic-of-the-season-with-a-festive-day-in-belfast\/","title":{"rendered":"Soak Up the Magic of the Season with a Festive Day in Belfast"},"content":{"rendered":"

A city famous for its warm welcome, Belfast is the perfect place to soak up the magic of the most wonderful time of the year and enjoy an overdue catch up with friends and loved ones. Decked out in festive splendour, there\u2019s something wondrous to discover on every street corner.<\/h4>\n

\"\"There\u2019s magic in the streets, music in the air and the sound of laughter and delight as the city lights up for Christmas and gives visitors and locals alike all the festive feels. The perfect place to shop all your Christmas gifts, create special festive memories with the family or unwrap a new side to the city best seen in the glow of twinkling Christmas lights, Belfast is waiting to welcome you with a big \u2018Merry Christmas\u2019. So, what are you waiting for? Come on in and let your Christmas begin.<\/p>\n

Belfast Christmas Market, City Hall<\/strong><\/p>\n

Making a welcome return to the grounds of the iconic Belfast City Hall<\/strong> is the traditional Belfast Christmas Market<\/strong>. Arguably the most spectacular Christmas market on the island of Ireland, this year the city welcomes market stall holders from 21 different countries, displaying the best festive fayre and serving up some of the best traditional and contemporary – not to mention unusual – food and drink to savour while you shop. From French cr\u00eapes to Dutch pancakes, Belgian chocolates, Spanish paella and giant bratwurst from crowd favourite Schwenkegrill, marketgoers can take a culinary taste adventure whilst soaking up the illuminations of the famous carousel or perusing the colourful stalls to pick up unique Christmas gifts and memorable souvenirs of a great festive day out in the city. Visitors can also treat themselves to the well-known Hug in a Mug of Gluhwein from the prize winning Kochem vineyard located in the Mosel Valley, Germany, or end the day in one of the bars serving local and continental drinks to get even more into the Christmas spirit!<\/p>\n

Get Crafty at 2 Royal Avenue<\/strong><\/p>\n

2 Royal Avenue<\/strong>, the city\u2019s newest cultural space, has been transformed into a magical Winter\u2019s Den this festive season. Grab the family and head in to enjoy a series of free events that are sure to get you in the Christmas spirit. Don your Christmas jumper and pop in to one of the many events taking place at the Winter\u2019s Den this December \u2013 have a go at making your own Christmas crackers, shake your baubles whilst rocking around the Christmas tree at a festive silent disco or have a not so silent night at the adults only \u2018We WISH You a Merry Christmas\u2019 event, filled with comedy and carolling.<\/p>\n

Winter Skate at SSE<\/strong><\/p>\n

Nothing is more festive than a trip to the ice rink so get your skates on and book a Winter Skate<\/strong> at the home of the Belfast Giants in the SSE Arena<\/strong>. Running until 3 January, wrap up warm and experience holiday magic with all the family or feel the romance after dark with a special Twilight Skating Session on selected dates.<\/p>\n

Indulge in a Festive Afternoon Tea<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u2018Tis the season to indulge and there\u2019s no better way to treat yourself than with a sophisticated festive afternoon tea in one of the city\u2019s best restaurants. Step back in time to a period of luxury, elegance and 5-star service with a special Titanic Festive Afternoon Tea<\/strong>. Set in the opulent surroundings of the Titanic Suite featuring the stunning Grand Staircase and live jazz music, it\u2019s an experience not to be missed. Or take a break from Christmas shopping and nip into the stunning Fitzwilliam Hotel<\/strong> in the heart of the city. With a delightful twist on the traditional festive tea, enjoy an elegant catch up with friends amongst the twinkling lights and decadent decorations.<\/p>\n

Have all the fun of the fair at Winter Circus <\/strong><\/p>\n

Award winning circus company Tumble Circus<\/strong> returns to Belfast\u2019s Writers\u2019 Square with their spectacular Winter Circus<\/strong> show this Christmas for their sixth year of riotous family fun. From international circus artists to well-known comedy characters, Tumble Circus combines circus skills with comedy, theatre and social commentary. Audiences can expect big laughs and some mighty craic in the fully heated big top tent until 2 January.<\/p>\n

Festive Films at Ulster Museum<\/strong><\/p>\n

Catch all your favourite festive films this Christmas in the unique surroundings of Ulster Museum<\/strong>. Screening every weekend in the run up to Christmas, the seasonal programme in partnership with Cinemagic includes family favourites and Christmas classics such as Miracle on 34th<\/sup> Street, The Polar Express, Santa Claus: The Movie and heart-warming tearjerker It\u2019s A Wonderful Life.<\/p>\n

Come Up the Lagan\u2026 On a Hydrobike<\/strong><\/p>\n

See Belfast from a new perspective with a unique city tour \u2013 by waterbike. Explore the Belfast Waterways at night and take in the city illuminated for Christmas from the water with a Belfast Hydrobikes by Lights<\/strong> experience. Wrap up warm, saddle up on your colourfully lit hydrobike and enjoy a leisurely pedal past the historic Harland and Wolf Cranes, Waterfront and Obel Tower \u2013 the city\u2019s tallest building. For a truly festive experience, book a spot on the Hydrobike Santa Experience and follow the magic trail to find Santa\u2019s secret floating grotto. With a range of hydrobikes available for kids and families, equipped with full safety equipment, this is a Santa visit with a difference (and the best presents for the kids!).<\/p>\n

