Belfast Christmas Market brings festive sparkle to local children's charity
Just two weeks to go 🎄 📆
As plans are underway for the 20th year of the Belfast Christmas Market, organisers are excited to be working closely with the Lord Mayor of Belfast's chosen charity, Kids Together Belfast, who will return this year to bring smiles to young market visitors, while raising much-needed funds for a worthwhile cause.
This year the Belfast Christmas Market will be taking place from the 16th of November to the 22nd of December in the grounds of Belfast City Hall.
It is expected to attract over 1 million visitors, many of whom are families that travel to meet the big man in red, Santa Claus. Each year, Market Place generously donate Santa’s magical grotto to a local charity, supporting them in building awareness for their important work.
Allan Hartwell, Managing Director of Market Place said: “We are always keen to support local charities and this year we are delighted to once again welcome Kids Together Belfast to the Christmas Market family.
"As one of Belfast’s leading festive events, the Christmas Market provides a great platform for charities to raise awareness and gather support. Working with a local visual merchandiser, we are creating a beautifully themed, enchanting grotto that will bring the magic of Christmas to life.’’
Working closely with the community, Kids Together focuses on providing support services, particularly in after-school and play provision, to meet the needs of children with moderate to severe disabilities. Their tailored services for families with children and young people with complex needs, aim to create a sense of belonging, stability, acceptance, and equality, fostering friendships and reducing isolation.
Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Micky Murray, said: “I’m delighted to welcome Kids Together Belfast back to run Santa’s grotto at the Belfast Christmas Market again, after such a great job last year.
“Working together with Friends of St Gerard’s, the grotto will be a safe and inclusive space for all the families these organisations help to support, as well as a great place for other families to come and meet Santa.
“Both charities provide vital services for children and young people with disabilities, and this partnership enables visitors to show their support for this valuable work while enjoying a day out with their own families.”
Kids Together Belfast will be partnering up with local charity, Friends of St Gerards to operate Santa’s Grotto. Friends of St Gerards, promotes the health and education of children through assisting in the provision of equipment, facilities and recreational services and are looking forward to working alongside Kids Together Belfast to provide an inclusive and vibrant space that is welcoming to all.
Mairead McCrea, Director of Kids Together Belfast said: “We are thrilled to be hosting Santa’s Grotto for the second year running at Belfast’s Christmas Market.
"This festive donation gives us the perfect opportunity to promote the work of both Kids Together Belfast and Friends of St Gerards, as well raising vital funds to help support children with additional needs, reach their full potential, and enhance their quality of life.’’
“Last year we raised an overwhelming amount which went towards the purchase of a Wheel-Chair accessible bus and a wide range of activities for our kids, such as mid-term camps, swimming, and youth groups.
Santa will be resident in his grotto each day, making his lists and checking them twice. Visitors can meet the big man in red during the following hours:
Mon to Wed: 4pm-7pm
Thurs & Friday: 2pm-7pm
Sat: 10am-7pm
Sun: 12noon-6pm
The cost is £15 per child, £20 for two children and £25 for 3+ Children, which includes meeting and receiving a gift from Santa as well as a professional photographs. Additional photos can be purchased at a cost of £5 or £10 for a snow globe. All money raised will go directly to the charity.
Belfast Christmas Market will be at the City Hall from 12noon on Saturday 16 November until 6pm on 22 December.
Opening hours are:
Monday – Wednesday 10am – 8pm
Thursday – Saturday 10am – 10pm
Sunday 12noon – 6pm
Read more:
Cool FM proud to support Belfast's Christmas Light Switch-On 2024
Scissor Sisters are BACK and return to the stage in Belfast next year
Strictly's Chris McCausland announces stand-up gig in Belfast