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Belfast Christmas Markets 2026

Belfast is transformed into a city full of festive cheer and magical markets during the Christmas Season.

  • Event Dates

    From: Awaiting dates
    To: Awaiting dates

  • Key Higlights

    • 100 exhibitors
    • Handmade Gift
    • Festive Cocktails
    • Magical Markets
    • Beer & Mulled Wine
    • Outdoor Food Court
    • Crafts & Sweet Treats

Belfast Christmas Markets 2026

Belfast is transformed into a city full of festive cheer and magical markets during the Christmas Season.

  • Enjoy a magical Christmas at The Fitzwilliam hotel, rated “Superb” by guests, close to all the markets featuring spacious rooms, great location and highly-rated breakfasts.

Belfast City Hall Markets

  • Next Edition: Awaiting dates – Typically mid November to just before Christmas Eve.
  • Discover unique Christmas gifts, delicious treats and traditional local dishes at Belfast Christmas Markets.
  • The event takes place on the grounds of Belfast City Hall at Donegall Square.
  • Markets are open Mon to Wed: 10 am to 8 pm, Thur to Sat: 10 am to 10 pm and Sun: Noon to 6 pm.
  • Over 1 million people visited the market last year, with 40,000 visitors on opening weekend.
  • Belfast Christmas Market features over 100 exhibitors from 30 countries selling a range of handmade gift items, crafts and sweet treats.
  • The outdoor food court offers dishes from over 32 nationalities while the bars serve beer, mulled wine and festive cocktails.
  • Enjoy everything from French crêpes, Dutch pancakes, Belgian chocolates, an exotic selection of ostrich, wild boar and crocodile burgers, giant bratwurst from the iconic Schwenkgrill, Spanish paella and Italian sweets.
  • Stay at The Merchant Hotel for an indulgent Christmas escape, seasonal afternoon teas and fabulous celebrations to ensure your Christmas is truly magical.

Hillsborough Christmas Market

  • From December 6th, 2024 – Stroll through Hillsborough Christmas Markethttps://www.visitlisburncastlereagh.com along the historic setting of The Dark Walk and Hillsborough Fort.
  • The market fills with Christmas sounds, sights and tastes with an eclectic mix of independent food producers and artists.
  • The grounds of Hillsborough Fort provide a unique background to enjoy a hot drink and a bite to eat.

St George's Market Christmas Craft Fair

  • November 23rd 2024 – St George's Market was built between 1890 and 1896. The market is famous for its fresh, local produce and great atmosphere.
  • The market offers visitors local, continental and speciality foods, including meat and fish, cheese, coffee beans, tapas and organic products from around the world.
  • A range of stalls features a selection of handmade crafts, jewellery and antiques.
  • St George's Market is opposite the Waterfront Hall. You can get to the market from Oxford Street, May Street and East Bridge Street.

A Gay Christmas in Belfast.

  • Belfast gay bars battle for the best decorations during the festive season.
  • Head to Maverick Bar and enjoy some hilarious Christmas drag shows and stunning Christmas lights and decorations.
  • Kremlin club hosts its “Homo for the Holidays” with visits from Santa and his naughty elves.
  • Enjoy Christmas cocktails at the delightful Muriel's Cafe bar

Recommended Hotels in Belfast

Here are the hotels we recommend that have good reviews and keep you close to all the action

Hilton BelfastThe Fitzwilliam HotelGrand Central HotelThe Merchant Hotel

Gay Map of Belfast

Belfast is a compact city, easily walkable and full of charm and character. Gay life is centred around the Cathedral Quarter, home to several gay bars and clubs.

16 Skipper St, Belfast BT1 2DZ, UK

All of the elegantly appointed rooms are decorated with original artwork. They each have black-out blinds, a flat-screen TV, and spacious en suite marble bathrooms.

The Merchant is a Grade I Listed building dating back to 1860. Its Great Room Restaurant has a huge domed ceiling and offers a fine à la carte menu and traditional afternoon teas.

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9-15 Bedford St, Belfast BT2 7FF, UK

Grand Central Hotel is situated in Belfast and is the tallest building in the city

Guest rooms in the hotel are equipped with a flat-screen TV. All rooms have a private bathroom and a city view. The units at Hastings Grand Central Hotel include air conditioning and a desk.

A Full English/Irish breakfast can be enjoyed at the property. Guests can dine in the in-house restaurant, which serves a variety of local dishes.

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Great Victoria St, Belfast, UK

On Great Victoria Street, beside the Grand Opera House, the luxury Fitzwilliam Hotel Belfast offers boutique bedrooms with free Wi-Fi. There is a chic restaurant and modern cocktail bar. Valet parking is available for an additional cost.

The sumptuous rooms have crisp Egyptian linens, and the elegant bathrooms feature fluffy robes and designer toiletries. All rooms have an LCD TV, air conditioning and a minibar.

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4 Lanyon Pl, Belfast BT1 3LP, UK

This 4-star Hilton’s spacious rooms each feature a flat-screen TV with pay-per-view channels, mini-fridges, a marble bathroom and 24-hour room service. Many rooms enjoy city, river or mountain views.

