Enjoy the festive season in Belfast with the whole family! With lots of family experiences to choose from like visiting Santa in his grotto, catching a Christmas Pantomime, or heading to see the circus. Here are our top picks for family friendly events happening around the city and beyond.
Belfast Christmas Market
16 November – 22 December
Belfast City Hall
The award-winning Belfast Christmas Market is back and celebrating its 20th Birthday in style. Stroll through the market alongside iconic characters from his stories, while enjoying enchanting storytelling and lively performances that bring his works to life. With over 100 international and local traders, the festive village offers a delightful array of quality Christmas fayre, handcrafted goods, and bespoke artisan products.
A Magical Christmas Experience
27 November – 23 December
Titanic Belfast
Watch the excitement unfold as Father Christmas and his Elves count down to their favourite night of the year on a guided tour of the Magical Christmas Experience! 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!
The Grinch's Kids Christmas Game Show
30 November
La Mon Hotel & Country Club
A thrilling, fun-filled family gameshow where the mean one will pit your family against others in a series of festive games on stage for your chance to win some of the Grinch’s amazing prizes! Enjoy live musical performances from the whoville cast and a visit from the big man himself!
Santa Cruise
30 November – 22 December
Strangford Lough Activity Centre
Santa Cruise is Strangford Lough Activity Centre’s unique & intimate family Christmas experience. Join their merry old elf for a hair-raising sleigh ride around the islands aboard their fast speed boat – Black Jacket. Hold onto your Santa hats as you fly through the waters of Strangford Lough. You will be carol singing all the way, listening to some Christmas tunes whilst riding the waves back to Santa’s Grotto.
The Pantomime Adventures of Peter Pan
30 November – 12 January
Grand Opera House
Northern Ireland’s largest pantomime is back for another magical year with The Pantomime Adventures of Peter Pan. With amazing special effects, stunning sets, beautiful costumes and barrel-loads of laughter, The Pantomime Adventures of Peter Pan will take you on a swashbuckling trip to Neverland like never before.
Christmas at Ulster Folk Museum
30 November – 22 December
Ulster Folk Museum
Wander the snowy, cobbled streets of the Ulster Folk Museum and experience Christmas the traditional way. Meet their craft demonstrators as they prepare for seasonal celebrations and take in the festive scents of cinnamon toast warming on the open fire. Settle in for a festive story and listen out for carol singers, plus festive sounds from a brass band and harpist.
Christmas Wonderland
30 November – 23 December
Jungle NI
Join this December, for one of the most unique Christmas experiences in Ireland. Christmas Wonderland at The Jungle is the ultimate festive day out for families, where colourfully illuminated woodlands, friendly elves and sackfuls of festive cheer set the scene for a different kind of family day out.
Alpaca and Tree Planting Experience
7 – 8 December
Eastwell Farm
Andy and Joanne invite you to Eastwell Farm for a festive experience with a difference. Guests will have the opportunity to pet and feed the Alpacas and hear about their unusual names. Sustainability is important to Eastwell Farm and after your tour you are invited you to pick a spot and plant a tree. This beautiful family experience is the perfect opportunity to spend quality family time doing something completely different.
Sunday Family Funday
8 – 15 December
Clayton Hotel Belfast
Join the Clayton family funday and let them roll out the red carpet for you and your kiddies. Enjoy a festive mocktail on arrival with a 2-course sit down lunch served by Santa’s little helpers. Bop along to their mini disco with some festive fun & games.
Christmas Unicorn Trails
17 – 22 December
Ballylagan Trail Rides
Christmas Unicorn Trails are returning for the 4th year, due to popular demand and because Santa just loves visiting Ballylagan with his elves and unicorns! This year is set to be more magical than ever and as always the unicorns will safely deliver all their riders, little and big, to Santa, to receive a gift!
Best Places to See Santa in Belfast
Come and meet Father Christmas in his grotto this winter. Santa has been very busy planning all the different places he will visit in Belfast and would love to meet all the children who have been very good this year.
All Christmas Events in Belfast
Experience a Belfast Christmas like no other this year! With a rich line-up of events, you’ll be sure to get into the festive spirit!
Getting Here
Getting Here
Northern Ireland has three airports, sea crossings from England and Scotland, and a direct rail link from Dublin.
Car Parking in Belfast
Secure car parking is available across Belfast. See our guide to car parks in the city.
Translink
Leave the car at home, relax and travel with Translink, Northern Ireland's main provider of public passenger transport.
