Top 10 Ways To Feel Christmassy in Belfast

‘Tis the season to eat! Find everything you need for that decadent cheese board or Christmas spread right in the heart of the city. Sawers stocks locally made cheese, chutney, crackers and cured meats, while Avoca’s food market boasts oils, spices, tapenades and homemade desserts. Or visit St George’s market for fresh vegetables for your Christmas dinner and mince pies from a range of local bakeries. Finish it all off with delicious wine from Direct Wine Shipments and after-dinner sweets from Old Time Favourites.

Use your Christmas holidays to escape for a much-needed hotel break! Check out our range of fantastic hotel offers that include overnight stays with meals, drinks or even shopping vouchers. Enjoy a festive stay, mulled wine and dinner from just £99 per couple at Malone Lodge Hotel, or a budget-friendly B&B stay at Hampton by Hilton from just £53 per room per night.

There’s something about shopping for Christmas presents for loved ones that creates a festive buzz! Shop safely in Belfast city centre where our retailers are Good to Go with hand sanitizing stations and measures in place to ensure social distancing in-store. Stuck for inspiration? Check out our Christmas gift ideas for everyone in the family, or pop into the Visit Belfast Welcome Centre for locally inspired gifts.

While we weren’t able to enjoy switch-on events this year, Belfast has still be illuminated from top to toe for the festive season. Go to Belfast City Hall to simply take in the decorations and you’ll feel the glimmer of Christmas spirit in no time. There’s a giant outdoor Christmas tree set against the backdrop of twinkling white lights adorning the face Edwardian building, and the dazzling Star Factory installation in the grounds. Or stroll along the Maritime Mile to see Titanic Belfast lit up red with twinkling lights in the iconic Titanic sign – perfect for a selfie!

Take a break from shopping and grab a Christmas coffee to enjoy while strolling through the city centre. Starbucks has their usual range of red cups favourites, like eggnog, gingerbread and toffee nut lattes. Try their new Truffle Deluxe Hot Chocolate with a Christmas tree brownie or gingerbread man on the side!

While Santa isn’t able to take up his usual residence in Victoria Square and CastleCourt shopping centres this year, the famous man in red has recorded special messages for all the children on the nice list this year! Watch Santa switch on the Christmas lights at Victoria Square or visit his grotto in CastleCourt and see a special recording on the big screens. Want a personalised video? Aunt Sandra’s Candy Factory are creating personalised Father Christmas videos. Simply order on their website, provide some details about your family and they’ll send a heartwarming message from Santa sure to spark your little ones imagination!

Missing the Christmas market this year? You can still get your fix of arts, crafts and unique gifts with the Buy Belfast Virtual Christmas Market! Simply join the Facebook group and browse a huge selection of local artists and makers to find the perfect gift for that special someone. It’s also a great way to support local businesses this Christmas!

It’s been a tough year so the best way to get in the holiday spirit is to unwind with a much-needed spa day before the busy festive season sets in. The Galgorm Spa & Golf Resort has a selection of luxurious Christmas spa packages, including the All Is Calm, All Is Bright Day Spa experience with a 60-minute de-stress mind massage, access to the Thermal Spa Village, lunch and mini Aromatherapy Associates festive oil to take home. Or escape for the night with an in-room spa experience at Clandeboye Lodge Hotel, which includes an overnight stay, dinner and VOYA organic spa pack for two people.

There are a selection of safe, socially distanced events on this Christmas and each is guaranteed to get you in the festive mood! Take the kids to on a Santa and Gruffalo Guided Walk at Colin Glen Forest Park or follow the Christmas Trail at Belfast Zoo and see Santa zipping around on a zoo buggy! Experience Christmas in Georgian Armagh or join a virtual festive wine tasting with Direct Wine Shipments.

Book a festive baking experience at Tracey’s Farmhouse Kitchen and let the scent of warm homemade breads whet your appetite for the Christmas season. Join the Traditional Irish Bread Making Experience or Christmas Afternoon Tea with Cookery Demo, where you’ll also have the chance to purchase Christmas hampers, Tracey’s sloe gin, jams and Christmas chutney. The experiences take place in a traditional 18^th cottage with a roaring fire and ample Christmas atmosphere.