Belfast Christmas Market celebrates the year of food and drink 2016 with its 12th year in the grounds of City Hall.

Market Place, the operators of the Belfast Christmas Market are thrilled to announce their return to one of their favourite cities this festive season adding their award-winning market to the local and visitor experience in the city.

Over a million visitors are once again expected through the gates of City Hall to share in the experience of international gastronomic treats.  This year a wide range of new innovations at the Market will include the addition of 15 new chalets offering an array of locally produced food and craft, in support of the Northern Ireland Year of Food and Drink 2016.

Belfast’s iconic City Hall is the stunning backdrop for the event where visitors will also be spoilt for choice with a huge variety of authentic continental goodies including crepes 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 drinks from all over the continent until late into the evening.

The market is a place for everyone. The Belfast Christmas Market Buddy Scheme initiative aims to extend a warm festive welcome to those who may need extra assistance to help them fully enjoy the market or prefer to visit when it’s less noisy and busy.  After a relaxing stroll in the brisk winter chill, visitors and their Buddies are invited to enjoy complimentary tea and coffee. The scheme runs from 10am-12pm Monday-Wednesday for the duration of the market.

Christmas isn’t complete without hearing the laughter of excited children, and this year will see the return of some family favourites. The Lord Mayor’s charity of choice will be taking up residence in Santa’s Grotto, the bright lights of the carousel will be illuminating many happy faces and let’s not forget the vast range of confectionary for young and old to feast upon!

 

Open from 10am (1pm on Sundays) the environmentally friendly market is bustling from the moment the gates swing back until the close of business each day. 

 

To keep up to date with what’s happening at the Christmas Market and for information any of the initiatives, follow the official Facebook page at Belfast Continental Christmas Market. Don’t miss the chance to make this Christmas an extra special one.