All About the Belfast Christmas Market: My Favorite Holiday Activity in Ireland!
It is officially feckin’ COLD here in Ireland, and Christmas season is in full swing! The pubs are decorated, the Christmas lights are up, the nights are long, and the festive vibes are everywhere!! And that means it’s time for one of my favorite holiday activities…visiting the best Christmas market on the island of Ireland. The Belfast Christmas Market!!
Going to the Belfast Christmas Market has definitely become one of my favorite holiday traditions since living in Ireland. I’ve gone every year for the last few years and I have a blast every single time I go! Even though Dublin also has a Christmas market, I always make a trip to Belfast during the holiday season to visit this market because it’s so fun! So, here is everything you need to know about the Belfast Christmas Market from a gal who truly LOVES it!
ALL ABOUT THE BELFAST CHRISTMAS MARKET
The Belfast Christmas Market in Northern Ireland is a German-style Christmas market held annually at the grounds of Belfast City Hall. It runs from mid-November to Christmas Eve. There’s a great mix of festive shopping, delicious food, and (of course) drinks. Rain or shine, it draws crowds every year and is one of the biggest holiday events in Belfast, and one of the biggest Christmas markets in all of Ireland.
The market is a true seasonal spectacle, bringing together an eclectic mix of stalls from across Europe, and offering everything from handmade gifts to global street food. Whether you’re there for a quick wander, a full-on holiday shopping spree, or just there to hit up the food stalls and bars, there’s something there for everyone.
GETTING FROM DUBLIN TO BELFAST
There are several different ways to get from Dublin to Belfast. The journey takes about 2ish hours, making it a doable round-distance trip for a weekend visit.
By Train – Recommended
Although the train takes pretty much the same amount of time as the bus, I prefer the train because it’s much more comfortable!
Trains from Dublin to Belfast leave out of Connolly Station and arrive at Belfast Lanyon Place station and can be booked on Irish Rail (in € Euro) or Translink (in £ Pounds)
The lower fare tickets usually always sell out close to the travel date, so I would definitely suggest booking tickets in advance. You can book up to 90 days in advance.
Train ticket prices vary based on the fare level and times, but you can find train tickets for as low as €14 each way.
I always opt to take the train if there’s still availability and it’s not too expensive when I go to book tickets!
By Bus
You can get a bus from Dublin City Centre to Belfast with Dublin Express, Aircoach, or Translink.
Tickets normally cost about €10ish each way. Journeys originate in the city centre near the Quays/O’Connell St, with slightly different stops depending on what company you book with.
I would again definitely suggest booking in advance if possible because the tickets are slightly cheaper if you book them in advance online. Plus, sometimes certain buses can be fully booked (especially for the Belfast to Dublin buses).
Buses usually take between 2 hours 20 minutes and 2 hours 50 minutes, depending on the amount of stops.
By Car
If you prefer flexibility, driving from Dublin to Belfast is easy. Just take the M1 motorway north and you’ll be in Belfast in just over two hours. I can’t give much advice about how easy it is to find parking in Belfast since I’ve never driven there myself though!
My two cents? It’s just as quick to take a bus or train, so if you don’t need the car I would suggest sticking with public transportation!
WHEN TO VISIT THE BELFAST CHRISTMAS MARKET
The Belfast Christmas Market runs from mid-November until the Christmas Eve, with opening times as follows:
- Monday to Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM (bars stay open until 9:00 PM)
- Thursday to Saturday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM (bars stay open until 11:00 PM)
- Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM (bars also close at 6:00 PM)
It’s open EVERY DAY during this period, so whether you’re an early bird or a late-night shopper, you’ll have plenty of chances to soak up the holiday magic.
I personally love going on a Friday or Saturday evening because I love going for beers in one of the two German-style beer halls. But of course, Friday and Saturday nights are popular nights, so the market tends to be super busy and that’s not everyone’s cup of tea.
THINGS TO DO AT THE BELFAST CHRISTMAS MARKET
1. Shopping
One of the main draws of the Belfast Christmas Market is the sheer variety of handmade crafts and artisanal gifts. From beautifully carved wooden toys to intricate jewelry, there’s a stall for every type of shopper. Look out for local artisans selling Northern Irish pottery and textiles, as well as international vendors offering everything from German wooden ornaments to French soaps. It’s a perfect place to pick up something special for yourself or as a Christmas gift for someone else!
2. Eating
A trip to any Christmas market wouldn’t be complete without indulging in some delicious seasonal treats, and the Belfast Christmas Market does not disappoint. The food stalls are a haven for foodies, offering an impressive range of global street food. There’s everything from Dutch pancakes and sizzling sausages to pizza and stir fry. And if you’re in the mood for something hearty, the local Irish stew and fish and chips are always a hit.
If you have a sweet tooth, you’re in luck! The market is brimming with festive pastries, candy, and spiced treats. For something truly indulgent, try the Belgian waffles topped with chocolate or the hot roasted chestnuts!
3. Drinking
I love wandering through the stalls and getting some delicious food. But, my favorite part about the market is definitely the two German-style beer halls where you can get steins of different flavored beers while chatting to people you’re sharing a table with and singing along to Christmas music.
On Friday and Saturday nights the beer halls can get pretty packed. You may end up having to wait outside to get in if it’s at capacity. So I would suggest securing a spot in the early evening on those nights. But it’s so worth it! I always end up having so much fun. One year we met an entire Canadian hockey team and got invited to a Mumford & Sons concert!
Keep in mind that the beer halls stay open an hour later than the rest of the market Monday-Saturday (9:00 PM Monday-Wednesday, and 11:00 PM Thursday-Saturday).
And of course, no Christmas market would be complete without a hot beverage to keep you warm. The mulled wine stalls are always popular. There’s also hot chocolate served in all sorts of fun variations, some even topped with whipped cream and marshmallows. The drinks are a perfect way to warm up after some shopping or sightseeing.
4. Explore the Festive Entertainment
The market isn’t just about shopping and eating — it’s also about enjoying the overall festive vibe. Throughout the market’s run, there are often live performances, including musicians, choirs, and street performers, which adds to the festive vibes. If you’re lucky, you might even catch a visit from Santa himself. He can be spotted wandering the market, greeting kids and posing for photos.
TIPS FOR VISITING THE BELFAST CHRISTMAS MARKET
- Dress Warmly. The weather in Belfast during the winter months can be COLDDDD. Make sure to bundle up with a warm coat, scarf, and gloves. Oh, and be prepared in case it rains. It is Ireland, after all.
- Bring Cash. While many stalls accept cards, there are some vendors who only accept cash. It’s a good idea to have some on hand. But remember, Northern Ireland use Pounds!
- Plan for Crowds. The market can get really busy, especially on weekends. If you prefer a more relaxed experience, try visiting during the weekdays when it tends to be less crowded.
The Belfast Christmas Market is one of the biggest Belfast holiday events! It is an absolute highlight of my festive season, and of overall the festive season in Northern Ireland.
I would also say it’s one of the best Christmas market on the whole island of Ireland! Ok actually, maybe THE best. With the array of vendors, food stalls, and the 2 German-style beer halls, you really do feel like you’re at a German Christmas market. But actually, you’re only 2 hours away form Dublin.
So whether you’re shopping for unique gifts, tasting delicious international food, drinking way too much German beer, or just enjoying the holiday atmosphere, it’s such a fun experience for visitors of all ages.
And if you need even more convincing, here you go…