With riverside views and floor-to-ceiling windows, Sonoma Bar and Grill offers a menu with Irish produce including Irish lamb. Guests can visit the No.4 bar, specialising in premium drinks including local draft beers and award-winning gins and spirits

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Address: 108 Donegall St, Belfast BT1, UK

  • Big Gay nightclub with good Djs and dancefloor.
  • Offering regular theamed nights and shows
  • Open: Daily 10pm-2.30am, Friday & Saturday 10pm-3am

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Address: 96 Donegall St, Belfast BT1 2GW, UK

  • Kremlin Nightclub, Belfast, Northern Ireland's biggest and most popular gay venue.
  • Cocktail bar, disco bar and dancefloors in stylish Soviet-themed gay club with PAs and theme nights.
  • Open: Monday 22:00–02:30 Tuesday 21:00–02:30
    Wednesday 22:00–02:30 Thursday 22:00–03:00
    Friday/Saturday 21:00–03:00, Sunday 22:00–02:30

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Address: 8-14 Union St, Belfast BT1 2JF, UK

  • Union Street Bar is a cornerstone of Belfast’s LGBTQ+ scene, set in a converted shoe factory with industrial charm and character.
  • It offers a mix of drag shows, DJs, themed nights, and a lively weekend crowd on multiple levels.
  • With good cocktails, a friendly vibe, and a welcoming dancefloor, it’s a go-to for a night out in the Cathedral Quarter.
  • Open:Monday & Tuesday CLOSED
    Wednesday, Thursday & Friday 5:00PM-1:00AM
    Saturday 12:00PM-1:00AM, Sunday 1:00PM-1:00AM

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Address: 1 Union St, Belfast BT1 2JF, UK

  • The Maverick is a popular queer bar in Belfast known for drag shows, DJs, cabaret, and a friendly crowd.
  • It serves creative cocktails with good weekday deals and has both indoor and outdoor space.
  • Open: Monday to Thursday 5:00 PM - 1:00 AM
    Friday, Saturday and Sunday 2:00 PM - 1:00 AM

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Address: 38-44 Upper Arthur Street BT1 4GH Belfast, UK

  • Cabaret Supper Club in Belfast offers glamorous dinner shows with burlesque, drag, jazz, and live acts in a 1920s-style setting.
  • Guests enjoy a three-course meal served by cabaret butlers, plus a wide range of cocktails and wines.
  • Open: Monday & Tuesday CLOSED,
    Wednesday & Thursday 6:00PM-11:00PM
    Friday & Saturday 6:30PM-1:00AM
    Sunday 1:00PM-5:00PM

Website

Address: 4 Queens Arcade, Belfast BT1 5FF, UK

  • Queen’s can safely boast a unique ‘personality’ not to be found elsewhere in Belfast.
  • Offering cocktails and good food.
  • Situated in Queen’s Arcade, in the heart of Belfast’s shopping area.
  • Open: Daily 11.30am till 5pm

Website

Address: 12-14 Church Ln, Belfast BT1 4QN, UK

  • The cutest little gin bar in Belfast and beyond.
  • Trendy gathering place with funky decor offering global dishes, cocktails, gin & draught beer.
  • Open: Monday & Sunday 12PM-12AM, 
  • Tuesday to Thursday 12PM-1AM
  • Friday & Saturday 12PM-2AM

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Recommended Hotels in Belfast

Book with confidence. Get the best Prices from our partner Booking.com
We have chosen hotels in Belfast that keep you close to all the shops, restaurants & bars

Grand Central Hotel
5 Star, Location

Grand Central Hotel Belfast
Booking.com
  1. 5-star hotel, city's tallest building with spectacular views.
  2. Close to the gay district.
  3. English/Irish breakfast available, centrally located.
  4. Central location with easy access to cathedral city, gay district, shopping, and cafes.

The Fitzwilliam Hotel
5 Star, Great Value

The Fitzwilliam Hotel Belfast
Booking.com
  1. 5-star hotel with luxury lounge areas and designer interiors.
  2. Close to the gay district.
  3. Elegant rooms with Egyptian linens.
  4. Great Victoria Street location, next to the Grand Opera House, in proximity to gay street.

The Merchant Hotel
5 Star, Readers Choice

The Merchant Hotel
Booking.com
  1. 5-star, historic Grade I Listed building with a rooftop gym.
  2. Located in the heart of the gay area.
  3. Luxurious, with Veuve Clicquot champagne lounge.
  4. In the heart of the gay area, close to bars, clubs, & prime shopping.

Hilton Belfast
4 Star Modern Hotel

Hilton Belfast
Booking.com
  • 4-star hotel with a modern fitness center and riverside views.
  • A short walk to the gay bars.
  • Rooms with tea/coffee maker and floor-to-ceiling windows.
  • Prime location in city center, close to St. George's Market and Victoria Square for shopping.

Video Belfast Christmas Markets

A look inside the Belfast Continental Christmas Markets

The Fitzwilliam Hotel Belfast

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