Follow our Guide to Belfast's 12 pubs of Christmas this year. Gather your friends together, throw on a Christmas jumper and enjoy the pub crawl.

1. Christmas Markets

First stop has to be at The Belfast Christmas Market. Head to the beer tent or enjoy a mulled wine as you browse the market stalls. There is really no better place to get you in the festive spirit! This year the Belfast Christmas Market will be open from 15 November until 22 December.

Rule 1: Nobody is allowed to use their phone. Easier said than done.

Stalls at the Belfast Christmas Market

 

2. The Garrick Bar

The Garrick Bar is a traditional pub in the heart of the city centre serving food every day from 12pm. This iconic Belfast pub is famous for its traditional music sessions, beer and Irish Whiskey selection, Irish Coffees and now its Belfast Coffees.

Rule 2: Swap shoes with someone in the group before ordering your drink.

 

3. Revolucion De Cuba

Stop 3 is Revolucion De Cuba. Mix things up by having one of their unique, delicious and refreshing cocktails. From the classic mojito made with Bacardi Carta Blanca rum, fresh mint leaves, lime, sugar and soda to the zombie that is a tiki classic.

Rule 3: Pretend you don't know each other as you drink. Pick up a conversation with someone new.

 

4. Henry's & The Jailhouse

Take a few candid pictures in the festively decorated Joy's Entry before you venture into Henry's & The Jailhouse. These sister venues offer a unique blend of local heritage, traditional food and drink, live music and that famous Irish hospitality.

Rule 4: Drink using your opposite hand.

Jailhouse

 

5. The Morning Star

If you are feeling peckish on your journey, The Morning Star is the perfect stop for you. An award winning pub in Belfast serving locally sourced food and top class drinks. Housed in the most ornate Victorian Grade 2 listed building it is easily identified by the superb Victorian sign handing from a grandly exuberant iron bracket.

Rule 5: You can't touch your own drink.

 

6. White's Tavern & Garden

White's Tavern and Garden is the perfect pub for a winter's night, as you enjhoy a cold pint of Guinness around the open fireplace. The beautiful wooden beams, exposed brick walls, and rustic-chic seating add heaps of charm and character to this traditional Irish pub and bar. 

Rule 6: Take a shot.

 

7. The Deer's Head

The Deer's Head is Belfast city's original brewpub with a fully functional on-site craft brewery, Bell's Brewery. Since you're on pub 7, why not treat yourselves to their fantastic local craft beer selection.

Rule 7: Try a new drink.

A beer tasting flight at the Deer's Head.

 

8. Northern Whig

Situated at the entrance to the Cathedral Quarter, The Northern Whig provides a memorable drinking experience in the heart of Belfast. If you can't decide on what tipple to tackle first, the team at The Northern Whig will be only too happy to help you choose the right drink for you.

Rule 8: The smallest person the group has to do a roll call. If they forget a name, they have to do a shot. This will also help to see if you've lost anyone along the way.

 

9. The Duke of York

Nestled along a narrow cobbled alleyway in the historic Half Bap area, the Duke of York offers a traditional Belfast welcome, craic and music. The Duke of York is crammed with original mirrors and memorabilia, boasting cold beer, great Guinness and the largest selection of Irish whiskeys in Ireland.

Rule 9: You're not allowed to rest your drink anywhere.

 

10. The Second Fiddle

This beautiful traditional pub is in the heart of the Cathedral Quarter, facing Belfast's most prestigious five-star hotel, The Merchant. The Second Fiddle is home to some of Belfast’s best Irish trad and folk musicians who regularly play four times a week from Thursday to Sunday. 

Rule 10: No toilet breaks.

The Second Fiddle

 

11. The Dirty Onion

The Dirty Onion is home to one of Belfast's biggest beer gardens and a cozy peat fire inside, so they have got you covered during this busy festive season. Enjoy your celebratory drink as you listen to live entertainment, available 7 days a week.

Rule 11: No first names.

 

12. The National

You have made it - congratulations! Enjoy the final stop at The National, an intimate and unique setting with cocktail bar, nightclub and Belfast's biggest beer garden. Grab a pint or an innovative awe-inspiring cocktail creation!

Rule 11: Get a celebratory group picture!

 

Please remember to drink responsibly. Find out more at www.drinkaware.co.uk.