Over 1 million visitors expected to visit Belfast's Continental Christmas Market
Last updated 7th Nov 2023
The gates to Belfast’s largest festive event - the Continental Christmas Market - will open at 12noon on Saturday the 18th of November.
Now in its 18th year, over 1million visitors are expected to visit Belfast Christmas Market from across the UK and Ireland.
With international and local traders in the annually built festive village, the event offers something for everyone.
Traders representing up to 30 nationalities from across the globe offer a variety of authentic cuisines such as bite-size Dutch pancakes, delicious vegan Greek gyros and delicious hand-crafted chocolates and sweet treats.
Carefully curated handcrafted goods and bespoke artisan products provide great choice for those hopeful of ticking off that all-important Christmas shopping list.
Visitors can also wind down and treat themselves in one of the bars serving local and continental drinks, or with a tasty hot glühwein from Kochem’s in the food court, a great place to people watch and take in the magical sights, smells and sounds of the market.
The much-loved carousel will provide a memorable treat for young children and parents and vintage Helter Skelter returns, offering breathtaking views across the market and a thrilling slide back to street level for those who dare!
With an increase in local offering at this year’s market, support for local food and craft continues, with several popular St George’s Market traders joining in the festive fun. Some local favorites will also be returning including Pappas Minerals and Tapitas, Rossi’s Ice Cream and the Toasted Marshmallow stall.
Allan Hartwell, Managing Director of Market Place Europe Ltd said:
‘As we celebrate our 18th year in Belfast, we have been looking back at the relationships we have built, the charities we have supported and the 1000’s of children we have welcomed on our free school tours. We and our traders have long held Belfast in high regard, and we are very excited to be returning to the city to deliver this very special event.’
This year Belfast Christmas Market is proud to be supporting one of the Lord Mayor’s charities, Kids Together Belfast.
The charity works tirelessly on behalf of children with severe to moderate disabilities, as well as providing emotional and financial support to their families and carers.
Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Ryan Murphy said:
"For many people from Belfast and beyond, no visit to the city centre is complete at Christmas without a stop by City Hall for a bite to eat or a browse through the Belfast Christmas Market stalls.
"I’m so pleased that one of my charities, Kids Together Belfast, will be further enhancing this year’s visitor experience through their Santa’s Grotto and the addition of a safe, quiet space for families, while the mix of local and international traders combines to deliver a great offering for both shoppers and visitors.
Belfast Christmas Market Opening hours 👇
Monday – Wednesday 10am – 8pm
Thursday – Saturday 10am – 10pm
Sunday 12noon – 6pm
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