Experience Festive Spirits on the Dark Belfast Dander Tour<\/strong><\/p>\n

If you ever stayed up late at Christmas to watch BBC\u2019s M. R. James ghost story for Christmas when you were a kid or hid behind the pillows when the ghostly children of \u2018Lost hearts\u2019 appeared, then this is the Christmas 2022 event for you! A Ghost Story for Christmas and Dark Belfast Dander <\/strong>at Muriel\u2019s Caf\u00e9<\/strong> in Church Lane, Belfast is where you\u2019ll learn of the dark side of Christmas. BelfastLad\u2019s Francis Higgins will be telling the dark history of Christmas\u2019 past in a special guided tour. Beginning at Muriel\u2019s Caf\u00e9 in Church Lane, you\u2019ll go on a one-hour dark Belfast dander around the haunted sites of Old Belfast\u2019s entry\u2019s and alleyways that sprang up from High Street in the 17th Century stopping at various points along the way to discover if those old streets are still haunted today. Revive your spirits after your tour with a festive cocktail prepared by expert mixologists back in the safety of Muriel\u2019s Caf\u00e9.<\/p>\n

Get Stuffed with a Traditional Christmas Lunch<\/strong><\/p>\n

Belfast is famous for it\u2019s fantastic, locally produced food and there\u2019s no better time to sample the best of the city\u2019s food offering than at Christmas. For cosy pub grub with a festive feel, nip down Pottinger\u2019s Entry and follow the trail to The Morning Star<\/strong>. Housed in an ornate Victorian Grade 2 listed building, it exudes a cosy Christmas pub experience with a first-class menu to boot. Top tip \u2013 check out the festive gourmet burgers accompanied with Christmas fries. For a fine dining experience check out the city\u2019s newest restaurant and award-winning chef Niall McKenna\u2019s latest offering Waterman<\/strong> within the heart of the Cathedral Quarter, or pay a visit to Michelin starred restaurants The Muddlers Club<\/strong> or Ox<\/strong>. For a less formal fine dining experience, settle into the snug of Ox Cave<\/strong> and enjoy a stunning sharing menu of winter canapes, chateaubriand and festive treats by candlelight.<\/p>\n

Tick off your Christmas Shopping List<\/strong><\/p>\n

A city bursting with high-end luxury designer, high street and independent brands, Belfast is your one-stop place to tick off that all important Christmas shopping list. Victoria Square<\/strong> is a mecca for Christmas shopping with everything you need all under one dome. Pick up something special at Lunn\u2019s Jewellers<\/strong> or tech heads can browse the latest must haves at Ireland\u2019s only Apple<\/strong> store. Find comfy pyjamas in Boux Avenue<\/strong> or beauty treats from L\u2019Occitane, Kiehl\u2019s<\/strong> and Rituals<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

For a family friendly shopping experience, head to CastleCourt<\/strong>. Visit the Yankee Candle <\/strong>shop for Christmas candles and Wrapped Up<\/strong> for local art. Sports fans can get their kicks at O\u2019Neills<\/strong>, whilst The Entertainer<\/strong> has Santa presents sorted with a huge range of kids\u2019 toys and games.<\/p>\n

Donegall Place<\/strong> is home to host of popular brands, including Next, M&S, Zara and Skechers <\/strong>and the recently reopened flagship Primark<\/strong> store has everything you need, from homeware to fashion. Don\u2019t forget Smithfield Market<\/strong> which is a shopper\u2019s haven just around the corner with everything from antiques and collectibles to old-time sweets and even camping and boxing gear!<\/p>\n

For something uniquely Belfast, visit the traders at St George’s Market<\/strong>, one of the best markets in the UK and Ireland and home to a burgeoning collection of curios, antiques and the finest fresh produce as well hot food from around the world to delight the senses.<\/p>\n

Finally, a trip to visit Belfast\u2019s last Victorian Arcade built in 1880, Queen\u2019s Arcade<\/strong> is home to a variety of luxury Boutiques and local independent retailers and is the only Rolex, OMEGA, TAG Heuer and Montblanc Boutique in Ireland for a truly personal gift this year.<\/p>\n

Getting home couldn\u2019t be easier\u2026<\/strong><\/p>\n

Make a full day and night of it with Translink\u2019s late night bus and train services. This special Nightmovers service runs from Belfast City Centre every Friday and Saturday until 23rd December (plus Thursday 22nd December on Goldliner, Urby and Metro). For more information and to plan your route, visit translink.co.uk\/nightmovers.<\/p>\n

For more information or to plan your perfect festive day in Belfast, visit www.visitbelfast.com<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

A city famous for its warm welcome, Belfast is the perfect place to soak up the magic of the most wonderful time of the year and enjoy an overdue catch up with friends and loved ones. Decked out in festive splendour, there\u2019s something wondrous to discover on every street corner. There\u2019s magic in the streets, … Continued<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[1],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/whatsonni.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/20848"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/whatsonni.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/whatsonni.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/whatsonni.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/whatsonni.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=20848"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/whatsonni.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/20848\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":20850,"href":"https:\/\/whatsonni.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/20848\/revisions\/20850"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/whatsonni.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=20848"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/whatsonni.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=20848"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/whatsonni.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=20848"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}