Belfast Christmas Market 2026: Dates, Opening Hours and Visitor Guide
Belfast Christmas Market returns to the grounds of City Hall from Saturday 14 November to Tuesday 22 December 2026. With more than 100 chalets, free admission and a Christmas lights switch-on on opening day, it is the city’s main festive event.
The market is organised by Belfast City Council and takes place in Donegall Square, in front of City Hall. More than half of the stalls are run by local traders, and the market’s food, drink and craft chalets are joined by a vintage carousel and a giant helter-skelter.
| Market | Belfast Christmas Market |
| Dates | Saturday 14 November – Tuesday 22 December 2026 |
| Opening hours | Opens Saturday 14 November at 12 noon; closes Tuesday 22 December at 6pm. Monday–Wednesday 10am–8pm (bars to 9pm); Thursday–Saturday 10am–10pm (bars to 11pm); Sunday 12 noon–6pm. |
| Location | Belfast City Hall grounds, Donegall Square, Belfast BT1 5GS |
| Entry price | Free — “Admission to the market is free.” |
The market
More than 100 chalets fill the City Hall grounds. Over 50% of the stalls are run by local traders, so the market is a mix of local food, drink and crafts alongside the visiting continental stalls.
The market’s rides — a vintage carousel and a giant helter-skelter — stand on the City Hall grounds with the chalets, so the whole market can be covered in a single visit.
The Christmas lights switch-on
The Christmas lights switch-on takes place at City Hall on Saturday 14 November — the same day the market opens. The market itself opens at 12 noon that day, so the switch-on and the market’s first day fall together.
Opening hours in detail
The market’s hours change through the week. Monday to Wednesday it opens from 10am to 8pm, with the bars staying open until 9pm. Thursday to Saturday it opens from 10am to 10pm, with the bars open until 11pm. On Sundays it opens later and closes earlier, from 12 noon to 6pm.
The market closes at 6pm on its final day, Tuesday 22 December — two hours earlier than a normal weekday closing time.
Tips for your visit
- Admission is free, so there is no ticket to buy and no booking to make.
- The bars stay open later than the stalls on Thursday, Friday and Saturday — until 11pm.
- The market closes at 6pm on its last day, Tuesday 22 December, so plan an earlier visit that day.
- The Christmas lights switch-on is on Saturday 14 November, the same day the market opens.
- Dates and hours can change at short notice, so check the official Belfast City Council page before you travel.
Frequently asked questions
When is Belfast Christmas Market 2026?
Saturday 14 November to Tuesday 22 December 2026.
Where is Belfast Christmas Market?
In the grounds of Belfast City Hall, Donegall Square, Belfast BT1 5GS.
What are the opening hours?
It opens Saturday 14 November at 12 noon and closes Tuesday 22 December at 6pm. Monday–Wednesday 10am–8pm (bars to 9pm); Thursday–Saturday 10am–10pm (bars to 11pm); Sunday 12 noon–6pm.
Is entry to Belfast Christmas Market free?
Yes. Admission to the market is free.
What is there to do at Belfast Christmas Market?
More than 100 chalets with food, drink and crafts — over half run by local traders — plus a vintage carousel and a giant helter-skelter.
Sources
- Belfast City Council (official): https://www.belfastcity.gov.uk/events/belfast-christmas-market
Ekaterina Saar is the editor of ContentOcean, covering UK entertainment, sport, money and lifestyle. She researches every article from news reports and official sources and keeps them updated as new information comes out.