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Belfast Christmas Market is the focal point of festive celebrations in the city every year.
Traders from across the world will set up in Northern Ireland for almost five weeks, taking over the heart of the city for its 21st year with food, drink and gifts.
With more than one million people expected to visit in 2025, opening weekend is expected to attract large crowds hoping to get into the Christmas spirit.
READ MORE: Belfast Christmas Lights switch-on tickets, times, entertainment and moreREAD MORE: Belfast Christmas Market set to attract one million visitors to the grounds of City Hall this festive season
Belfast Christmas Light switch-on event will also take place on the same day as the opening of the market this year so be prepared for large crowds heading into the city centre this weekend.
If you are planning on visiting the market this weekend, here is what you need to know:
What dates are the Belfast Christmas Market ?
The market opens on Saturday, November 15, at 12pm and will run until Friday, December 22, 2025, at 6pm.
Belfast Christmas Market opening hours:
Opening hours are:
- Monday – Wednesday 10am – 8pm
- Thursday – Saturday 10am – 10pm
- Sunday 12noon – 6pm
Is there parking at the Belfast Christmas Market?
There is no dedicated parking at the grounds of City Hall.
There are a number of 24-hour car parks across Belfast City Centre within a short walking distance of the Christmas market.
Parking is available at the below car parks:
- Q-Park Saint Anne’s Square – 24hrs
- Q-Park Victoria Square – 24hrs
- Corporation Square – 24hrs
- Cromac Street – 24hrs
- Corporation Street – 24hrs
- Dunbarr Street – 24hrs
- Exchange Street – 24hrs
- Frederick Street – 24hrs
- Kent Street – 24hrs
There are also a number of on-street paid parking spaces in and around the vicinity of the Belfast City Hall. More information here .
What traders and stalls will be at the Belfast Christmas Market?
With international and local traders in the annually built festive village, the event offers something for everyone and is one of the most diverse markets in the UK.
This year, visitors will be spoilt for choice with a huge variety of authentic goodies including crêpes from France, Dutch pancakes, Belgian chocolates, an exotic selection of ostrich, wild boar and crocodile burgers, giant bratwurst from the iconic Schwenkgrille, Spanish paella and nougat from Italy.
Visitors can take a culinary trip around the world before relaxing in one of the bars, serving international drinks until late into the evening.
You can explore an extensive selection of artisan products, from ornate Christmas decorations, handcrafted jewellery and original paintings to cosy hats and scarves—perfect for ticking off that all-important shopping list.
Returning to the festive village are the traditional carousel and the vintage Helter Skelter, offering panoramic views of the market and a thrilling descent for those brave enough to take the slide.
Capture magical moments inside the giant snow globe or gather around the fire to toast delicious marshmallows – creating cherished memories to last well beyond the season.
Market Place has partnered with the National Market Traders Federation (NMTF) to provide nine young entrepreneurs with free trading space at the market. Two chalets have been donated to support this initiative: one will showcase the winners of the Northern Ireland regional final, while the other will feature a selection of finalists from this year’s NMTF Young Traders campaign.
This year’s featured young traders include Mini Sticher, The Candle Bottle Bank, Sweet as Adia, Dilemna Crafts, Halfpenny Treasures, Earrings By Eimear, Little Creative Crochet, and Clinton Bakes.
Road closures in place for opening day
Due to the Christmas lights switch-on event, there will be traffic restrictions and diversions in place within Belfast city centre on Saturday, November 15.
From 5am to 10am, Donegall Square North will close for all vehicular traffic except Translink services.
From 4.30pm to 8.30pm closures will be in place at:
- Royal Avenue between Rosemary Street and Castle Place
- Donegall Place
- High Street between Castle Junction and Cornmarket
- Castle Lane
- Callender Street from bollards to Castle Lane
- Castle Place
From 5.30pm to 8.30pm closures will be in place at:
- Wellington Place
- Donegall Square North
- Donegall Square West
Belfast Christmas Market will open in the gardens of Belfast City Hall at 12noon on Saturday 15 November and run until 6pm on Monday 22 December
For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our What’s On newsletter.
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