Christmas and New Year

Christmas in Northern Ireland

The festive season is a truly special time in Northern Ireland from sparkling lights and lively Christmas markets to cosy stays and unforgettable nights out. Whether you’re planning a short break to soak up the festive atmosphere or looking to reconnect with friends and family, you’ll find plenty of reasons to make Northern Ireland part of your Christmas traditions.

Plan Your Festive Break

Stay a little longer this season and make the most of all that’s on offer. From charming hotels and boutique guesthouses to countryside retreats, there are plenty of places to cosy up after a day of exploring. Make it an overnight stay and wake up ready to experience even more festive fun.

In Belfast, the city transforms with twinkling lights, bustling shops and the famous Christmas Market at City Hall. After ticking off your Christmas list at Victoria Square and St George’s Market perfect for local gifts and artisan finds settle into a snug pub or enjoy a festive dining experience in one of the city’s Michelin starred restaurants.

Meanwhile, the Walled City of Derry~Londonderry offers its own seasonal sparkle, with magical views from the Peace Bridge, festive shows at The Playhouse or Millennium Forum, and unique local shopping tucked inside the historic streets. Round it off with a pint or cocktail at the Walled City Brewery for a night of cheer.

Shop Local, Stay Longer and Make Memories

From festive fairs and artisan markets to one-of-a-kind shops across towns and villages, Christmas in Northern Ireland is the perfect time to discover local makers and bring home a gift that tells a story. And with so much happening across the season, why not extend your visit with an overnight stay and make more time for those magical moments? Plan your festive shopping break now and embrace the season in Northern Ireland.

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Plan Your Festive Trip

Awaken your Giant Spirit

Christmas Events

'Tis the season to be jolly, and there's lots to look forward to this winter including the Belfast Christmas Market, and lots of Santa's Grottos located across Northern Ireland.
Ultimate Shopping Guide

Northern Ireland appreciates the joy that a good day’s shopping can bring. So, wherever you go, you’ll find top class shopping centres, wonderful local markets, boutique design stores and artisan craft shops. All perfect places to pick up something special as a gift to bring home, or a way to treat yourself.
Royal Hillsborough: The Perfect Place for a Festive Day Out

The quaint town of Royal Hillsborough, nestled amidst rolling hills and full of history, is a charming place that brings the magic of the festive season to life. With its cobblestone streets and twinkling lights, independent stores and picturesque Georgian architecture, it's the perfect place to soak up festive cheer and get in the Christmas spirit.
Rachel Ivie's festive weekend in Belfast

‘Tis the season to embrace the festive spirit! Belfast is the ultimate destination for a weekend away in the build up to the most magical time of the year. Last year Discover NI invited Dublin teacher and blogger, Rachel Ivie, to mark the festivities with a girl’s getaway to Belfast.
Wonderful walks & cosy pubs

In the colder months, there's something special about heading outdoors in the cool sunshine, to stretch the legs and feel the breeze blowing through your hair. After building up an appetite take yourselves off to a cosy pub for a seat by the fire and sip of your favourite tipple. And if that's what you fancy doing today, check out a few of our favourite walks and nearby pubs in this blog.
Plan your Festive Break with Translink

Make your festive season stress-free with Translink! Sit back, relax, and let them take you to your celebrations safely and comfortably. Whether shopping, or enjoying festive events, plan your bus and train journeys easily with Translink today.

Festive Offers & Winter Stays

Awaken your Giant Spirit

Christmas and New Year Offers

Explore Christmas and New Year Offers, with exclusive deals and packages to make your holiday season truly special. However you choose to celebrate the festive season, there's something for everyone from cosy winter getaways to memorable New Year's Eve extravaganzas, all at great prices.
Cosy Christmas stays

Dreaming of your next staycation? The season of wrapping up and staying snug is here and we have lined up a brilliant list of hotels and cosy lodges that you should check out and check in to this Winter. From short stays to spa experiences, there is something for everyone this Christmas… Plan your next staycation now!