Winter in Belfast

1. Christmas markets

Belfast Christmas Market is one of the most beautifully situated Christmas markets in Ireland. Located in the City Hall Gardens against a backdrop of the striking City Hall (dazzling with Christmas decorations), the market features over 100 local and international traders. With seasonal food and drink, artisan crafts and even a Santa’s Grotto, there’s something for everyone in this wee festive village. So, grab a drink from the Beer Tent, ride the Helter Skelter slide, pick up a Christmas gift or two, and of course, meet Santa!

Christmas shopping is a must on any winter city break. Who knows what local designer brands, one-off boutiques and seasonal sale items you’ll find? This Belfast Christmas Shopping Guide covers all of the retail streets and shopping centres you need to hit. A bucket list essential is the Victorian-era St George’s Market. While the current building dates from the late 1800s, markets have been held here since 1604! Pop along and feel like a Belfast native as you mingle, barter and marvel at the delightful assortment of food and bric-a-brac on display.

2. Winter warmers

Winter and Belfast’s foodie scene are a perfect match. From a big Ulster fry at breakfast to a beef stew for dinner, warm and hearty dishes will fuel your adventures at show-stopping attractions such as Titanic Belfast and the Botanic Gardens. This festive dining in Belfast guide will see you tucking into Michelin-star dishes, a festive afternoon tea and even a full-on Christmas Day dinner of turkey and ham with ALL of the trimmings.

You’ll need to wash down all that delicious grub with a drink or two, and once again, Belfast excels. Irish coffee, hot whiskey, spiced apple cider – Belfast’s brilliant bars have a wide array of tipples on offer to heat you up on a chilly winter’s eve. If a whiskey tour and tasting sounds more your style, check out McConnell’s Distillery, which is uniquely located in the east wing of the historic Crumlin Road Gaol. Titanic Distillers is another cool option, situated in the very shipyard where the “Ship of Dreams” was constructed.

3. Winter walks

Winter’s are generally mild in Belfast, with the average daily temperature coming in at 6° Celsius – cool but not crazy cold. In other words, ideal walking and hiking weather! For panoramic views over Belfast city, hit up Cave Hill Country Park, which rises some 370 metres above the city. Plus, it’s home to Belfast Castle, a Scottish baronial-style beauty that has been at the centre of the park since 1870.

Prefer an enchanting woodland stroll? Head to Stormont Estate in east Belfast. Six walking trails ranging in duration from 20 minutes to one hour weave their way through lush foliage and pristine parkland. Visit as autumn gives way to winter to see a kaleidoscope of colourful leaves on display. There are plenty more walks around Belfast and remember, should it snow during your visit, the city’s surroundings will be transformed into a winter dreamscape. Then you’ll see how Belfast native CS Lewis took such inspiration from his surroundings when creating his magical world of Narnia.

4. Game of Thrones®

We couldn’t mention winter in Belfast without a nod to Game of Thrones®. The very first episode “Winter is Coming” heralded the arrival of a blockbuster TV series like no other, much of which was filmed in Northern Ireland. If ever there was a time to visit filming locations for the fantasy epic, it’s this frosty time of year. In Belfast, embark on the Glass of Thrones trail to uncover six magnificent stained-glass windows around the city, each depicting iconic scenes from the show. The route ends at the very place where much of the programme was filmed, Titanic Studios. For Throneys, these striking windows which were created by some of Northern Ireland’s top artists and craftspeople are unmissable.

Outside Belfast, the Game of Thrones Studio Tour is another essential for fans of all things Westeros. Here you can get up close and personal with weapons, props and costumes used during production. Journey from Castle Black and King’s Landing to Dragonstone and even Beyond the Wall, where towering giants and the Night King await.

Elsewhere in Northern Ireland, there are over 25 Game of Thrones® filming locations, such as Ballintoy Harbour and the Dark Hedges. Not to mention a range of fun experiences and activities related to the show. Axe throwing at Winterfell Castle, anyone? Winter is coming... bring it on!

5. Live music

Belfast holds the prestigious status of UNESCO City of Music, thanks to its rich musical heritage, plethora of great venues and list of homegrown stars, including Van Morrison, Snow Patrol and Kneecap. Whatever kind of music you’re into, Belfast is the place to enjoy it. What better way to warm up on a chilly winter’s day than to pop into a lively pub for a traditional music session? You’ll be toe-tapping and hand-clapping along faster than you can take your scarf and gloves off! For a tour of the city’s trad music credentials, book the Belfast Traditional Music Trail.

When the sun goes down, music venues big and small come alive with local bands and top international talent out to impress knowledgeable and fun-loving crowds. From the iconic Ulster Hall to the trendy Oh Yeah Music Centre, there’s a great locale belting out your kind of tune. For something a bit different, check out Candlelight Concerts in Belfast, which even has a Christmas special featuring music from classic festive films. Now that’s an event to turn even the Grinch himself jolly!

Not satisfied with music alone and want to devour as much Belfast culture as possible? Then the Belfast International Arts Festival is for you. Running from mid-October to late-November each year, it features local and international artists from dance, theatre and film putting on performances to remember in more than 30 venues citywide.

6. Ice hockey

Sports fans, you read that right, Belfast has an ice hockey team. In fact, the Belfast Giants are one of the top teams in the UK’s Elite Ice Hockey League, having won the title on numerous occasions! The season runs from August-April each year with lots of home games throughout the winter months against the likes of the Sheffield Steelers and the Glasgow Clan. Matches take place in the atmospheric SSE Arena Belfast, a 10,000-seater indoor stadium that plays host to numerous musicals, concerts and more throughout the year. But for the season that’s in it, we think an all-action ice hockey match fits the bill perfectly, don’t you?

The Giants’ heritage runs deep in these parts. The name is a nod to the legendary giants of Irish folklore, some of which are even believed to have forged the nearby Giant’s Causeway many moons ago. The team logo depicts the fearsome head of Finn McCool, one of the greatest warriors from Irish mythology. And the team colours are inspired by the rugged landscapes of Northern Ireland. The Belfast Giants and the city they come from have much in common. They’re steeped in history and lore but also exciting and modern at the same time. It’s this irresistible mix that makes a city break to Belfast so appealing.

Winter in Belfast, it’s a wise move...